Velvet Mesquite: “Tree of Life”
Velvet mesquite is a Sonoran Desert native with lots of character. It’s one of the best trees for attracting and supporting wildlife, but it’s messy and has some other issues … 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, and/or Chihuahuan Deserts, or that are native to states of the southwest. (We’ve also included a few hybrids or cultivars of native plants.)
Indian Fig: Impressive, “Spineless” Cactus
With its large pads, tree-like form, and flowers and fruits in a rainbow of colors, Indian fig provides year-long interest (and edible fruit) in desert gardens. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Orchid Tree: Deceptively Delicate
Orchid tree is a large shrub or small tree that bursts forth with either white or pink flowers in the spring. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
Rock Penstemon: Not the Usual Penstemon
If you’re looking for something a little different from the more commonly grown penstemons, consider rock penstemon. This lovely wildflower is unusual in a number of ways. Here’s everything you … Read more
Black Dalea: Dainty, But Resilient
Black dalea is an airy, delicate-looking shrub that is much tougher than it looks. It’s actually a resilient landscape plant that thrives on neglect. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Weber’s Agave: Bold & Beautiful
Weber’s agave makes a bold and beautiful accent plant, but it’s definitely not right for every garden due to its massive size and propensity for forming colonies. Here’s everything you … Read more
Desert Lavender: A Great Native Alternative
Lavender is a widely beloved perennial that can be challenging to grow in the desert. If you miss the fragrance of fresh lavender, consider growing desert lavender instead. Here’s how … Read more
Tufted Evening Primrose: Pretty but Tough
Tufted evening primrose is a perennial ground cover that bursts forth with large, fragrant white-to-pink flowers when in bloom. It’s unusually pretty for a plant so tough. Here’s how to … Read more
Paperflower: Cheerful, Carefree Wildflower
Paperflower is a charming, sunny-yellow wildflower that blooms much of the year with almost no care. Here’s how to grow this native of the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. Paperflower (Psilostrophe … Read more
Arizona Grape Ivy: Adaptable Native Vine
Arizona grape ivy is an attractive vine that thrives in a wide variety of conditions in the wild, which means it’s not fussy in desert gardens. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Desert Senna: Wildflower for Wildlife
Desert senna is an excellent wildflower for attracting and supporting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. It’s carefree and blooms much of the year with virtually no maintenance. Here’s how … Read more
Mexican Blue Palm: ‘True Blue’ Native
Mexican blue is a magnificent palm tree that easily handles our extreme sun, wind, and temperature swings. It’s one of the few Sonoran Desert native palms, and it also happens … Read more