Moringa Tree
A fast-growing tropical tree with feathery foliage, fragrant flowers, and long seedpods; grown in Phoenix for edible leaves and seasonal shade. Special Features Edible leaves and young seedpods; exceptionally rapid warm-season growth; heat tolerant and drought tolerant once established. Problems & Solutions Frost can kill young trees or cause severe dieback; plant in a warm, […]
Hercules Aloe
A sculptural tree aloe with a thick trunk, branching canopy, and large succulent rosettes. Hercules is generally Aloidendron ‘Hercules’, a hybrid of A. barberae and A. dichotomum, rather than pure A. barberae. Special Features Massive sculptural trunk, architectural branching, drought tolerance, and hummingbird-attracting flowers. Problems & Solutions Root and crown rot (avoid standing water and […]
Silky Wisteria ‘Showa-beni’
Deciduous twining vine producing large, fragrant, pink to rose-pink flower clusters in spring. Marginal in the low desert due to heat, alkaline soil, and limited winter chill; best in a protected, part-shaded microclimate. Needs strong support and regular pruning. Special Features Exceptionally fragrant pink blooms; short racemes ~4-6 in long; attracts bees and butterflies Problems […]
Coral Gum Eucalyptus
Small Australian eucalyptus with gray-green leaves, rough gray-brown bark, decorative ribbed coral-red flower buds, and showy pink to coral blooms; well suited to Phoenix desert landscapes. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; distinctive coral-red buds and ornamental woody seed capsules; flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage and frequent watering can […]