Mexican Honeysuckle: “Goldilocks” Plant
Mexican honeysuckle is a popular desert shrub that, unfortunately, often struggles to look its best. Here’s how to find the perfect “Goldilocks Zone” for this colorful hummingbird magnet. In spite … 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.)
‘Leslie Roy’: Patented Mesquite Hybrid
‘Leslie Roy’ is a fast-growing mesquite hybrid that offers several improvements over the two parent trees, including being thornless and producing very few seed pods. Here’s everything you need to … Read more
Queen’s Wreath: Dazzling Desert Vine
Clusters of vibrant pink flowers and bright green heart-shaped leaves make queen’s wreath vine a show-stopper, especially when in full bloom. Here’s how to plant and care for this Sonoran … Read more
Brittlebush: Iconic Desert Shrub
Brittlebush is an iconic desert shrub that’s practically foolproof, even in the most difficult spots in the garden, yet is rarely used as a landscape plant. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Totem Pole Cactus: Weirdly Wonderful
Totem pole cactus is a one-of-a-kind cactus that can make a real statement in your yard. Unlike other columnar cactus, it has lumps and knobs, but no thorns! Here’s how … Read more
Bull Grass: Top Performing Ornamental
Bull grass is a top-performing, but little-known, ornamental grass with a bevy of attributes. It’s compact, has a long bloom season, is nearly maintenance-free, and doesn’t need to be divided. … Read more
Gregg’s Mist: Flutters of Butterflies
Gregg’s mist is a captivating, native perennial that butterflies can’t resist! Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of this butterfly magnet, including the amazing reason butterflies flock … Read more
Mexican Feather Grass: Delicate but Aggressive
Mexican feather grass is an unusually delicate, airy desert plant, but don’t let its appearance fool you. It’s surprisingly tough and reseeds aggressively. Here’s how to grow this Central US … Read more
Texas Mountain Laurel: Distinctive Desert Beauty
Texas mountain laurel is a unique evergreen tree with wisteria-like flowers that smell like grape soda. Here’s how to plant and care for this Chihuahuan Desert native. Texas mountain laurel … Read more
Blanket Flower: Festive, Reliable Bloomer
Blanket flower is a festive hybrid perennial that blooms most of the year in hot, dry gardens. Here’s how to grow and care for this cross between two native wildflowers. … Read more
Deer Grass: Outstanding Native Ornamental
Deer grass is a southwest native that makes an outstanding landscape plant. Once established, it can survive with no irrigation. Here’s how to grow this resilient ornamental grass. Deer grass … Read more
Autumn Sage: Colorful Compact Shrub
Autumn sage is a delightful, compact evergreen shrub with red flowers that bloom most of the year. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this … Read more