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.)
‘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 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
Arizona poppy is a cheery wildflower that comes to life with the monsoon rains. They are always a treat to behold in mid-summer, since most desert wildflowers bloom in the … Read more
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance desert vine that stays a manageable size without a lot of pruning, consider yuca vine. This Sonoran Desert native is not well known and … Read more
If you want to attract hummingbirds into your yard, chuparosa is a “must have” shrub to consider. It’s so good at attracting hummingbirds that its name means “hummingbird” in Spanish. … Read more
Bear grass is a big, bold grass-like succulent that makes a statement in any garden. It’s as tough as it is beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Ocotillo is a stunning specimen plant that’s uniquely suited to survive harsh desert conditions. It’s a beautiful hummingbird magnet when in bloom, but its overall look dramatically changes with the … Read more
Desert Museum palo verde is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree that looks like a wonderland when in bloom. But there’s a big problem with these ubiquitous landscape trees. Here’s what you … Read more
Bamboo muhly looks like a small, lacy bamboo, but this elegant plant is actually a desert-hardy ornamental grass. Here’s how to grow and care for this unusual Arizona native. Bamboo … Read more
Purple orchid vine is a lovely evergreen vine that’s adorned with clusters of orchid-shaped flowers and lantern-shaped seed pods. Here’s how to plant and care for this Chihuahuan Desert native. … Read more
Arizona rosewood is a large evergreen shrub that’s one of the toughest landscape shrubs you can plant. It makes a great alternative to oleander, which is starting to go out … Read more
Mexican petunia is a lovely perennial with willow-like leaves and petunia-like purple flowers. It’s resilient, but can sometimes grow ‘too’ enthusiastically. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more