Carolina Jessamine: Sunny Evergreen Vine
Sunny yellow trumpet-shaped flowers and emerald green leaves make Carolina jessamine an eye-catching vine. It’s native to the Southeastern US, but grows well in the desert. But before you plant … Read more
Mexican Evening Primrose: Deceptively Aggressive
Mexican evening primrose is a perennial ground cover that’s blanketed with delicately beautiful pink flowers when in bloom. But be forewarned — it can be deceptively aggressive. Here’s how to … Read more
Sago Palm: Exotic “Living Fossil”
Do you live in the desert, but love the feel of the tropics? Do you like to grow plants that are out of the ordinary? Then consider sago palm, a … Read more
6 Reasons to Ditch Landscape Fabric
There’s a long-standing belief that putting landscape fabric or weed barrier over the soil will prevent weeds. While it may work temporarily in some situations, there are many reasons it’s … Read more
Sweet Acacia: Love It or Leave It?
Sweet acacia is a tree that people either love or hate. Here’s a look at its various attributes and drawbacks so you can decide for yourself whether this tree sounds … Read more
Jojoba: Undemanding Native Shrub
Jojoba is an attractive Sonoran Desert shrub that’s nearly maintenance-free. It’s important for wildlife, and its oil has many practical applications. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
Sideoats Grama: Compact, Hardy Native Grass
Sideoats grama is an underused ornamental grass that makes a graceful, understated landscape plant. It’s extremely low-maintenance and attracts birds and butterflies. Here’s how to grow this native grass. Unlike … Read more
What to Plant in Spring (Month by Month)
It’s generally accepted that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But things are different in the desert! While spring is the best time for some landscape plants, … Read more
Tangerine Crossvine: Vibrant Climber
Vivid orange trumpet-shaped flowers and bright green leaves make tangerine crossvine a standout, especially when in full bloom. It’s a cultivar of a plant native to the US southeast, but … Read more
Goodding’s Verbena: Lovely Native Ground Cover
Goodding’s verbena is a perennial ground cover found primarily in Arizona, but grows across much of the southwest. It has charming lavender flowers and is tougher than it looks. Here’s … Read more
Mediterranean Fan: A Top Palm for the Desert
Mediterranean fan palm looks tropical but is right at home in the desert southwest. It easily handles our extreme sun, wind, and temperature swings. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Elephant Food: More Than a Potted Plant
Elephant food is a succulent that’s a favorite of — you guessed it! — elephants. It’s usually grown in a container as a houseplant or patio plant, but it can … Read more