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
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.
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 one of the first desert landscape plants to bloom in late winter, when it’s studded with vivid chartreuse flowers that almost glow. Here’s how to grow this … 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, once planted, keeps on giving by providing you with an endless supply of free offsets. Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
‘Blue Glow’: Stunning, Aptly-Name Agave
Agave ‘Blue Glow’ is an exceptionally attractive agave that stays compact and won’t outgrow its space. It’s aptly named, since in the right light it glows. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Santa Rita Prickly Pear: Incredibly Colorful Cactus
Santa Rita prickly pear cactus provides year-long color with its purple pads, yellow flowers, and red fruit. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Sonoran … Read more
Hesperaloe: High Impact Accent Plant
Hesperaloe is an attractive, unarmed, accent plant that sends up dramatic stalks of coral flowers that hummingbirds love. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
Firesticks: Fabulous Blazing Stems
As the name implies, firesticks is a particularly colorful succulent that almost looks like it’s on fire. Perhaps this is a warning, since handling this plant can be dangerous. Here’s … Read more
Lady Slipper: Unique Sculptural Succulent
Lady slipper is a unique upright plant with charming orange slipper-shaped flowers. It’s a chameleon that takes on different colors and forms depending on its microclimate. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Golden Barrel: Iconic Cactus Adds Color & Texture
Golden barrel is an iconic cactus of the desert southwest that adds color and texture to any desert garden. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for … Read more