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.)
Desert willow ‘Bubba’ is a showy, fast-growing, drought-tolerant ornamental tree with very decorative blooms. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this cultivar of a desert … Read more
‘Blue Flame’ is an uncommonly attractive agave that, once planted, keeps on giving by providing you with an endless supply of free offsets. Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
Agave ‘Blue Glow’ is an exceptionally attractive agave that stays compact and won’t outgrow its space. It’s aptly named, since in the right light it glows. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Santa Rita prickly pear cactus provides year-long color with its purple pads, yellow flowers, and red fruit. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Sonoran … Read more
Hesperaloe is an attractive, unarmed, accent plant that sends up dramatic stalks of coral flowers that hummingbirds love. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
Lady slipper is a unique upright plant with charming orange slipper-shaped flowers. It’s a chameleon that takes on different colors and forms depending on its microclimate. Here’s everything you need … Read more
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
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 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 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‘ 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
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