Aloe nobilis
Gold-tooth aloe, a compact rosette succulent with stiff, toothed green leaves that offsets freely into dense clumps. Produces spikes of orange-red tubular flowers in late spring to summer. Reliable, sun-tolerant low-water groundcover-type aloe. Special Features Drought tolerant once established; attracts hummingbirds; offsets freely for easy division; forms dense clumps Problems & Solutions Root rot in […]
Chinese Lantern
A spreading herbaceous perennial, also known as Alkekengi officinarum, grown for papery orange-red husks resembling miniature lanterns. Challenging in Phoenix because it prefers cooler summers. Special Features Showy orange-red husks persist after foliage declines and are excellent for dried arrangements. Problems & Solutions Phoenix heat can cause scorching and poor performance; provide afternoon shade, mulch, […]
Gold Mound Lantana
A compact, spreading lantana with clusters of golden-yellow flowers and textured green foliage, well suited to Phoenix landscapes. Special Features Heat tolerant and drought tolerant once established; attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage can cause root rot; avoid overwatering. Watch for whiteflies, spider mites, and lace bugs; treat confirmed infestations with […]
Kishokan Dwarf Butterfly Agave
A compact butterfly agave with thick, blue-green leaves edged in creamy yellow, prominent reddish-brown teeth, and dark terminal spines. Special Features Compact size, decorative leaf impressions, contrasting variegation, and striking teeth; drought tolerant and well suited to containers. Problems & Solutions Overwatering causes root and crown rot; ensure excellent drainage. Harsh Phoenix sun can scorch […]
Nobilis Blue Aloe
A clumping aloe with thick, blue-green leaves and pale marginal teeth. Identified here as Aloe perfoliata, also called mitre aloe; the trade name ‘Nobilis Blue’ may be used inconsistently. Special Features Sculptural blue-green rosettes; drought tolerant once established; produces offsets; flowers attract hummingbirds. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil: improve drainage and allow […]
Black Spine Agave
Black spine agave (Agave macroacantha) forms compact, symmetrical rosettes of narrow blue-gray leaves tipped with prominent black spines and edged with dark teeth. Special Features Striking black terminal spines, compact architectural form and strong drought tolerance; well suited to small desert landscapes. Problems & Solutions Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root and crown rot. […]
Argentine Hedgehog
A clumping Argentine cactus with upright, ribbed green stems, golden to brownish spines, and large, showy flowers. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; dramatic seasonal flowers; produces offsets that gradually form a dense clump. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil (improve drainage and reduce watering); sunburn in intense reflected heat (provide afternoon shade); […]
Bulbine
A clumping South African succulent perennial with slender, fleshy leaves and airy spikes of star-shaped flowers with fuzzy yellow stamens. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant once established; attracts bees and other pollinators; easy to propagate by division. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil (improve drainage and avoid frequent watering); leaf scorch in […]
English Lavender
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an aromatic, woody perennial with narrow, silvery-green leaves and fragrant flower spikes. Phoenix’s extreme summer heat makes it challenging to grow and potentially short-lived. Special Features Fragrant foliage and flowers; attracts bees and butterflies; useful for dried flowers and culinary purposes when grown without unsuitable pesticides. Problems & Solutions Extreme […]
Mexican Heather
A compact, finely textured shrub with small, glossy leaves and abundant tiny flowers; also called false heather and unrelated to true heathers. Special Features Long flowering season; attracts bees and butterflies; fine-textured foliage; tolerates heat with sufficient moisture and afternoon shade. Problems & Solutions Extreme heat and drought can cause wilting or leaf scorch; provide […]