This small, but tough little shrub is the perfect addition to the classic native Sonoran Desert landscape. It will survive with little irrigation, but will blossom profusely throughout the warm months with more moisture. The purple flowers, reminiscent of the petunia, attract hummingbirds and occasional butterflies. A perfect spot for the Baja Ruellia is one…
Height: 3 – 6 feet Width: 3 – 6 feet Bloom color: Inconspicuous; Brownish Flowering season: Fall, Winter USDA minimum zone: 7 Cold hardiness: 10° F
This native was once an important part of the lives of Native Americans living in the Southwest. It was used as not only a food source, but also for cleaning, bathing, to make ropes, baskets, paintbrushes, and more! These days, it makes a lovely addition to the low-water landscape. The banana yucca has long, narrow…
There are many good reasons why it is becoming increasingly difficult to encounter a landscape in Tucson that doesn’t include at least one of these lush, tropical shrubs. Mainly popular for its display of intense, deep magenta color from spring through fall, Bougainvillea makes a terrific backdrop when trellised against a wall or fence, performs…
Thick, sandpapery, dark green foliage is the perfect backdrop for the rich red and purple flowers of the Bat Face Cuphea. The petite blossoms resemble that of a bat’s face, and cover the plant profusely in the spring, summer, and fall. It prefers to reside in areas that receive just a few hours of morning…
The beaked yucca is one of the most cold-hardy yuccas, not receiving any damage in temperatures down to zero degrees. Narrow, blue-green leaves have pretty yellow margins. White, bell-shaped flowers emerge on a large central flower stalk in the spring. While it is quite slow growing, this tree-like yucca makes a large dramatic statement all…
Bird of paradise is, without a doubt, a showstopper specimen plant. Its grey-green foliage is similar to that of a banana plant, and its spectacular flower resembles tropical birds. Blossoms appear in spring and fall and are more profuse in cooler weather. It is also quite drought tolerant, and will thrive in most soils. Long-lasting…
This medium, rounded shrub is one of the many reasons we’re lucky to be gardening in the Southwest! Virtually unknown outside of its native habitat, this tough, versatile shrub is right at home in almost any setting, easily blending into courtyards, patio areas, informal hedges, landscape foundations and rock or cactus gardens. Black Dalea’s delicate,…
Height: 6 – 8 feet Width: 4 – 6 feet Bloom color: Dark Purple Flowering season: Summer, Fall USDA minimum zone: 5 Cold hardiness: -5° F