Red Raspberry
Deciduous berry-producing bramble with upright, usually prickly canes and sweet red fruit. A challenging crop in Phoenix because extreme summer heat and limited winter chill can reduce survival and fruiting. Special Features Edible red berries; flowers support pollinators. Primocane-fruiting cultivars may be worth trialing, but reliable production is not assured in Phoenix. Problems & Solutions […]
Rosmarinus Off BBQ
An upright culinary rosemary with aromatic, needlelike leaves and strong, straight stems traditionally used as barbecue skewers. Commonly sold as ‘Barbecue’ or ‘BBQ’ rosemary. Special Features Edible, strongly aromatic foliage; sturdy stems suitable for culinary skewers; heat and drought tolerant once established; flowers attract bees. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil: improve drainage […]
Rosmar Off Barbeque
Barbeque rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Barbeque’, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is an upright culinary shrub with aromatic, needle-like leaves and sturdy, straight stems traditionally used as grilling skewers. Special Features Edible, strongly aromatic foliage; straight stems suitable for skewers; drought tolerant once established; flowers attract bees. Problems & Solutions Root and crown rot in wet soil: improve […]
Ruby Red Euphorbia
An upright, branching succulent, Euphorbia trigona ‘Rubra’ has three-sided stems, short paired spines, and burgundy-red leaves. Often called African milk tree, it is not a true cactus. Special Features Sculptural burgundy coloration; drought tolerant once established; easily grown in containers. Milky sap is toxic and irritating. Problems & Solutions Not reliably hardy outdoors in Zone […]
Chamaedorea Elegans Neanthe Bella Palm
A small tropical understory palm, also called parlor palm, with slender green stems and graceful, featherlike fronds. Best grown indoors or in a protected container in Phoenix. Special Features Shade tolerant, compact, and suitable for indoor containers; considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Problems & Solutions Phoenix sun and hot, dry winds scorch foliage; provide […]
Dracaena Deremensis
A tropical, cane-forming foliage plant with arching, strap-shaped leaves. Formerly classified as Dracaena deremensis, these cultivars are now included in Dracaena fragrans. Special Features Attractive foliage; tolerates lower indoor light; well suited to containers. Not frost hardy or adapted to exposed desert conditions. Problems & Solutions Phoenix sun and dry heat can scorch leaves; provide […]
Fire Barrel Cactus
A striking Mexican barrel cactus with deep green ribs densely armed with fiery red spines and occasional white bristles. Also commonly classified as Ferocactus pilosus. Special Features Vivid red spines, architectural form, exceptional drought tolerance, and strong visual interest year-round. Problems & Solutions Root rot from excess moisture: improve drainage and let soil dry fully. […]