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
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 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.)
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 dramatic, … Read more
Red Justicia: Soft, Colorful Native Shrub
Red justicia is an unusual Arizona native shrub that prefers part shade to sun and needs a moderate amount of water. Your reward for providing it with the right conditions … 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 lovely, lacy tree that provides dappled shade all year. With its lime green foliage and delightful puffball flowers, it really stands out in the spring. Here’s everything … 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
Sacred Datura: Evening Delight
Sacred datura is a perennial ground cover with large white flowers that makes a great addition to any desert-themed garden. But before you plant, be aware that all parts are … Read more
Giant Hesperaloe: Commanding Specimen Plant
Giant hesperaloe is an outstanding accent plant that commands your attention. It lives up to its name, since everything about this plant is BIG. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
‘Little Lynn’: Compact, Prolific Texas Ranger
‘Little Lynn’ is unique among the Texas rangers. It stays compact, requires little-to-no pruning, and blooms prolifically throughout the summer, regardless of rain or humidity. Here’s everything you need to … Read more
Ironwood: Tough, Lovely Keystone Tree
Ironwood is as tough as its name implies. It’s an important Sonoran Desert “keystone species” that also makes a beautiful addition to desert gardens, especially when in bloom. Learn how … Read more