Century Plant: Popular Giant Agave
If you’re looking for an imposing specimen plant that is too big to be ignored, century plant fits the bill. Century plant is the most popular landscape agave, but it’s … Read more
Arizona Passionflower: Exotic-Looking Native
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance desert vine that stays a manageable size, supports butterflies, and has exotic “other worldly” flowers, look no further than Arizona passionflower. Here’s how to … Read more
Chaste Tree: Profusion of Purple
Chaste “tree”, ironically, naturally grows as a large shrub. But it can be trained to grow as a small tree. Either way, it really stands out in the summer when … Read more
Agave or Aloe? How to Tell the Difference
Many desert plants grow in symmetric rosettes and have spiky leaves. Have you ever looked at a plant and wondered, “Is that an agave? Or is it an aloe?” Discover … Read more
Natal Plum: Colorful, Elegant Shrub
Natal plum is not a true plum. While it does have edible fruit, this elegant evergreen shrub is usually grown in desert gardens for the year-round interest it provides. Here’s … Read more
Gaura: Graceful Delight
Gaura is an evergreen perennial with delicately beautiful flowers. It’s native to hot, humid southern states, but can thrive in desert gardens, with a little extra care. Here’s how to … Read more
Baja Ruellia: Overlooked Flowering Shrub
If you’d like to grow a flowering shrub that looks like a Texas ranger, but stays a manageable size and flowers more consistently, consider Baja ruellia. Here’s how to plant … Read more
Bunny Ears Cactus: Cute But Not Cuddly
With a name like “bunny ears” and its polka dot appearance, this cactus looks relatively harmless, but is deceptively hazardous. Here’s everything you need to know about this native Mexican … Read more
Heavenly Bamboo: Four Seasons of Color
Heavenly bamboo is a bamboo look-alike that is often grown for the year-round interest it provides. But be forewarned that it often struggles in desert gardens and is toxic to … Read more
12 Reasons Desert Plants Die (& Prevention Tips)
Every gardener loses plants — it’s an inevitable part of gardening. Each loss can teach you to become a better gardener, provided you understand what went wrong. Here’s a look … Read more
Palmer’s Penstemon: Standout Wildflower
Attractive blue-green rosettes and 5 foot tall flower spikes make Palmer’s penstemon a standout. This perennial has many attributes, but is not commonly grown. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Queen Victoria Agave: Exquisite Accent Plant
Queen Victoria agave is widely considered one of the most attractive agaves — one that’s truly “fit for a queen”. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking … Read more