Buddha’s Hand Citrus
An unusual citron bearing intensely fragrant, yellow fruit divided into fingerlike segments. The thick rind and pith are edible, with little to no pulp or juice. Special Features Highly aromatic, sculptural fruit prized for zest, candying, and fragrance; fragrant flowers; self-fertile, so only one tree is needed for fruit. Problems & Solutions Among the most […]
Orange Hibiscus
A frost-tender tropical shrub with glossy green foliage and large, showy orange flowers; best grown in a sheltered Phoenix garden or movable container. Special Features Long flowering season, bold tropical appearance, and flowers that attract hummingbirds; suitable for containers but not drought tolerant. Problems & Solutions Freezing temperatures damage foliage and stems; cover with frost […]
Panama Red Hibiscus
Panama Red is generally sold as Hibiscus acetosella ‘Panama Red’, not Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. This tropical shrub is grown primarily for its deeply lobed, burgundy-red foliage; the care below applies to that cultivar. Special Features Rich red, maple-like foliage; strong contrast with green or silver plants; vigorous warm-season growth. Problems & Solutions Frost injury: provide frost […]
Butterfly Bush
Fast-growing shrub with arching branches, narrow gray-green leaves, and fragrant flower spikes that attract butterflies; needs protection from Phoenix’s harshest summer conditions. Special Features Fragrant, butterfly-attracting flowers; rapid growth; blooms on new wood. Provides nectar rather than serving as a host plant for most butterfly caterpillars. Problems & Solutions Extreme heat can cause leaf scorch […]
Cam S Pink-A-Boo
Pink-A-Boo is a fragrant, pink-flowered evergreen camellia generally sold as Camellia sasanqua ‘MonDel’, rather than Camellia japonica. It is challenging in Phoenix because of extreme summer heat, alkaline soil, and mineral-rich water. Special Features Fragrant flowers, glossy foliage, and cool-season bloom. Not drought tolerant or well adapted to exposed desert landscapes. Problems & Solutions Leaf […]
Apricot Hibiscus
A tropical hibiscus with large apricot-colored flowers and glossy green foliage. In Phoenix, it thrives in sheltered locations with afternoon shade and frost protection. Special Features Showy tropical flowers; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Suitable for containers but not drought tolerant. Problems & Solutions Frost damage: cover during freezes or move containers into shelter. Leaf scorch […]