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
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.
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
Bear Grass: Big & Bold (but not a “grass”)
Bear grass is a big, bold grass-like succulent that makes a statement in any garden. It’s as tough as it is beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Ocotillo: Unique Desert Survivor
Ocotillo is a stunning specimen plant that’s uniquely suited to survive harsh desert conditions. It’s a beautiful hummingbird magnet when in bloom, but its attractiveness changes with the weather. Here’s … Read more
Soaptree Yucca: Bold Specimen Plant
Soaptree yucca is a stunning tree-like succulent that makes a bold accent plant in any garden. It looks desert-tough — and it is. Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
Beavertail Prickly Pear: Eye-Catching Cactus
Beavertail prickly pear is a colorful, low-growing cactus with blue-green pads and brilliant magenta flowers. It offers several benefits over other prickly pear cactus species. Here’s how to plant and … Read more
Agave or Yucca? How to Tell The Difference
Many desert plants have spiky leaves and grow in a rosette. Have you ever looked at a plant and wondered, “Is that an agave or a yucca?” Discover how these … Read more
Baja Spurge: “Cherry Blossom” Succulent
Baja spurge is a delicate-looking shrubby succulent that’s desert-tough. When in bloom, it has fragrant flowers that look like small cherry blossoms! Here’s how to plant and care for this … Read more
Bulbine: Flexible Garden Gem
Bulbine is a charming, compact plant that has a surprising number of applications in the desert landscape. But for all its attributes, it’s not used as often as it could … Read more