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
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.)
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
Wild Sunflower: “Rock Star” Native Annual
Wild sunflower is much more than a pretty annual wildflower grown as a desert landscape plant. It’s not an exaggeration to say this useful, adaptable plant has conquered the world. … Read more
Cleveland Sage: Aromatic, Temperamental Shrub
Cleveland sage is an evergreen shrub with whorls of purple flowers that pollinators love. As a native to coastal California, it prefers a Mediterranean climate, but it can be grown … Read more
Woolly Butterfly Bush: Simply Irresistible
If you want to attract butterflies into your yard, consider growing woolly butterfly bush. Butterflies are wildly attracted to its dainty flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Creosote: Common Yet Extraordinary
Creosote is the most abundant plant in the three deserts of the US southwest. It’s rarely grown as a landscape plant, perhaps because it’s so “common”, but this shrub can … Read more
Tall Slipper Plant: Lady Slipper Look-Alike
Tall slipper plant is a little-known succulent that looks much like a large version of its popular cousin, lady slipper. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this low-maintenance … Read more
Red Justicia: Soft, Colorful Native Shrub
Red justicia is an unusual native shrub that prefers part shade to sun and needs a moderate amount of water. Your reward for providing it the right conditions will be … Read more