Quick Silver Agave
A sculptural agave with broad, arching, silvery blue-green leaves forming an open rosette. Leaf margins are mostly smooth, but each leaf ends in a sharp terminal spine. Special Features Silvery foliage, graceful leaf shape, drought tolerance, and mostly toothless leaf margins; useful as a softer-looking desert accent. Problems & Solutions Harsh afternoon sun can scorch […]
Roadkill Cactus
A tree-form Caribbean cactus with unusually thin, flattened, irregularly shaped pads that give it the common name roadkill cactus. Special Features Distinctive flattened pads, sculptural branching, and good heat and drought tolerance once established; often nearly spineless but still bears irritating glochids. Problems & Solutions Frost-sensitive and not reliably hardy through Zone 9b freezes; protect […]
Variegated Smooth Edge Agave
Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ forms graceful rosettes of arching green leaves edged in golden yellow. Leaf margins are nearly smooth, but each leaf ends in a sharp terminal spine. Special Features Bold golden variegation; graceful, relatively smooth-edged foliage; drought tolerant once established; produces offsets. Problems & Solutions Harsh afternoon sun can scorch leaves; provide afternoon shade. […]
White Pearl Lantana
A sun-loving lantana with clusters of pearl-white flowers and textured green foliage, providing a long season of color in Phoenix gardens. Special Features Heat tolerant and drought tolerant once established; attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Frost damage: prune back after frost danger passes. Root rot: improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Whiteflies, lace […]
Agave Creme Brule
A variegated selection of Agave guiengola with broad, fleshy, pale blue-green leaves edged in creamy yellow. Small marginal teeth and a dark terminal spine accent its sculptural rosette. Special Features Bold cream-edged foliage; drought tolerant once established; striking specimen for sheltered desert gardens and containers. Problems & Solutions Overwatering and poor drainage cause rot. Afternoon […]
Shoestring Acacia
A graceful Australian desert tree with long, narrow, shoestring-like foliage and an airy, weeping canopy; well adapted to Phoenix heat. Special Features Thornless; heat and drought tolerant; provides filtered shade. Narrow, pendulous foliage adds movement and soft texture. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage and excessive irrigation can cause root problems; allow drying between deep waterings. […]