Euonymus
Compact evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves and a tidy, upright form. Responds well to shearing and is commonly used as a low formal hedge or edging. Needs afternoon shade to perform in the low desert. Special Features Tolerates shearing and formal clipping; fine-textured small leaves; good for low hedges and edging Problems […]
Parry’s Penstemon
A Sonoran Desert native perennial with blue-green foliage and airy spikes of bright pink tubular flowers; well suited to Phoenix desert gardens. Special Features Attracts hummingbirds and native bees; drought tolerant, desert adapted, and readily self-seeds in suitable conditions. Problems & Solutions Root and crown rot can occur in wet soil; ensure excellent drainage and […]
Tropical Milkweed
A fast-growing, nonnative milkweed with slender stems, narrow leaves, and vivid red-and-orange flowers with yellow crowns; attracts butterflies and supports monarch caterpillars. Special Features Monarch and queen butterfly host plant; nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators; long flowering season. Problems & Solutions Persistent foliage can harbor spores of the monarch parasite OE and encourage […]
Oakleaf Croton
A tropical croton grown for leathery, oakleaf-shaped foliage splashed with green, yellow, orange, and red. Best grown as a houseplant or movable patio container in Phoenix. Special Features Bold, multicolored, lobed foliage provides year-round interest. Sap can irritate skin, and ingestion is toxic to people and pets. Problems & Solutions Phoenix frost, dry air, and […]