Golden Barrel: Iconic Cactus Adds Color & Texture
Golden barrel is an iconic cactus of the desert southwest that adds color and texture to any desert garden. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for … 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.)
Desert Spoon: Impactful Specimen Plant
Desert spoon is an architecturally interesting, maintenance-free plant that makes an impactful specimen. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Sonoran Desert native. Desert spoon … Read more
Mexican Grass Tree: Spectacular Accent Plant
Mexican grass tree is a stunning specimen plant that will be the showpiece of your garden. And it’s as tough as it is beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Artichoke Agave: Beautiful Symmetry (& Wicked Spines)
Artichoke agave is a beautifully symmetrical, distinctive-looking agave that is shaped like an artichoke. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this Mexican native. Artichoke … Read more
‘Heavenly Cloud’: Showy Texas Ranger Cultivar
‘Heavenly Cloud‘ is an extremely hardy desert shrub with show-stopping lavender flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Texas ranger hybrid. ‘Heavenly Cloud’ (Leucophyllum … Read more
Hop Bush: Vibrant & Versatile
If you miss seeing true green in the desert landscape, consider planting a hop bush (or two). This fast-growing, versatile shrub stays vibrant emerald green all year long. Here’s everything … Read more
Globe Mallow: A Rainbow of Options
Globe mallow is a super-resilient shrub that comes in a rainbow assortment of colors. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this southwest desert native. Globe … Read more
Fairy Duster: Explosion of Dainty Pink Flowers
Fairy duster is an attractive evergreen shrub with delightful pink flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Sonoran Desert native. Fairy duster or pink … Read more
Desert Milkweed: Native Butterfly Magnet
Desert milkweed is an attractive, succulent-looking native perennial that’s an important host plant for butterflies. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this southwest desert … Read more
Desert Bluebells: Dazzling Native Wildflower
Desert bluebell is an unmistakable, vivid blue wildflower. Once established in your garden, this eye-popping annual will come back year after year. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Parry’s Penstemon: Harbinger of Spring
Parry’s penstemon is a tall, pink knockout of a wildflower that reliably blooms every spring. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for this Sonoran Desert native. … Read more
Firecracker Penstemon: Vibrant Nonstop Blooms
Firecracker penstemon is a perennial wildflower that has vivid orange-red blooms throughout the year. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for this widespread native plant. Firecracker … Read more