Whenever I am not writing, you’ll often find me out in the field helping others learn how to grow and maintain their landscapes.
Usually most landscape consultations are fairly routine. However, I sometimes see something truly unique.
Earlier this week, I saw something that is probably the most unexpected thing that I’ve ever encountered.
Here is how it unfolded…
I met with a very nice couple who had a new landscape installed a year ago. While they were very happy with the design, they wanted to learn how to care for their plants and needed help with some problems with dead plant(s) and some failing to thrive.
Other than a dead Valentine bush, some iron chlorosis, over fertilizing and a few plants growing in the wrong exposure – it was all fairly routine until I saw an unusual shrub off in the distance.
I must confess that I had no idea what the shrub was from this distance. Now every once in a while, I am faced with a plant that I am not familiar with, but I was hopeful that as we got nearer, I would be able to figure it out.
As we got closer to the shrub, I still didn’t know what it was. I’m starting to feel a bit uncomfortable because I have no idea what this shrub is.
It did have dark, dusty green foliage that started to turn red with cooler winter temperatures.
The homeowner had carefully staked it upright and it had an attractive vase shape growth habit.
At this point, the homeowner complained about a mesquite tree volunteer that was coming up at the base.
I took a closer look and discovered that the so called ‘mesquite tree’ was actually a Baja fairy duster – that was a MAJOR clue about the identity of this unusual shrub.
At this point, I looked closer at the leaves of the shrub, which did look rather familiar – just not on a shrub…
Does it look familiar to you?
At this point, I knew what it was, but I couldn’t get my head around what this unusual shrub actually was.
Can you tell what it is yet?
The base was quite large and I could see the Baja Fairy Duster, to the left, trying to grow.
I told the homeowners that what they thought was a mesquite tree volunteer (basically a weed), was in fact the plant that was supposed to grow there.
So what was the ‘unusual shrub’ then?
Belive it or not, the shrub that the homeowners had carefully staked and fertilized over the past year was actually a WEED!
So what kind of weed was it?
That large shrub that was 4+ ft. high and 2 ft. wide was really a spotted spurge weed!
Can you believe it?
Spotted spurge is the bane of many gardeners and is a low-growing weed that spreads. I hate this little weed. I’ve spent hours battling this weed during my time as a horticulturist for golf courses and now in my own garden.
So how did the homeowners mistake this weed for a shrub? Well, I suspect that the nursery container, with their actual shrub, had spurge already growing in it (not uncommon).
The new shrub was quite small when first planted and the spurge, like most weeds, grew quickly – much more quickly than the shrub itself.
The poor little Baja fairy duster had little chance of growing afterward since weeds are famous for being vigorous growers and out compete other plants for water and nutrients.
So what did the homeowners think, you may wonder?
Well, they were shocked, but then got a good laugh out of it. The wife was having a lot of fun teasing her husband about his ‘unusual shrub’.
Have you ever seen an unusual plant that turned out to be a weed? This one is definitely one for the books in my career.
**If you have problems with spurge, you can treat them with homemade weed killer that uses natural ingredients – vinegar and soap – that’s it.
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/NoelleJohnsonLandscapeConsultation-1.jpg7891200arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-12-11 19:18:002022-10-31 00:07:39A Most Unusual Shrub With a Shocking Secret…
I do. I must admit that I am not a huge fan of cacti in my own garden – I have only two. But, I do have a number of agave, which are without a doubt, my favorite succulent.
What’s not to love about agave?
They are drought-tolerant, fuss-free and with over 200 species to choose from, the possibilities in the landscape are almost endless.
From species 18 inches in size to large size species over 6 feet tall and a variety of colors and leaf shapes to choose from, it’s a wonder that I don’t have more agave in my landscape.
Would you like to include agave in your landscape?
Learn more about this versatile agave and how to use it in your landscape in my latest article for Houzz.
Do you have agave growing in your garden? What species is your favorite?
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Queen-Butterfly-Agave_victoria_reginae-1.jpg800573arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-11-04 16:19:002022-11-02 00:11:03Beautiful Agave: How to Grow and Use It In Your Landscape
I love to use plants that thrive in the desert Southwest.
But, I won’t use just any plant – it has to be drought tolerant, low-maintenance and add beauty to the landscape.
One of my favorites for adding spiky texture and great color contrast is desert spoon, also known as ‘sotol’.
It handles freezing temperatures, is evergreen and unlike agave, won’t die after it flowers.
I recently wrote about all the reasons that I like desert spoon along with ideas of how to use it in the landscape, which you can find in my latest article for Houzz.com
**By the way, there is just 5 days left to enter the giveaway I am hosting for Troy-Bilt’s most powerful, handheld blower. Click here to enter!
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/SouthwestLandscapewithdesertspoon-1.jpg7901200arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-10-22 20:04:002021-01-06 09:53:06Desert Spoon Adds Spiky Texture and Color Contrast to the SW Garden
When you visit a nursery, do you wonder which plants are drought tolerant as opposed to those who will wilt if not given enough water?
There are a few different traits that many drought-tolerant plants share. For example, did you know that small leaves and gray foliage can be signs that a plant may be drought-tolerant?
I recently shared several traits to look for when shopping for drought-tolerant plants for Houzz.com
I hope this article will help you to create a beautiful, drought-tolerant garden!
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/AZ-Plant-Lady-Graphic-Video.jpg14431442arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-10-01 13:00:002022-11-02 00:54:16How to Tell If a Plant is Drought Tolerant
Have you ever gardened in an area where spiny cacti, dry heat, and scorpions are common elements?
I was recently invited to be on the podcast, “Back to My Garden” where I shared some of the highs and lows of gardening in the desert along with some helpful tips.
So, if you are wanting to pick up some helpful tips on how to garden in the desert Southwest OR you just want to know what I sound like (just kidding), I invite you to listen to the “Back to My Garden” podcast, which you can listen on iTunes, or you can listen by clicking here.
I would be thrilled if you took a few minutes to listen. My hope is that you enjoy it and come away with an understanding that you really can grow a beautiful, drought-tolerant garden in the middle of the desert!
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SonoranDesertlandscape.jpg7951200arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-09-29 19:30:002022-11-03 02:56:46Gardening in the Desert Southwest – Interview
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?
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.
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.
2. Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii): Painting Winter with Vibrant Hues
A Symphony of Color: Firecracker Penstemon’s Winter Splendor
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/artichoke_agave_golden_barrel_cactus_Argentine_giant.jpg16001480arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-08-25 13:30:002023-08-30 13:25:2410 Best Plants for the Southwestern Landscape
What type of trellis do you use for them? Is it your basic (somewhat boring) wooden trellis?
What if you could make your own trellis that not only looks better but costs next to nothing?
*I have been sharing some of my favorite garden blog posts that I have written recently for Birds & Blooms magazine where I serve as the garden blogger – including this one about how to make your own ‘natural’ trellis.
Wooden trellis
I have seen quite a few trellises made from branches, but I thought this one that I saw while visiting the Green Bay Botanical Gardens in Wisconsin, was especially nice because you could see how it was made because the vine had not yet grown up on it.
With all of the stormy weather, I’m sure you have your share of branches that have blown down from your tree that you can use. I shared how to create your own trellis using branches in a recent post for Birds & Blooms…
Is your garden looking a bit lackluster and in need of more color than green? While colorful flowering plants can help, it is hard to find a plant that will flower all year long.
*Some of you may know that I am the garden blogger forBirds & Blooms magazine. I have been going through some recent blog posts that I have written for them and thought that I would share some of my favorites with you.
As part of a two-part series, I shared some creative ways to add color to the landscape without relying on plants alone. This is especially helpful during the winter months when not many plants are in flower.
Most of the photographs in these posts were taken during a recent trip to Southeastern Arizona including Bisbee, Tombstone, and Tucson.
I hope that you are inspired to use a few of these colorful ideas in your own landscape!
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/logo-1.png121239arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-08-20 13:30:002022-06-12 04:19:3310 Ways to Add Color to Your Garden Without Plants
There are some plants in the landscape that are underused through not fault of their own.
This can be for a number of reasons, one of which, is that it isn’t stocked at local nurseries. Customers often walk into their local nursery without any specific plant in mind and choose from what is in stock.
Another reason is that many southwestern natives aren’t all that impressive looking in their nursery container, where their root growth is restricted. However once they are planted and roots begin growing, they really take off and transform into a beautiful plant.
One underused plant in the southwest garden is little leaf cordia (Cordia parvifolia).
There are so many reasons to love this underused, native shrub…
– it is evergreen in zones 8 and above
– thrives in areas with full, reflected sun
– is drought tolerant
– needs no fertilizer
– rarely needs to be pruned
– and perhaps most importantly, it has beautiful, white flowers!
I recently wrote about little leaf cordia for Houzz.com and how to grow and use it in the landscape.
My hope that this underused shrub will soon become a much-used shrub in the southwestern landscape.
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