Anacacho Orchid Tree
A small, Texas-native ornamental tree or large shrub with delicate, butterfly-shaped leaves and clusters of orchid-like flowers. Special Features Drought tolerant once established; distinctive two-lobed leaves; lightly fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage and excessive watering can cause root rot; improve drainage and avoid frequent irrigation. Extreme reflected heat can […]
Blue Alba Mesquite
A heat-loving selection of Argentine mesquite with fine-textured, blue-green foliage and a broad canopy that provides filtered shade in Phoenix landscapes. Special Features Distinctive blue-green foliage; excellent heat and drought tolerance; filtered shade; nitrogen-fixing roots; flowers attract pollinators. Commonly sold as a thornless selection, but confirm the nursery stock. Problems & Solutions Excess irrigation can […]
Gold Mound Lantana
A compact, spreading lantana with clusters of golden-yellow flowers and textured green foliage, well suited to Phoenix landscapes. Special Features Heat tolerant and drought tolerant once established; attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage can cause root rot; avoid overwatering. Watch for whiteflies, spider mites, and lace bugs; treat confirmed infestations with […]
Grey Horizon Emu Bush
A low-growing Australian emu bush with soft, silvery-gray foliage and small tubular flowers. Eremophila glabra ‘Grey Horizon’ forms a spreading groundcover suited to Phoenix desert landscapes. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant once established; attractive silver foliage; low-maintenance groundcover; flowers attract nectar-feeding wildlife. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil: improve drainage and avoid […]
Lantana ‘Teenie Genie’
A compact dwarf lantana with aromatic green foliage and abundant flower clusters that change from yellow to pink and fuchsia. Special Features Compact size; excellent heat tolerance; drought tolerant once established; attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage can cause root rot; avoid overwatering. Watch for whiteflies, spider mites, and lace bugs; […]
Limonium Salt Lake #2
Compact sea lavender marketed as Limonium ‘Salt Lake’, with leathery green leaves and airy sprays of lavender-purple flowers. ‘#2’ generally refers to nursery container size, not a separate cultivar. Special Features Long-lasting flowers; attracts pollinators; useful for fresh and dried arrangements; tolerates drought and some soil salinity once established. Problems & Solutions Root and crown […]
Oak
Southern live oak, a long-lived shade tree with leathery leaves, a broad canopy, and strong, spreading branches. Adaptable to Phoenix heat with adequate irrigation and rooting space. Special Features Dense shade; picturesque branching; heat tolerance; moderate drought tolerance once established; acorns support wildlife. Problems & Solutions Yellow leaves with green veins may indicate iron chlorosis; […]
Angelita Daisy
A compact Southwestern native perennial with a tuft of narrow leaves and cheerful yellow daisies held above the foliage on slender stems. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; attracts bees and butterflies; compact size suits small desert landscapes. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage and frequent watering can cause root or crown rot; allow soil to […]
Blackfoot Daisy
A compact, drought-tolerant Southwestern native perennial with fine-textured foliage and abundant white daisies with yellow centers. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; attracts bees and butterflies; fragrant flowers; generally deer resistant. Problems & Solutions Root and crown rot in wet soil: improve drainage and reduce irrigation. Leggy growth: lightly shear after a bloom cycle, avoiding […]
Easter Egg Emu
Easter egg emu bush (Eremophila racemosa) is an Australian shrub with narrow green leaves and tubular flowers that change color as they mature, creating a multicolored display. Special Features Color-changing flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators; drought tolerant and well suited to low-water gardens. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil: improve drainage and […]