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.)
Little leaf cordia is an extremely hardy, sprawling shrub that’s adorned with snow-white flowers from spring through fall. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
If you’re looking to plant a shade tree that has beautiful fall colors, Arizona ash is one to consider. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for … Read more
Mexican bird of paradise is a delightful, small, airy tree that stays green and flowers all year long. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
Palo blanco is a unique desert tree with peeling white bark and draping willow-like leaves. It’s perfect for protected, narrow spaces in your garden. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Cascalote is a charming desert tree that has unusual, distinctive thorns. It flowers in the winter when little else is blooming. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and … Read more
Desert willow ‘Bubba’ is a showy, fast-growing, drought-tolerant ornamental tree with very decorative blooms. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this cultivar of a Southwest … Read more
‘Blue Flame’ is an uncommonly attractive agave that, once planted, keeps on giving by providing you with an endless supply of free offsets. Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
Agave ‘Blue Glow’ is an exceptionally attractive agave that stays compact and won’t outgrow its space. It’s aptly named, since in the right light the colorful margins glow. Here’s everything … Read more
With its purple pads, yellow flowers, and red fruit, Santa Rita prickly pear cactus provides desert gardens with year-long color. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring … Read more
Hesperaloe is an attractive, unarmed, accent plant that sends up dramatic stalks of coral flowers that hummingbirds love. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
Lady slipper is a unique upright plant with charming orange slipper-shaped flowers. It’s a chameleon that takes on different colors and forms depending on its microclimate. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Golden barrel is an iconic cactus that adds color and texture to any desert garden. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this popular landscape plant. … Read more