Why Desert Plant Scientific Names Are Important
When learning about or discussing plants, you’ll often come across both common and scientific names. There are good reasons for knowing both. When I discuss any plant on this site, … Read more
How to Water Desert Shrubs: How Often? How Much?
90% of desert homeowners don’t water their shrubs correctly. This stresses the plants, wastes water, and costs you money. Learn how to water the right way for beautiful, healthy desert … Read more
How to Water Desert Trees: How Often? How Much?
90% of desert homeowners don’t water their trees correctly. This stresses the plants, wastes water, and costs you money. Learn how to water the right way for beautiful, healthy desert … Read more
What Are Semi-Deciduous Desert Plants?
Many desert plants are neither evergreen nor deciduous but are “semi-deciduous”. Learn what this means and how it helps desert plants adapt to harsh conditions. Most trees, shrubs, and woody … Read more
When Is a Desert Plant “Established”?
Is your new desert plant “established”? If so, it may be time to give it less water. But how can you tell? Learn two ways to determine when a new … Read more
‘Dallas Red’ Lantana: Red-Hot Ground Cover
‘Dallas Red’ lantana is a desert-adapted ground cover that’s carpeted with fiery red flowers all summer long. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this … Read more
Jerusalem Sage: Resilient Mediterranean Perennial
Jerusalem sage is an attractive, shrubby perennial with fuzzy green-gray leaves and whorls of yellow flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Mediterranean native. … 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
Baby Sun Rose: Shade-Loving Charmer
Baby sun rose is an evergreen ground cover with an abundance of cheerful red flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this delightful South African … Read more
Desert Bluebells: Dazzling Native Wildflower
Desert bluebell is an unmistakable, vivid blue wildflower. Once established in your garden, this eye-catching 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