Queen Victoria Agave
A compact, slow-growing agave forming a tight rosette of dark green leaves edged with white margins, each tipped with a sharp terminal spine. Monocarpic, producing a tall flower spike once at maturity after many years, then dying. An elegant desert accent. Special Features Striking white-margined leaf markings for year-round interest; extremely drought and heat tolerant […]
Salvia ‘Ignition White’
A compact shrubby sage, Salvia × jamensis ‘Ignition White’, with aromatic green foliage and abundant white flowers; well suited to Phoenix gardens with afternoon shade. Special Features Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies; aromatic foliage; moderately drought tolerant once established. Problems & Solutions Extreme afternoon heat can scorch foliage; provide afternoon shade. Poor drainage and excessive […]
Sedum Autumn Joy
A clump-forming succulent perennial with fleshy leaves and broad flower heads that age from pink to coppery rust. Also known as Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’; Phoenix’s extreme summer heat makes it a challenging rather than reliably desert-adapted choice. Special Features Succulent foliage; nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies; dried flower heads provide seasonal interest; drought tolerant once […]
Purple Heart (Spiderwort)
Low, trailing perennial with deep-purple, lance-shaped leaves and small three-petaled orchid-pink flowers. Spreads readily by rooting stems and makes an excellent groundcover or container plant. Best with afternoon shade in the low desert to prevent scorch. Special Features Vivid purple foliage; fast-spreading groundcover; attracts pollinators; easy to propagate from cuttings Problems & Solutions Spider mites […]
Society Garlic
A clump-forming perennial with narrow, grasslike leaves that smell of garlic when crushed and slender stalks bearing lavender flowers. Special Features Heat tolerant with established drought tolerance; attracts pollinators and is generally resistant to deer and rabbits. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil: improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Brown leaf tips or scorch […]
Tulbaghia Vio Tricolor
A compact, clumping society garlic with narrow, arching leaves striped green and cream, often flushed pink, and clusters of lavender flowers. Special Features Colorful variegated foliage; garlic-scented leaves when crushed; tolerates some drought once established and attracts pollinators. Problems & Solutions Leaf scorch in intense sun (provide afternoon shade); root rot in wet soil (improve […]
Victoria Agave
A compact, sculptural agave with a dense rosette of thick, dark green leaves marked by crisp white lines. Smooth leaf margins end in a sharp, dark terminal spine. Special Features Striking geometric symmetry and white leaf markings; drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and well suited to small spaces and containers. Problems & Solutions Root and crown […]
Austral Gem Asplenium
A compact hybrid fern with thick, glossy, finely divided fronds. More tolerant of dry indoor air than many ferns, but not suited to exposed Phoenix desert conditions. Special Features Leathery, lustrous fronds; compact form; relatively tolerant of low humidity compared with many other ferns. Problems & Solutions Phoenix sun, hot winds, and extreme heat can […]
Geranium
A tender perennial commonly called zonal geranium, with rounded, scalloped leaves and colorful flower clusters. In Phoenix, it performs best as a cool-season bedding or container plant. Special Features Long-lasting seasonal color; excellent container performance; tolerates brief dry periods once established. Problems & Solutions Extreme heat causes stress and reduced flowering; provide afternoon shade and […]
Green Apple Snap
A compact hybrid cactus with rounded to short-columnar, ribbed green stems and showy apple-green to pale yellow flowers. Special Features Unusual greenish flower coloration; large flowers relative to plant size; drought tolerant once established; well suited to containers. Problems & Solutions Root rot from excess moisture: improve drainage and let soil dry between waterings. Sunburn: […]