Whale’s Tongue: Silver, Solitary Agave
Whale’s tongue is a bold agave with thick, silver leaves that make an eye-catching focal point in desert gardens. It’s desert tough and largely impervious to desert heat, drought, and … 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.
Torch Cactus: Incomparable Flowers
If you like flowers that are bold and colorful, torch cactus is a “must have” addition to your desert garden. When in bloom, the flowers warrant the use of superlatives … Read more
Mangave: Highly Prized Agave Hybrid
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Look no further than mangaves. These unique, whimsical agave hybrids are prized for their unusual leaves that come in an amazing array of … Read more
Fishhook Barrel Cactus: Monsoon Bloomer
Fishhook barrel is a rugged cactus that looks rather nondescript until it blooms during the monsoon, when it adds a surprising touch of vivid color when many other desert plants … Read more
Organ Pipe Cactus: Impressive Giant
Organ pipe cactus is an impressive columnar cactus that grows in large clusters and can make a real statement in the right spot. But due to its large ultimate size … Read more
Aloe Vera: Ubiquitous & Useful
When you hear “aloe vera”, you may think of a healing gel for burns or a popular houseplant… and it is those things. But it also makes an easy-care, prolific … Read more
Boojum: Improbable, Upside Down “Tree”
Boojum tree is every bit as weird as its name implies. Here’s what you need to know to decide whether this desert native would be a good choice for your … Read more
The Best Hummingbird Plants for Desert Gardens
Looking to entice more hummingbirds into your desert garden? Turn your yard into a “hummer haven” by planting flowering shrubs, perennials, vines, trees, and succulents that our beloved feathered friends … Read more
Queen of the Night: Elusive Flowering Cactus
Queen of the night is an elusive cactus that’s rarely seen in the wild. But it’s widely regarded for its nocturnal flowers that simultaneously bloom once per year. While you … Read more
‘Color Guard’: Bright, Variegated Yucca
‘Color Guard’ is a medium size yucca cultivar that makes an exceptionally attractive accent plant. It’s showy striped leaves brighten any spot in desert gardens. Here’s everything you need to … Read more
Saguaro: Sentinel of the Sonoran Desert
Saguaro is a spectacular columnar cactus that can make a real statement in desert gardens. However, a saguaro can be a major investment, and they are not ideal for every … Read more
Eve’s Needle: Deceptively Dangerous
Eve’s needle is an unusual desert plant that at first glance looks more like a succulent than a cactus. It has glossy green segments and prominent leaves. It also has … Read more