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 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
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 is a delicate-looking shrubby succulent that’s desert-tough. When in bloom, its fragrant flowers look like small cherry blossoms. Here’s how to plant and care for this unique Sonoran … Read more
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
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 is a one-of-a-kind cactus that can make a real statement in desert gardens. Unlike other columnar cactus, it has lumps and knobs instead of thorns! Here’s how … Read more
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 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’ 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
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
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 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