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
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.
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
Smooth Agave: For a Tropical Feel
Smooth agave is a unique, urn-shaped agave that looks like it belongs in the tropics. This former Mexican native is a popular landscape plant, but is no longer found in … Read more
Mexican Fence Post: Stunning Cactus Makes a Statement
Mexican fence post cactus is a stunning columnar cactus that can make a real statement in any desert garden. It grows straight and tall, and it’s easy to see why … Read more