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
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.
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
Sago Palm: Exotic “Living Fossil”
Do you live in the desert, but love the feel of the tropics? Do you like to grow plants that are out of the ordinary? Then consider sago palm, a … Read more
Elephant Food: More Than a Potted Plant
Elephant food is a succulent that’s a favorite of — you guessed it! — elephants. It’s usually grown in a container as a houseplant or patio plant, but it can … Read more
Totem Pole Cactus: Weirdly Wonderful
Totem pole cactus is a one-of-a-kind cactus that can make a real statement in your yard. Unlike other columnar cactus, it has lumps and knobs, but no thorns! Here’s how … Read more
Gopher Plant: Vivid Spring Color
Gopher plant is a succulent-like ground cover that’s studded with vivid chartreuse flowers that almost glow every spring. Here’s how to plant and care for this Mediterranean perennial. Gopher plant … Read more
Candelilla: Surprisingly Sturdy Succulent
Candelilla is comprised of numerous delicate-looking stems, but this succulent is surprisingly sturdy. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this resilient Chihuahuan Desert native. Candelilla … Read more
Blue Flame Agave: Endless Supply of Free “Pups”
Blue flame is an uncommonly attractive agave that will provide you with an endless supply of free offsets. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
Blue Glow: An Exceptionally Attractive Agave
Agave blue glow is an exceptionally attractive agave that won’t outgrow its space. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this agave hybrid. Blue glow agave … Read more