Fern Leaf Lavender
A tender, woody-based perennial with finely divided, fernlike foliage and slender stems bearing violet-blue flowers; well suited to warm, dry gardens with excellent drainage. Special Features Fernlike, aromatic foliage; long flowering season; attracts bees and butterflies; drought tolerant once established. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil: improve drainage and avoid frequent shallow watering. […]
Lantana Irene
A colorful, heat-loving shrub with rough-textured, aromatic green leaves and rounded clusters of flowers that change color as they mature. Special Features 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; monitor foliage […]
Lilac Vine
An Australian evergreen vine with leathery green leaves and cascading clusters of purple, pea-shaped flowers that brighten Phoenix gardens in late winter. Special Features Showy cool-season flowers; attracts bees; relatively drought tolerant once established in a sheltered location. Problems & Solutions Summer leaf scorch (provide afternoon shade and adequate irrigation); root rot (improve drainage and […]
Lemon Bottlebrush
An evergreen Australian shrub or small tree with narrow, lemon-scented leaves and showy red, bottlebrush-shaped flowers; also known as Melaleuca citrina. Special Features Lemon-scented foliage when crushed; attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies; tolerates heat and some drought once established. Problems & Solutions Yellow leaves with green veins may indicate iron chlorosis in alkaline soil; improve […]
Gazania
A low-growing South African perennial with narrow foliage and vibrant, daisy-like flowers; well suited to sunny Phoenix gardens with excellent drainage. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant once established; colorful groundcover that attracts pollinators and tolerates coastal conditions. Problems & Solutions Root and crown rot in wet soil: improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Spider mites […]
Black Dalea
A compact, fine-textured desert shrub with tiny compound leaves, dark woody stems, and abundant purple flowers. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; attracts bees and butterflies; nitrogen-fixing member of the pea family. Problems & Solutions Overwatering and poor drainage can cause root rot; allow soil to dry between irrigations. Occasional frost damage can be pruned […]
Lantana New Gold
A low-growing lantana cultivar with spreading stems, textured green foliage, and abundant clusters of golden-yellow flowers, well suited to Phoenix landscapes. Special Features Heat tolerant and drought tolerant once established; attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Generally produces little to no fruit. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage can cause root rot; avoid overwatering. Watch for whiteflies, […]
Lions Tail
A South African shrub with aromatic, narrow leaves and striking tiers of fuzzy orange flowers encircling upright stems. Special Features Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees; drought tolerant once established; aromatic foliage and distinctive tiered flowers. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage can cause root rot; avoid persistently wet soil. Extreme reflected heat can scorch foliage; provide […]
Lantana Tree
A colorful, heat-tolerant flowering shrub trained into a small tree with a single trunk and rounded canopy; tree form requires regular pruning. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant once established; nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Frost can damage the trunk and canopy; protect during freezes and prune damaged growth after […]
Mexicali Rose Fairy Duster
A heat-loving fairy duster selection with fine-textured foliage and showy rose-pink powder-puff flowers, well suited to Phoenix desert gardens. Special Features Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees; heat tolerant, drought tolerant once established, and thornless. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage and excessive watering can cause root problems; allow soil to dry between waterings. Frost may damage […]