Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical shrub valued for large, showy flowers in many colors. Performs in low-desert heat only with regular water and afternoon shade; reflected west sun scorches foliage. Frost-tender and often used as a specimen, informal hedge, or container plant. Special Features Large tropical flowers; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; can be trained as a small standard Problems […]
Royal Palm
Majestic tropical palm with a smooth, pale-gray trunk, prominent green crownshaft, and large, arching featherlike fronds. Marginal and generally unreliable outdoors in Phoenix Zone 9b because of frost, extreme dry heat, and low humidity. Special Features Striking architectural trunk and crownshaft; tropical appearance; self-cleaning canopy; flowers attract pollinators and fruits feed birds. Problems & Solutions […]
Crimson Passion Flower
A tropical climbing vine with large, grape-like, lobed leaves and spectacular crimson flowers; best grown in a sheltered Phoenix microclimate with winter protection. Special Features Showy tropical flowers attract hummingbirds; tendrils readily climb trellises and arbors. Problems & Solutions Frost-tender and marginal in Zone 9b; protect during freezes or grow in a movable container and […]