Baja Ruellia: Overlooked Flowering Shrub
If you’d like to grow a flowering shrub that looks like a Texas ranger, but stays a manageable size and flowers more consistently, consider Baja ruellia. Here’s how to plant … Read more
Native Plants
Native plants offer many benefits. Since they evolved to grow in harsh desert conditions, they usually perform better with less care and are friendlier to wildlife. Plants included here have natural ranges that include the Sonoran, Mojave, or Chihuahuan Deserts or that are native to states of the southwest. (We’ve also included hybrids or cultivars of native plants.)
Bunny Ears Cactus: Cute But Not Cuddly
With a name like “bunny ears” and its polka dot appearance, this cactus looks relatively harmless, but is deceptively hazardous. Here’s everything you need to know about this native Mexican … Read more
Palmer’s Penstemon: Standout Wildflower
Attractive blue-green rosettes and 5 foot tall flower spikes make Palmer’s penstemon a standout. This perennial has many attributes, but is not commonly grown. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Queen Victoria Agave: Exquisite Accent Plant
Queen Victoria agave is widely considered one of the most attractive agaves — one that’s truly “fit for a queen”. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking … Read more
San Marcos Hibiscus: No-Fuss, Native Alternative
San Marcos hibiscus is a Sonoran Desert native that makes a great alternative to tropical hibiscus species, which are notoriously challenging to grow in the desert. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Parry’s Agave: Silver Leaves, Sharp Spines
Parry’s agave is a beautifully symmetrical agave with silver leaves that make it an eye-catching landscape plant. (But beware of the wicked thorns!) Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
Blue Palo Verde: Unmistakable Sign of Spring
Blue palo verde is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree with green bark. You know that spring has arrived when these trees put on their display of sunny yellow flowers. Here’s everything … Read more
Purple Muhly: Graceful Native Grass
Purple muhly is an ornamental grass related to the more common pink muhly. While not showy, it is lovely in an understated way and deserves a place in desert gardens. … Read more
Firecracker Bush: Fiery & Festive
Firecracker bush is a tropical-looking shrub that provides year-round color — vivid red-orange flowers and leaves that change from bright green to copper in the fall. Here’s how to grow … Read more
Foothills Palo Verde: Keystone Desert Tree
Foothills palo verde is the most common tree in the Sonoran Desert, so it certainly will thrive in desert gardens with little-to-no care provided you get it off to the … Read more
Pink Flamingo Muhly: Cloud-Like Plumes
Pink flamingo muhly is a hybrid cross of a Texas native that thrives in the southwest. When in bloom, its pink plumes are so fluffy they’ve been described as looking … Read more
Baby Sage: Enchanting, Underused Shrub
Baby sage is a charming evergreen shrub that’s stays compact. It has red flowers that bloom much of the year and attract wildlife of all kinds. Here’s everything you need … Read more