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.)
Desert spoon is an architecturally interesting, maintenance-free plant that makes an impactful specimen plant. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this southwest desert native. Desert … Read more
Mexican grass tree is a stunning specimen plant that will be the showpiece of your garden. And it’s as tough as it is beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Artichoke agave is a beautifully symmetrical, blue-gray agave that’s shaped like an artichoke. It produces an abundance of offsets. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care … Read more
‘Heavenly Cloud‘ is an extremely hardy desert shrub with show-stopping lavender flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Texas ranger hybrid. ‘Heavenly Cloud’ (Leucophyllum … Read more
If you miss seeing true green in the desert landscape, consider planting a hop bush (or two). This fast-growing, versatile shrub stays vibrant emerald green all year long. Here’s everything … Read more
Globe mallow is a super-resilient shrub that comes in a rainbow assortment of colors, but most commonly orange. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
Fairy duster is a lacy shrub that bursts into bloom with an explosion of dainty pink flowers in the spring and intermittently throughout the year. Here’s how to plant and … Read more
Desert milkweed is an attractive, succulent-looking native perennial that’s an important host plant for butterflies. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this southwest desert … Read more
Desert bluebell is an unmistakable, vivid blue wildflower. Once established in your garden, this eye-catching annual reseeds to come back year after year. Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
Parry’s penstemon is a tall, pink knockout of a wildflower that reliably blooms every spring. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for this gorgeous Sonoran Desert … Read more
Firecracker penstemon is a perennial wildflower that grows throughout much of the Western US. When in bloom, its vivid firecracker red flowers are eye-catchers. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Arizona milkweed is an attractive, native perennial with pine-like leaves that’s an important host plant for queen and monarch butterflies. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking … Read more