Mulga Acacia: Hardy Tree From the Outback
Mulga is an attractive Australian outback native that’s completely at home in the desert southwest. Here’s how to plant and care for this resilient tree. Mulga (Acacia aneura), also called … Read more
Desert Trees
Planting a tree is the single best investment you can make in your garden. A well-placed tree provides shade, a scarce commodity in the desert, and increases the value and curb appeal of your home. They add beauty and attract wildlife life to your yard.
We are fortunate here to have a wide range of beautiful trees that happily grow in the southwest desert, both native and desert-adapted.
Here at Southwest Gardener, you’ll find in-depth information to help you choose the best trees for your desert garden and how to care for them, too.
Chitalpa: Fabulous but Flawed
Chitalpa is a fast-growing ornamental tree with showy flowers… and a serious, ubiquitous problem. Here’s everything you need to know to help you decide whether you should plant this tree … Read more
Mexican Redbud: Three Seasons of Beauty
Mexican redbud is a small deciduous tree that’s uniquely beautiful three seasons of the year. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this native desert tree. … Read more
The Best Desert Trees for Fall Color
Do you love fall colors but live in the desert? Here’s a look at landscape trees that have colorful fall foliage and are easy to grow in the desert southwest. … Read more
Arizona Ash: Golden Fall Leaves
If you’re looking to plant a shade tree in the desert that has beautiful fall colors, Arizona ash is one to consider. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Fruitless Olive: Twist on a Classic
Fruitless olive is an evergreen shade tree with silvery-green leaves that has no flowers or olives, making it non-allergic and virtually litter-free. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Mexican Bird of Paradise: Tree of Perpetual Flowers
Mexican bird of paradise is a small tree that stays green and flowers all year long. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Sonoran Desert … Read more
Palo Blanco: Ideal Tree for Narrow Spaces
Palo blanco is a unique desert tree with white bark and draping willow-like leaves. It’s perfect for protected, narrow spaces in your garden. Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
Cascalote: Striking Flowers, Pods, & Thorns
Cascalote is a charming desert tree that flowers in the winter and has unusual, distinctive thorns. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Mexican native. … Read more
Desert Willow ‘Bubba’: A Superior Cultivar
Desert willow ‘Bubba’ is a showy, fast-growing, drought-tolerant ornamental tree with very decorative blooms. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this desert native. Desert willow … Read more
Red Push Pistache: Brilliant Fall Colors
Red push pistache is a large desert shade tree with New England-like fall colors. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Mediterranean hybrid. Red push … Read more