This hardy evergreen shrub is a unique form of the True Myrtle, which has been highly valued by many cultures and cultivated for centuries. Unlike other Myrtles, this variety has an irregular, contorted shape that has lots of architectural appeal. Whether grown as a shrub or a small tree, Twisted Myrtle’s silhouette and gnarled branching…
This super cold hardy sunflower relative is native to Arizona and the Chihuahuan desert. Its evergreen foliage smells like turpentine when crushed, which makes it unattractive to rabbits and deer. Bright-yellow flowers that draw butterflies grace the top of this shrub in late summer and fall. It grows well in areas with native and rocky…
This hardy evergreen shrub has been highly valued by many cultures and cultivated for centuries. It takes very well to heavy shearing, and is often used to create a tall clipped hedge or topiary. If left unclipped, it develops into a dense, rounded shrub that is useful in foundations and borders, and it also has…
Trumpet Creeper is an extremely cold hardy vine that will quickly cover any structure. Cluster of six to twelve hot colored red-orange flowers cover lustrous green foliage for most of the year. Hummingbirds and orioles are particularly fond of the nectar and will travel from miles away for a drink. Strategic planting is necessary, because…
Height: 6 – 8 feet Width: 8 – 10 feet Bloom color: Lavender Pink/Purple Flowering season: Summer, Fall USDA minimum zone: 9 Cold hardiness: 20° F
Triangle-leaf Bursage is so prominent in the Sonoran Desert that it’s hard to imagine any natural areas in Tucson without it! This plant plays an important role in the desert community by protecting the delicate seedlings of other native plants from the heat, sun, and foraging animals. On developed land, however, this unsung hero serves…
The Tropical Hibiscus is well-known for its large, showy blossoms that vary in color from brilliant yellows and reds to peaceful pinks and whites in warm weather. Their lustrous, green foliage can differ as much as their blossoms, from dense to open, depending on variety. Typically associated with the flora and fauna of tropical locations…
Height: 1 – 2 feet Width: 4 – 6 feet Bloom color: Blue Flowering season: Spring, Summer USDA minimum zone: 7 Cold hardiness: 10° F
Every landscape in the Southwest should have at least one of these heat and drought tolerant beauties! They seem to be made specifically for our arid climate, greeting the scorching desert heat with solid blankets of white flowers that butterflies find enticing. Trailing White Lantana is a fast grower that stays low and spreads wide,…