Fukushu Kumquat
Fukushu kumquat is a compact citrus tree with broad, glossy leaves and large, oval to pear-shaped orange fruit. The sweet, edible rind contrasts with tart flesh; fruit is eaten whole or used in preserves. Special Features Self-fertile; edible peel; fragrant flowers; ornamental fruit; more cold tolerant than many other citrus once established. Problems & Solutions […]
Little Ollie Dwarf Olive
Compact, fruitless (or nearly fruitless) olive with dense silvery-green foliage. Grown as a large shrub, informal hedge, or trained into a small multi-trunk tree. Tolerates heat, drought, and poor alkaline soils once established. Special Features Fruitless — no messy drop and minimal pollen; silvery evergreen foliage; heat and drought tolerant; shears well for hedging Problems […]
Blue Hibiscus
An Australian shrub with deeply lobed foliage and large, hibiscus-like lavender-blue flowers; well suited to dry gardens with excellent drainage. Special Features Drought tolerant once established; showy flowers attract bees; responds well to pruning for a fuller shape. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage and frequent watering can cause root rot; allow soil to dry between […]
Alyogyne huegelii ‘Santa Cruz’
Fast-growing evergreen shrub native to Australia, valued for large, hibiscus-like lavender-blue flowers over a long warm season. Well suited to hot, dry climates with sharp drainage; often short-lived and improved by regular pruning. Special Features Large showy flowers; drought tolerant once established; heat tolerant; attracts butterflies and bees Problems & Solutions Short-lived if overwatered or […]
Blue Potato Bush
Fast-growing, loosely arching evergreen shrub producing violet-blue flowers nearly year-round in warm climates. Used as a specimen shrub, espalier, or trained standard. Tolerates Phoenix heat with regular water and afternoon shade. Special Features Long bloom season with showy violet-blue flowers; can be trained as a standard or espalier; attracts butterflies and bees Problems & Solutions […]