Giant Hesperaloe: Commanding Specimen Plant
Giant hesperaloe is an outstanding accent plant that commands your attention. It lives up to its name, since everything about this plant is BIG. Here’s everything you need to know … 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.
‘Little Lynn’: Compact, Prolific Texas Ranger
‘Little Lynn’ is unique among the Texas rangers. It stays compact, requires little-to-no pruning, and blooms prolifically throughout the summer, regardless of rain or humidity. Here’s everything you need to … Read more
Ironwood: Tough, Lovely Keystone Tree
Ironwood is a tree that’s as tough as its name implies. It’s an important Sonoran Desert “keystone species” that also makes a beautiful landscape tree, especially when in bloom. Learn … Read more
Arizona Poppy: Mid-Summer Treat
Arizona poppy is a cheery wildflower that comes to life with the monsoon rains. They are always a treat to behold mid-summer, since most desert wildflowers bloom in the spring. … Read more
Yuca Vine: Little-Known Gem
If you’re looking for a low maintenance desert vine that stays a manageable size without a lot of pruning, consider yuca vine. This Sonoran Desert native is not well known … Read more
Chuparosa: Ultimate Hummingbird Shrub
If want to attract hummingbirds into your yard, chuparosa is a “must have” shrub to consider. It’s so good at attracting hummingbirds that its name means “hummingbird” in Spanish. Here’s … Read more
Bear Grass: Big & Bold (but not a “grass”)
Bear grass is a big, bold grass-like succulent that makes a statement in any garden. It’s as tough as it is beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Ocotillo: Unique Desert Survivor
Ocotillo is a stunning specimen plant that’s uniquely suited to survive harsh desert conditions. It’s a beautiful hummingbird magnet when in bloom, but its attractiveness changes with the weather. Here’s … Read more
Desert Museum Palo Verde: Unforeseen Flaw
Desert Museum palo verde is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree that looks like a wonderland when in bloom. But there’s a big problem with these ubiquitous landscape trees. Here’s what you … Read more
Bamboo Muhly: Bamboo-Like Native Grass
Bamboo muhly looks like a small, lacy bamboo, but this elegant plant is actually a desert-hardy ornamental grass. Here’s how to grow and care for this unusual Arizona native. Bamboo … Read more
Purple Orchid Vine: Delightful Desert Native
Purple orchid vine is a lovely evergreen vine that is adorned with clusters of orchid-shaped flowers and lantern-shaped seed pods. Here’s how to plant and care for this Chihuahuan Desert … Read more
Arizona Rosewood: Native Alternative to Oleander
Arizona rosewood is a large evergreen shrub that’s one of the toughest landscape shrubs you can plant. It makes a great alternative to oleander, a shrub that’s starting to go … Read more