Wild Sunflower: “Rock Star” Native Annual
Wild sunflower is much more than a pretty annual wildflower grown as a desert landscape plant. It’s not an exaggeration to say this useful, adaptable plant has conquered the world. … 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, or Chihuahuan Deserts or that are native to states of the southwest. (We’ve also included hybrids or cultivars of native plants.)
Cleveland Sage: Aromatic, Temperamental Shrub
Cleveland sage is an evergreen shrub with whorls of purple flowers that pollinators love. As a native to coastal California, it prefers a Mediterranean climate, but it can be grown … Read more
Woolly Butterfly Bush: Simply Irresistible
If you want to attract butterflies into your yard, consider growing woolly butterfly bush. Butterflies are wildly attracted to its dainty flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Creosote: Common Yet Extraordinary
Creosote is the most abundant plant in the three deserts of the US southwest. It’s rarely grown as a landscape plant, perhaps because it’s so “common”, but this shrub can … Read more
Tall Slipper Plant: Lady Slipper Look-Alike
Tall slipper plant is a little-known succulent that looks much like a large version of its popular cousin, lady slipper. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this low-maintenance … Read more
Red Justicia: Soft, Colorful Native Shrub
Red justicia is an unusual native shrub that prefers part shade to sun and needs a moderate amount of water. Your reward for providing it the right conditions will be … Read more
Lantana: Array of Colorful Options
Lantana is a desert-adapted shrubby ground cover that’s carpeted with charming multicolor flowers spring through fall. It’s one of the most popular desert landscape plants for good reason, but this … Read more
Yellow Dot: Shade-Loving Emerald Carpet
Yellow dot is an emerald green ground cover that can be grown in desert shade. When in bloom, it pops with a scattering of daisy-like flowers. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Featherbush: Spring Standout
Featherbush is a lacy tree that is lovely and provides dappled shade all year. But with its lime green foliage and delightful puff ball flowers, it really stands out in … Read more
Octopus Agave: Weirdly Wonderful
With its graceful, curvy, Medusa-like leaves, octopus agave makes an eye-catching focal point in any desert garden. Plant one once, and later it will reward you with an endless supply … Read more
Wolfberry: Food for You & Wildlife
If you’re looking for a shrub that provides food for you, birds, and butterflies, you won’t find a better plant than wolfberry. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Superstition Mallow: Lovely, Underutilized Shrub
Superstition mallow is a lovely desert shrub that is underutilized as a landscape plant. It looks beautiful all year and thrives on neglect. Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more