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.)
Mexican feather grass is an unusually delicate, airy desert plant, but don’t let its appearance fool you. It’s surprisingly tough and can reseed aggressively. Here’s how to grow this near-native … Read more
Texas mountain laurel is a unique evergreen tree with wisteria-like flowers that smell like grape soda. Here’s how to plant and care for this Chihuahuan Desert native. Texas mountain laurel … Read more
Blanket flower is a festive hybrid perennial that blooms much of the year in hot, dry gardens. Here’s how to grow and care for this cross between two native wildflowers. … Read more
Deer grass is a southwest native that makes an outstanding landscape plant. Once established, it can survive without irrigation. Here’s how to grow this resilient ornamental grass. Deer grass (Muhlenbergia … Read more
Autumn sage is a delightful, compact evergreen shrub with red flowers that bloom most of the year. But it’s not right for every location. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Texas olive is a heat-loving tree or shrub that’s adorned with large creamy white flowers from spring through fall. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for … Read more
Candelilla is comprised of numerous delicate-looking stems, but this succulent is surprisingly sturdy. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this resilient Chihuahuan Desert native. Candelilla … Read more
Blackfoot daisy is a perennial ground cover that, for much of the year, is smothered in adorable daisy-like flowers. This small plant is much tougher than it looks. Here’s how … Read more
If you’ve ever seen a field of desert wildflowers and wish you could capture that beauty in your garden, you can, and it’s surprisingly easy! Learn where to find seeds, … Read more
Desert marigold may be the perfect wildflower for hot, dry gardens. It’s carefree and blooms all year long with virtually no maintenance. Here’s how to grow and care for this … Read more
Mexican redbud is a small deciduous tree that’s uniquely beautiful three seasons of the year. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Chihuahuan Desert native. … Read more
Yellow bells is an eye-catching desert shrub that looks like it belongs in the tropics, but is actually a Southwest desert native. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more