Pecan ‘Western Schley’
A large, deciduous pecan cultivar widely grown in the Southwest, producing flavorful, thin-shelled nuts. Well suited to Phoenix heat when given ample irrigation and room to develop. Special Features Edible, thin-shelled pecans; substantial summer shade; adapted to Southwestern heat. A Type I pollen-shedding cultivar; planting a compatible Type II cultivar such as Wichita improves pollination […]
Fraser Photinia
A broadleaf evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and brilliant red new growth that matures to dark green. Often called red-tip photinia; Phoenix’s extreme heat and alkaline soils can make it challenging to grow. Special Features Vivid red new foliage, glossy mature leaves, and dense screening growth; tolerates selective pruning. Problems & Solutions Leaf scorch and […]
Canary Island Date Palm
Large, stately palm native to the Canary Islands. Develops a thick, pineapple-textured trunk with age and dense arching fronds. Widely used as a specimen or street tree in warm desert climates. Special Features Bold tropical form with a distinctive pineapple-shaped trunk base; drought tolerant once established; effective as a large specimen or avenue tree. Problems […]
Pixie Mandarin
A late-season mandarin producing small, sweet, seedless fruit with easy-peeling orange skin. ‘Pixie’ refers to the fruit size, not a naturally dwarf tree. Special Features Sweet, seedless, easy-peeling fruit; self-fruitful and does not require a pollinator. Late harvest season; may take several years to become productive. Problems & Solutions Sunburn on exposed bark and fruit […]
Cream de Mint Pittosporum
Compact evergreen shrub with variegated green-and-cream foliage and fragrant white spring flowers. Tolerates heat better than many variegated shrubs but scorches in unshaded reflected heat. Special Features Variegated cream-and-green foliage; fragrant flowers; salt tolerant; good low-water shrub once established Problems & Solutions Aphids and scale (insecticidal soap or horticultural oil); root rot in heavy, overwatered […]
Wheeler’s Dwarf Pittosporum
Compact, mounding evergreen shrub with dense, glossy dark green foliage and fragrant white to cream spring flowers. Well suited for low borders, mass plantings, and foundation use in low-desert landscapes. Special Features Fragrant flowers; salt tolerant; heat tolerant once established; dense foliage suppresses weeds Problems & Solutions Root rot if overwatered (ensure drainage); aphids and […]
Prickly Pear Baby Rita
A compact beavertail-type prickly pear with rounded, flattened blue-gray pads that develop attractive purple tones, especially during cool weather or drought. Special Features Compact size; colorful purple-blushed pads; excellent heat and drought tolerance; flowers attract native bees. Problems & Solutions Overwatering or poor drainage can cause rot; let soil dry thoroughly. Cochineal scale may appear […]
Prickly Pear Black Spine
A compact prickly pear cactus with blue-green pads that develop purple tones and striking, long, dark spines concentrated near the upper pad edges. Special Features Distinctive blackish spines and seasonal purple coloration; heat and drought tolerant; flowers attract native bees. Problems & Solutions Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root and pad rot; let soil […]
Purple Hopseed Bush
A tough, upright evergreen shrub with narrow, leathery leaves that turn bronze-purple, especially in cool weather; well suited to Phoenix landscapes. Special Features Heat, drought, and wind tolerant; colorful foliage and papery seed capsules; useful as a low-water privacy screen. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage and overwatering can cause root rot; allow soil to dry […]
Prickly Pear Lemon Bunny Ears
A compact, shrubby cactus with oval green pads dotted with lemon-yellow clusters of tiny barbed bristles called glochids, creating a bunny-ear appearance. Special Features Distinctive yellow-dotted pads; drought tolerant and well suited to desert gardens. Lacks long spines but has irritating, easily detached glochids. Problems & Solutions Overwatering causes root and pad rot; improve drainage […]