‘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
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.
‘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 the colorful margins glow. Here’s everything … Read more
Santa Rita Prickly Pear: Incredibly Colorful Cactus
With its purple pads, yellow flowers, and red fruit, Santa Rita prickly pear cactus provides desert gardens with year-long color. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring … 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 that adds color and texture to any desert garden. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this popular landscape plant. … Read more
Desert Spoon: Impactful Specimen Plant
Desert spoon is an architecturally interesting, maintenance-free plant that makes an impactful specimen plant. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this southwest desert native. Desert … Read more
Mexican Grass Tree: Spectacular Accent Plant
Mexican grass tree is a stunning specimen plant that will be the showpiece of your garden. And it’s as tough as it is beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
‘Blue Elf’ Aloe: Petite, Hardy Hybrid
‘Blue Elf’ is a hardy, compact aloe that blooms in the winter when little else is blooming. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this carefree … Read more
Twin-Flowered Agave: Elegant, “Soft” Agave
Twin-flowered agave is a small, elegant agave that, compared to most agaves, is relatively “soft”. It’s also virtually maintenance-free. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for … Read more
Artichoke Agave: Beautiful Symmetry (& Wicked Spines)
Artichoke agave is a beautifully symmetrical, blue-gray agave that’s shaped like an artichoke. It produces an abundance of offsets. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care … Read more