Desert Gardening 101
  • Home
  • About
  • Classes
  • Consultations
  • Speaking
  • Book
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Youtube

Tag Archive for: Houzz

Silvery, Purple Beauty

azplantlady, Southwest garden, Uncategorized
violet silverleaf (Leucophyllum candid)

At first glance, violet Silverleaf (Leucophyllum candid) may look like a nice gray shrub with a smattering of purple flowers.

BUT, when you crank up the humidity and add some summer rain into the mix and it really explodes with color…

purple beauty

These shrubs literally stop people in their tracks with their purple beauty.

(Leucophyllum candid) is easy to grow in arid climates and when not in flower, its gray foliage provides great color contrast in the landscape.

Find out more about this Texas native and why you’ll want to include it in your garden in my latest plant profile for Houzz.com:

Great Design Plant: Violet Silverleaf Thrives on Scant Water
 

Have you ever seen this shrub growing?  Do you have one in your landscape?

A Rose Garden Garden Fit For a Castle?

https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/VioletSilverleaf-1.jpg 785 1200 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-09-26 13:00:002022-11-03 03:50:24Silvery, Purple Beauty

10 Best Plants for the Southwestern Landscape

Agave, azplantlady, Cactus/Succulents, desert, desert gardening, Drought Tolerant, Southwest garden, Sustainable Landscape, Uncategorized

A few weeks ago, I was asked by one of my editors to come up with a list of the top 10 plants that every resident of the Southwest should consider adding to their Southwestern landscape.

I must admit that the task was a bit daunting at first – not because I couldn’t think of enough plants.  The problem was that my list was much larger.

How Easy is it to Find Native Southwestern Landscape Plants at a Local Nursery?  

Agave parryi in Southwestern landscape

I had to pare my list down and decided to focus on plants that would grow in zones 7 – 10, which cover much of the desert Southwest.  In addition, they had to be low-maintenance, native, beautiful and easy to grow.

After considering all of the criteria, I still had about 20 plants.  So, I added one other criteria of my own – how easy is it to find at your local nursery?  

At the end, I had 10 plants that I was very happy with – but I could have easily added a lot more 😉  

I hope you enjoy reading through this list of 10 essential plants for the desert Southwest.    

Flourishing Amidst Adversity: 10 Resilient Plants in the Southwestern Landscape

The desert Southwest is a region of extremes, with scorching summer heat and chilling winter temperatures that challenge even the most robust flora. Yet, in the face of such harsh conditions, these native plants not only survive but thrive. Equipped with remarkable adaptations, these tenacious species call the arid landscapes of the U.S. Southwest their home.

Enduring the relentless dry heat and enduring the freezing winter cold, they serve as a testament to nature’s resilience. Beyond their endurance, these plants play a vital role in the ecosystem, providing nectar for birds and bees, and shelter for native bird species. Every one of these drought-resistant plants contributes to the desert’s beauty.

Embracing the Sun: Essential Care Tips for Desert Native Plants

To cultivate a thriving desert garden, sunlight is key. Native desert plants require full sun, although some tolerate partial shade for a portion of the day. Optimal growth is achieved through deep, infrequent watering and well-drained soil.

Allow water to penetrate down to 1½ to 2 feet deep, ensuring the soil dries out before rewatering. For irrigation efficiency, drip systems are recommended. While new plants need more water until established, these desert natives rarely require additional fertilization.

yellow flowering damianita


1. Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana): Thriving Delicacy of the Chihuahuan Desert

Delicate Flowers: The Charming Resilience of Damianita

Enduring the fiery extremes of the Chihuahuan desert, Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) emerges as a hardy and enchanting yellow ground cover (see above). Flourishing under full, reflected sun, this seemingly delicate plant showcases dark green, aromatic foliage, which undergoes a stunning transformation with the arrival of spring and fall.

Golden yellow flowers blanket the plant, adding a vibrant contrast to the arid landscape. Flourishing in well-drained soil, Damianita harmoniously complements the red flowers of firecracker penstemon and Valentine bush, as well as the purple blooms of desert ruellia.

Firecracker Penstemon


2. Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii): Painting Winter with Vibrant Hues

A Symphony of Color: Firecracker Penstemon’s Winter Splendor

Ocotillo

In the midst of winter’s muted tones, the firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) ignites low-desert gardens with bursts of orange-red brilliance. Serving as a beacon of color during the colder months, this drought-tolerant perennial offers vital nectar for hummingbirds in winter scarcity.

Adaptable to cold winters and scorching summers, firecracker penstemon’s vibrant presence is enhanced when paired with complementary yellow-flowering perennials. Angelita daisy, damianita, and desert marigold join forces in a chromatic display, thriving under full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil.


3. Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens): A Dance of Life in Arid Lands

Nature’s Hummingbird Feeder: Ocotillo is a Migrating Hummingbird’s Favorite

Stretching towards the desert sky, ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) graces the Southwestern landscape with its elegant canes. Unique among shrubs, ocotillo’s canes burst forth with lush green leaves in response to rain showers and humidity, contrasting the arid surroundings (see photo right).

Vermilion-colored flowers crown the canes in spring, offering a lifeline to migrating hummingbirds. These vibrant blooms stand as a testament to ocotillo’s resilience and unwavering commitment to the desert ecosystem. A sun-soaked habitat is essential for this desert shrub’s growth.

Parry's agave 'truncata'


4. Parry’s Agave (Agave parryi): Desert Elegance in Every Form

Sculpted Beauty: Parry’s Agave’s Role in Desert Aesthetics

Adorning the arid landscapes of central Arizona and New Mexico, Parry’s agave (Agave parryi) stands as a quintessential element of Southwestern scenery. Ranging from majestic giants to diminutive varieties, agaves exhibit a wide array of forms.

Parry’s agave, with its medium stature and captivating leaf shapes and colors, thrives in a spectrum of environments. Its resilience to colder temperatures and ability to thrive in sun-soaked spaces make it a preferred choice for desert landscaping.

Texas Ranger Leucophyllum frutescens


5. Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens): The Majesty of Purple Blossoms

Nature’s Artist: Texas Ranger’s Purple Symphony

Residing in the heart of the Southwestern desert, the Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens) commands attention with its awe-inspiring purple blooms. Aptly known as the barometer bush, it responds to humidity and rainfall, painting the landscape with its vibrant hues in response.

Desert willow flowers

Even without its dramatic blossoms, the evergreen gray-green foliage of the Texas Ranger exudes an intrinsic charm. This resilient shrub’s ability to thrive under the unrelenting sun and reflected heat underscores its stature as a true desert gem.


6. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis): Nature’s Respite in Summer

Shade of Summer: Desert Willow’s Cooling Elegance

Amidst the scorching summer of the southwestern landscape, the desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) emerges as a refreshing oasis. This medium-sized deciduous tree enchants with its large, colorful blossoms that beckon hummingbirds from far and wide. (See the flowers in the image right)

Its vibrant pink and magenta flowers offer dappled shade to the plants below, providing relief from the desert’s intensity. Versatile and thornless, the desert willow thrives in smaller spaces, making it a charming addition to courtyards and patios.

Pink Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris)


7. Pink Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris): A Fall Color Explosion

Autumn’s Blush: Pink Muhly’s Dance of Color

The transition to fall heralds a breathtaking transformation as pink muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) takes the stage. Ornamental grasses provide texture and contrast in the landscape, and pink muhly stands out for its vibrant fall display.

As summer yields to autumn, the green foliage is adorned with plumes of pinkish-burgundy, casting a rosy enchantment over the surroundings. This ornamental grass thrives in the desert’s abundant sunlight and can be artfully clustered for a striking visual impact.

Red-Yucca-Hesperaloe-parvifolia


8. Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora): Sun-Kissed Elegance

A Desert Gem: Red Yucca’s Sunlit Splendor

Thriving under the full, reflected sun of the desert, the red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) stands as a beacon of effortless beauty. Its succulent leaves bear a resemblance to ornamental grass, while spikes of coral-colored flowers grace the landscape in spring and early summer.

Adding a touch of elegance, the red yucca effortlessly weaves color and texture into the Southwestern tapestry, undeterred by the region’s demanding climate.

 Santa Rita Prickly Pear


9. Santa Rita Prickly Pear (Opuntia violaceae santa-rita): A Desert Icon

Nature’s Palette: Santa Rita Prickly Pear is a Must-Have for Shape and Design

The Southwestern landscape would be incomplete without the iconic presence of prickly pears. Among them, the Santa Rita prickly pear (Opuntia violaceae santa-rita) stands out with its captivating purple-tinged gray-blue pads.

Adapting its hue in response to drought and cold, it is a testament to nature’s artistry. Against this unique backdrop, yellow flowers burst forth in spring, amplifying the species’ beauty. Its distinctive appearance makes it a valuable choice for creating visual contrast in the garden.

Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans)


10. Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans): A Long-Lasting Serenade

Golden Harmonies: Yellow Bells’ Melodic Bloom

Elevating the desert landscape with a touch of the exotic, yellow bells (Tecoma stans) exude a tropical charm. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers bring shades of yellow to the arid backdrop, evoking a sense of warmth.

In a captivating display, these flowers bloom from the end of winter until just before the first frost, a resounding chorus of color for an extended period. Serving as a vital nectar source, yellow bells enrich the desert ecosystem, inviting hummingbirds and bees to partake in its golden bounty.

Plant These Native Plants in the Southwestern Landscape

The desert Southwestern landscape may present challenges, but these ten top native plants have evolved to not only endure but flourish amidst adversity. With adaptations that defy the elements, these species contribute to the intricate web of life in the desert, adding splashes of color and life to the arid landscape.

By embracing these resilient beauties, gardeners can cultivate oases of natural wonder in even the most unforgiving of terrains.

Tour of Sustainable Southwestern Landscape: Part 1

https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/artichoke_agave_golden_barrel_cactus_Argentine_giant.jpg 1600 1480 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-08-25 13:30:002023-08-30 13:25:2410 Best Plants for the Southwestern Landscape

Overcrowded, Overpruned Shrubs and How to Avoid Them

azplantlady, Southwest garden, Uncategorized

Have you ever seen shrubs that have been planted too closely together?

over-pruning

At first glance, it looks like the new plants in the landscape above fit just fine into this area.  

But, what if I told you that those small shrubs grow 6 feet high and wide at maturity?

over-pruning

As they grow, out come the hedge trimmers, and over-pruned, ugly shrubs are the result.  

Unfortunately, this is a problem that has reached almost epidemic proportions in areas throughout the Southwest.  

Why else would people prune beautiful flowering shrubs into something that resembles anonymous, green blobs?  

The good news is that you can avoid this from happening in your landscape.  Even if you currently have overcrowded shrubs, you can solve the problem by choosing the right size of flowering shrubs for the space available.

I recently wrote an article for Houzz.com on how to avoid overcrowded and the resulting over-pruning…

I hope that you find this article helpful – I’d love to hear your thoughts.

10 Tips for Drought Tolerant Gardening

https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Over-planted-shrubs-2.jpg 768 1024 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-08-01 13:00:002025-08-20 00:51:06Overcrowded, Overpruned Shrubs and How to Avoid Them

Southwest Plant Profile: Texas Sage

Southwest Texas garden, Uncategorized

Are you familiar with Texas sage, also referred to as Texas ranger?

If you live in the Southwest, you have undoubtedly seen these beautiful shrubs.

Texas Sage

Believe it or not, these purple flowering beauties are a fuss-free plant.

Unfortunately, some people over prune them…

purple flowering beauties

The one on the left has been pruned into a ‘ball’ while the one on the right hasn’t been pruned as severely.

Want to learn more about this native shrub and how to care for it properly?  Check out my latest plant profile for Houzz.com

 
Great Design Plant: Texas Ranger Explodes With Color
 
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Green-Cloud-Leucophyllum-frutescens-Texas-sage.jpg 1024 1024 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-07-23 13:30:002025-08-03 02:55:32Southwest Plant Profile: Texas Sage

Fuss-Free Plant: Chuparosa

Fuss Free Plant, Uncategorized

Do you enjoy going out into the garden in summer?

I don’t!

I admit to sometimes neglecting my garden when the temperatures go above the century mark.  My aversion to gardening in a furnace is one of the reasons that I like to use desert-adapted plants that don’t need much attention.

fuss-free plant chuparosa

One of my favorite fuss-free plants is chuparosa (Justicia californica).

It has beautiful red, tubular flowers that decorate the garden in late winter into spring and sporadically throughout the year.  Hummingbirds can’t resist it AND it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Want to learn more?  Here is my latest plant profile for Houzz:

Great Design Plant: Chuparosa Brightens Casual Desert Gardens
 
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Justicia-californica-flower.jpg 1024 1009 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-06-30 14:30:002025-08-12 04:03:14Fuss-Free Plant: Chuparosa

Purple Flowering, Beautiful, Fuss-Free Shrub

Flowering Annuals

Do you have a list of favorite plants for your Southwestern garden?

I do.

Today, I’d like to share with you about one of my favorite shrubs, desert ruellia (Ruellia peninsularis).

desert ruellia

It has beautiful, light-green foliage and purple flowers that appear off an on throughout the year, with the heaviest bloom occurring in spring.

Unlike its cousin (Ruellia brittoniana), this drought-tolerant shrub does not take over the garden space.

It needs little maintenance, and looks great with a variety of other flowering plants.

For more information on where this lovely shrub grows, how to plant it and how to use it in the landscape, check out my latest plant profile for Houzz.com

 
Great Design Plant: Desert Ruellia Brings Beauty to Dry Gardens
 

To see my other plant profiles for Houzz, click here.

https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Ruellia-peninsularis-close-up-2.jpg 1200 1600 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-06-21 16:30:002025-08-24 01:18:19Purple Flowering, Beautiful, Fuss-Free Shrub

Southwest Garden Tasks: June Edition

azplantlady, desert, Uncategorized

June is here, which marks the official beginning of hot, dry weather throughout the southwest.

While most of us can be found indoors in the comfort of air-conditioning – your plants can be suffering from the heat and intense sunlight.

May and June can be some of the most difficult months for plants in the garden until the summer rains arrive in late June.

Need some helpful tips for your June garden?

Here is my June “to-do” list that I wrote for Houzz.com.

 
Southwest Gardener’s June Checklist
 
 
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/AZ-Plant-Lady-Graphic-Video.jpg 1443 1442 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-06-02 02:57:002022-11-10 00:06:28Southwest Garden Tasks: June Edition

Pink Beauty in a Desert Garden…

Arizona, Uncategorized

As a horticulturist, I have quite a few plants on my list of favorites.  So many in fact, that I cannot grow them all in my own garden.

But, this favorite has a prominent place in my home landscape – I have four of them.

Pink Trumpet Vine (Podranea ricasoliana)

This pink beauty is what I see when I look out my kitchen window.

I can also see another one growing when I look out my living room window.

And another one when I look out my bedroom window.

You get the idea…

Pink Trumpet Vine (Podranea ricasoliana) grows in both humid and dry climates.  Believe it or not, it is drought-tolerant too!

To learn more about this beautiful, pink plant and why you will want to add one to your garden, check out my latest plant profile for Houzz.

 
Great Design Plant: Pink Trumpet Vine Heralds Vibrant Color

 

 
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/DSC_0941-1.jpg 437 800 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-05-08 16:16:002025-08-23 02:13:35Pink Beauty in a Desert Garden…

Blue Bells: A Beautiful, Yet Tough Shrub for the Desert Garden

Arizona, California

A few years ago, while visiting my sister in the Palm Springs area in California, we visited the Living Desert Museum.  This is a combination botanical garden and zoo.

Blue Bells

We had a great time exploring along with our kids and I enjoyed taking pictures of the different plants that I saw.

Leucophyllum (Texas Sage).

While walking through the gardens, I noticed a small shrub, which at first glance, I assumed was a small species of Leucophyllum (Texas Sage).

blue bells

I took a quick photo and then walked on.

Fast forward 2 years later, where I found myself learning about a newer plant on the market that thrives in desert heat, is drought-tolerant, flowers all year and needs little to no pruning.

Now any plant that looks great but isn’t fussy in desert gardens is one that I definitely need to get to know better.

I found out that this particular shrub was supposed to look a lot like a gray Texas sage.  That was when I remembered taking the photo, above.

I was thrilled to find out that I had been introduced to this plant earlier, but hadn’t known it.

There is so much that I can say about Blue Bells (Eremophila hygrophana ‘ Blue Bells ‘) and I have written an article about this beautiful, yet tough shrub, which you can read in my latest Houzz plant profile…  

 
 
Great Design Plant: Try Blue Bells for Blooms in Dry Soil

Kitchen designs, bathroom designs, and more ∨

Hire residential landscape architects to help with all aspects of landscape design, from selecting or designing outdoor patio furniture, to siting a detached garage or deck.
A home remodeler or residential architect will see the potential in the architecture and building design of your home.

I strongly encourage you to be a trendsetter in your neighborhood by planting this lovely shrub in your garden!

https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/The-Living-Desert.jpg 1600 1064 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-04-03 17:35:002021-01-14 10:55:20Blue Bells: A Beautiful, Yet Tough Shrub for the Desert Garden
Page 2 of 212

Get My Free Guide to Gardening in the Desert

You’ll receive helpful tips from me in your inbox. I write these with you in mind to help you succeed in the desert garden. I will never share your information with anyone else, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Privacy Policy

Connect With Me!

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

noelle-johnson-az-plant-ladyNoelle Johnson: AZ PLANT LADY®

Author, Horticulturist, Landscape Consultant & Lover of Blue Pots

Check out my popular online classes!

Have a Question? Search Past Posts

Want More Tips? Connect with me in my Facebook Group!

 

Shrub Pruning Booklet: Say “No” to ball, square & cupcake-shaped shrubs!

Spiral-bound pruning guide booklet for shrubs

Product of the Month: Leather Gardening Gloves

 

Spring is the busiest time of year for pruning plants. Are your hands ready? A good pair of leather gloves is really important. My Bamllum gloves have a good grip and offer great protection.

 

Amazon Disclosure

AZ Plant Lady, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.

Privacy & Policy, Disclaimer & Disclosure

 

“…and the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” Isaiah 35:1

© 2008-2025
Noelle Johnson
All Rights Reserved.

Popular Classes and Membership Club

desert gardening 101 class logo

Shop for My Recommended Garden Products:

Sign-Up For My Free Guide to Gardening in the Desert!

I promise not to sell or share your email with anyone ever!

*Please note that I cannot answer individual gardening questions.

Privacy Policy

Order My Newest Book!

The Water-Smart Garden Book

My Award-Winning Book!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

© Copyright 2025 - azplantlady.com       Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Youtube
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT