Mexican Flame Vine: Butterfly Lure
Mexican flame vine is a beautiful, perennial vine with vivid orange flowers that butterflies can’t resist. Unlike many desert vines, it stays a manageable size. Here’s how to plant and … 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 native ranges within the Southwest desert bioregion which includes the Sonoran, Mojave, and/or Chihuahuan Deserts. (We’ve also included a few hybrids or cultivars of native plants, to give you the most options.)
Fishhook Barrel Cactus: Monsoon Bloomer
Fishhook barrel is a rugged cactus that looks rather nondescript until it blooms during the monsoon, when it adds a surprising touch of vivid color when many other desert plants … Read more
Desert Zinnia: Not Your Usual Zinnia
Desert zinnia is a wonderful wildflower for hot, dry gardens. It blooms intermittently throughout the year and requires virtually no maintenance. Here’s how to grow and care for this native … Read more
Organ Pipe Cactus: Impressive Giant
Organ pipe cactus is an impressive columnar cactus that grows in large clusters and can make a real statement in the right spot. But due to its large ultimate size … Read more
‘Orange Jubilee’: Festive Yellow Bells Hybrid
‘Orange Jubilee’ is a large shrub with clusters of orange trumpet-shaped flowers that’s as festive as its name implies. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for … Read more
Desert Willow: Delightful Native Tree
Desert willow is a delightful, drought-tolerant ornamental tree with pink orchid-like flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this native … Read more
Mexican Hat: Whimsical, Resilient Perennial
Mexican hat is a whimsical perennial with flowers that look like small sombreros. It’s native to much of North America, including much colder climes, but is resilient enough to thrive … Read more
Little Leaf Ash: Lovely, Low Litter Tree
Little leaf ash is a small, airy tree or shrub that provides a pop of green to desert gardens. It’s also appreciated for being low litter. Here’s how to plant … Read more
Flame Acanthus: Red-Hot Hummingbird Shrub
Flame acanthus is a delightful, colorful shrub that isn’t as well-known as similar-looking shrubs, but it’s worth seeking out. Its orange-red flowers make it wildly attractive to hummingbirds. Here’s everything … Read more
Screwbean Mesquite: Distinctive Native
Screwbean mesquite is a native mesquite that can be grown as either a large shrub or small tree. It’s easily recognized by its distinctive spiral seed pods and is one … Read more
Boojum: Improbable, Upside Down “Tree”
Boojum tree is every bit as weird as its name implies. Here’s what you need to know to decide whether this desert native would be a good choice for your … Read more
Queen of the Night: Elusive Flowering Cactus
Queen of the night is an elusive cactus that’s rarely seen in the wild. But it’s widely regarded for its nocturnal flowers that simultaneously bloom once per year. While you … Read more