The “Ins & Outs” of Growing Poinsettias
Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to prolong the life of a poinsettia after the holidays? With the right care, anyone can grow it as a houseplant. And in … Read more
Desert Succulents
Succulents are an amazing group of plants that draw many of us to the American southwest. It is a broad term that includes cactus, agaves, yuccas, and other plants that store water for when times are dry.
We are fortunate here in the desert southwest to be able to grow a great variety of succulents in our yards, while much of the world can only grow them as potted plants or houseplant pots.
Here at Southwest Gardener, you’ll find in-depth information to help you choose and care for the best succulents for your desert garden.
Banana Yucca: Impressive Accent Plant
Banana yucca is a succulent that makes a bold accent plant in any garden. When in bloom, it has showy, yet delicately colored flowers. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Century Plant: Popular Giant Agave
If you’re looking for an imposing specimen plant that is too big to be ignored, century plant fits the bill. Century plant is the most popular landscape agave, but it’s … Read more
Agave or Aloe? How to Tell the Difference
Many desert plants grow in symmetric rosettes and have spiky leaves. Have you ever looked at a plant and wondered, “Is that an agave? Or is it an aloe?” Discover … Read more
Bunny Ears Cactus: Cute But Not Cuddly
With a name like “bunny ears” and its polka dot appearance, this cactus looks relatively harmless, but is deceptively hazardous. Here’s everything you need to know about this native Mexican … Read more
Queen Victoria Agave: Exquisite Accent Plant
Queen Victoria agave is widely considered one of the most attractive agaves — one that’s truly “fit for a queen”. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking … Read more
Parry’s Agave: Silver Leaves, Sharp Spines
Parry’s agave is a beautifully symmetrical agave with silver leaves that make it an eye-catching landscape plant. (But beware of the wicked thorns!) Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
Aloe ‘Diablo’: Devilishly Attractive
With blue-green leaves lined with distinctive red margins, aloe ‘Diablo’ is an eye-catcher. ‘Diablo’ means devil, but this plant is friendlier than it sounds, since the “teeth” are fleshy rather … Read more
Moroccan Mound: Impressively Symmetric
Many succulents grow symmetrically, but Moroccan mound stands out as one of the most perfectly symmetric succulents you’ll ever grow. (But beware of its particularly noxious sap.) Here’s everything you … Read more
Tall Slipper Plant: Lady Slipper Look-Alike
Tall slipper plant is a little-known succulent that looks much like a large version of its popular cousin, lady slipper. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this low-maintenance … Read more
Octopus Agave: Weirdly Wonderful
With its graceful, curvy, Medusa-like leaves, octopus agave makes an eye-catching focal point in any desert garden. Plant one once, and later it will reward you with an endless supply … Read more
Giant Hesperaloe: Commanding Specimen Plant
Giant hesperaloe is an outstanding accent plant that commands your attention. It lives up to its name, since everything about this plant is BIG. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more