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 sunflower is a large, shrub-like annual with eye-popping, red-orange flowers that pollinators can’t resist. It’s easy to grow from seed and makes a delightful addition to desert gardens. Here’s … Read more
Trailing indigo bush may look delicate, but is considered one of the toughest ground covers you can grow in desert landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about this Chihuahuan … Read more
Velvet mesquite is a Sonoran Desert native with lots of character. It’s one of the best trees for attracting and supporting wildlife, but it’s messy and has some other issues … Read more
With its large pads, tree-like form, and flowers and fruits in a rainbow of colors, Indian fig provides year-long interest (and edible fruit) in desert gardens. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Orchid tree is a large shrub or small tree that bursts forth with either white or pink flowers in the spring. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
If you’re looking for something a little different from the more commonly grown penstemons, consider rock penstemon. This lovely wildflower is unusual in a number of ways. Here’s everything you … Read more
Black dalea is an airy, delicate-looking shrub that is much tougher than it looks. It’s actually a resilient landscape plant that thrives on neglect. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Weber’s agave makes a bold and beautiful accent plant, but it’s definitely not right for every garden due to its massive size and propensity for forming colonies. Here’s everything you … Read more
Lavender is a widely beloved perennial that can be challenging to grow in the desert. If you miss the fragrance of fresh lavender, consider growing desert lavender instead. Here’s how … Read more
Tufted evening primrose is a perennial ground cover that bursts forth with large, fragrant white-to-pink flowers when in bloom. It’s unusually pretty for a plant so tough. Here’s how to … Read more
Paperflower is a charming, sunny-yellow wildflower that blooms much of the year with almost no care. Here’s how to grow this native of the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. Paperflower (Psilostrophe … Read more
Arizona grape ivy is an attractive vine that thrives in a wide variety of conditions in the wild, which means it’s not fussy in desert gardens. Here’s everything you need … Read more