Mt. Lemmon Marigold: Sunny Fall Flowers
Mt. Lemmon marigold is a large, airy perennial that has yellow daisy-like flowers and aromatic leaves. It blooms most prolifically in the fall, when many other desert flowers are fading. … 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.)
Turpentine Bush: Undemanding Native
Turpentine bush is a small flowering shrub that’s native to the southwest’s three deserts. If you have an intensely hot, sunny spot where little will grow, turpentine bush may be … Read more
Banana Yucca: Impressive Accent Plant
Banana yucca is a succulent that makes a bold accent plant in any garden. When in bloom, it has showy, yet delicately colored flowers. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Blue Grama: Delightful, Versatile Grass
Blue grama is a charming, compact grass with unique seed heads. While it’s usually grown as an ornamental grass, it can also be grown as a low traffic lawn. Learn … Read more
Century Plant: Popular Giant Agave
If you’re looking for an imposing specimen plant that is too big to be ignored, century plant fits the bill. Century plant is the most popular landscape agave, but it’s … Read more
Arizona Passionflower: Exotic-Looking Native
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance desert vine that stays a manageable size, supports butterflies, and has exotic “other worldly” flowers, look no further than Arizona passionflower. Here’s how to … Read more
Baja Ruellia: Overlooked Flowering Shrub
If you’d like to grow a flowering shrub that looks like a Texas ranger, but stays a manageable size and flowers more consistently, consider Baja ruellia. Here’s how to plant … Read more
Bunny Ears Cactus: Cute But Not Cuddly
With a name like “bunny ears” and its polka dot appearance, this cactus looks relatively harmless, but is deceptively hazardous. Here’s everything you need to know about this native Mexican … Read more
Palmer’s Penstemon: Standout Wildflower
Attractive blue-green rosettes and 5 foot tall flower spikes make Palmer’s penstemon a standout. This perennial has many attributes, but is not commonly grown. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Queen Victoria Agave: Exquisite Accent Plant
Queen Victoria agave is widely considered one of the most attractive agaves — one that’s truly “fit for a queen”. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking … Read more
San Marcos Hibiscus: No-Fuss, Native Alternative
San Marcos hibiscus is a Sonoran Desert native that makes a great alternative to tropical hibiscus species, which are notoriously challenging to grow in the desert. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Parry’s Agave: Silver Leaves, Sharp Spines
Parry’s agave is a beautifully symmetrical agave with silver leaves that make it an eye-catching landscape plant. (But beware of the wicked thorns!) Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more