Snapdragon Vine: Small Vine for Part Shade
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance vine that grows in part shade and stays a manageable size, consider snapdragon vine. This charming vine grows in the canyons and on the … 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, to give you the most options.)
Bee Brush: Aromatic Pollinator Magnet
Bee brush is a lacy shrub with aromatic flowers that smell like vanilla and attract bees and butterflies like crazy. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this Chihuahuan … Read more
Desert Gardening Made Easy with Native Plants
Desert gardening can be challenging. Looking for an advantage? Grow native plants! Here are the top reasons growing natives can make gardening more enjoyable and less of a struggle. There’s … Read more
Quadricolor Century Plant: Multicolor Agave
Quadricolor century plant is a stunning, multicolor agave that stands out in desert gardens. It stays compact but produces an endless supply of offsets. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Mexican Sunflower: Vibrant Summer Annual
Mexican sunflower is a large, shrub-like annual with eye-popping, red-orange flowers that pollinators can’t resist. It’s easy to grow from seed and makes a delightful addition to desert gardens. Here’s … Read more
Trailing Indigo Bush: Tough Desert Ground Cover
Trailing indigo bush may look delicate, but is considered one of the toughest ground covers you can grow in desert landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about this Chihuahuan … Read more
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
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