Red Bells
Red Bells (Enkianthus deflexus) is a deciduous shrub with dangling, bell-shaped spring flowers and colorful autumn foliage. Native to Asian mountain regions, it is poorly suited to Phoenix’s extreme heat, dry air, and alkaline soils, despite potential winter-hardiness compatibility. Special Features Delicate bell-shaped flowers, attractive branching, and yellow, orange, or red fall foliage. Autumn color […]
Raywood Ash
Raywood ash (Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa ‘Raywood’) is a deciduous shade tree with finely textured foliage and burgundy fall color. It can grow in Phoenix but may struggle with extreme heat and drought stress. Special Features Fine-textured canopy, summer shade, and wine-red to purple fall foliage. Typically seedless; fall color varies with weather and growing […]
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 […]
Red Oak
Northern red oak is a large eastern North American shade tree with pointed, lobed leaves and acorns. Quercus rubra is poorly adapted to Phoenix’s extreme summer heat and alkaline soils, despite its cold hardiness. Special Features Broad shade canopy, wildlife-supporting acorns, and russet to red fall color in suitable climates. Fall color is unreliable in […]
Rio Red Grapefruit
A productive grapefruit tree bearing large, yellow fruit with a pink blush and juicy, deep-red flesh. Fruit is sweet-tart and usually nearly seedless; Phoenix heat supports good flavor development. Special Features Red-fleshed edible fruit; fragrant blossoms; glossy foliage; well suited to hot desert climates when adequately irrigated. Problems & Solutions Sunburn: retain lower branches and […]
ROSA CL BANKSIAE LUTEA
Yellow Lady Banks rose is a vigorous, nearly thornless climbing rose with masses of small, double, pale yellow flowers in spring. Well adapted to Phoenix when given adequate space and irrigation. Special Features Nearly thornless canes; profuse spring flowers; good heat tolerance and generally strong disease resistance. Problems & Solutions Aphids and spider mites may […]
Ruby Red Grapefruit
A subtropical citrus tree producing large, yellow-skinned grapefruit with blush-red flesh and a sweet-tart flavor. Well suited to Phoenix heat with adequate irrigation. Special Features Edible pink-to-red-fleshed fruit, fragrant blossoms, glossy foliage, and good heat tolerance. Self-fertile; one tree can produce fruit. Problems & Solutions Freeze damage: protect young trees during freezes. Sunburn: shade young […]
Rubus ‘Black Satin’ Blackberry
A vigorous, thornless blackberry producing large, glossy black berries on second-year canes. Can grow in Phoenix, but intense summer heat and insufficient winter chilling can limit fruit production. Special Features Thornless canes; self-fertile flowers; edible berries attractive to wildlife. Fruit is best harvested fully black and soft for sweeter flavor. Problems & Solutions Not a […]
Rubus X Superlicious PP
Superlicious is a fruiting Rubus hybrid grown for sweet, dark berries and lush green foliage. In Phoenix, it requires protection from intense afternoon sun and consistent irrigation; it is not a low-water desert plant. Special Features Edible berries, pollinator-attracting flowers, and generally self-fertile flowers. Best suited to a carefully managed edible garden rather than a […]
White Sapote ‘Suebelle’
A relatively compact white sapote cultivar producing green to yellow-green fruit with sweet, creamy, custard-like flesh. ‘Suebelle’ needs protection from Phoenix’s intense afternoon heat. Special Features Sweet, edible fruit; relatively compact habit; generally self-fruitful. Fruit bruises easily and is best harvested carefully and eaten soon after softening. Do not eat the seeds. Problems & Solutions […]