Mandevilla
Tropical flowering vine with glossy green leaves and showy trumpet-shaped flowers; best grown in a sheltered location or movable container in Phoenix. Special Features Long flowering season; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; well suited to containers. Not a drought-tolerant desert plant. Problems & Solutions Frost-sensitive; cover during cold snaps or move containers into bright, frost-free shelter. […]
Mandevilla ‘Tropical Breeze Velvet’
Sold as Tropical Breeze Velvet mandevilla, this tropical flowering plant has glossy green foliage and velvety, deep-red trumpet-shaped flowers. In Phoenix, it is best grown in a sheltered container with protection from intense summer sun and winter cold. Special Features Showy, long-season tropical flowers; attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. Well suited to movable patio containers. […]
Canna Lily Red
A rhizomatous tropical perennial with bold, banana-like leaves and upright clusters of red flowers; adds lush texture to irrigated Phoenix gardens. Special Features Showy tropical foliage; attracts hummingbirds; heat tolerant with adequate irrigation; readily divided for propagation. Problems & Solutions Dry heat and insufficient water cause scorched edges (provide afternoon shade, mulch, and consistent moisture); […]
Popcorn Cassia
A fast-growing tropical shrub with feathery foliage that smells like buttered popcorn when rubbed and upright spikes of bright yellow flowers. Special Features Popcorn-scented foliage, showy flower spikes, and a lush tropical appearance; attracts pollinating insects. Not edible despite its scent. Problems & Solutions Frost-sensitive; plant in a sheltered location and cover during freezes. Prune […]
Barbados Cherry
A tropical fruiting shrub or small tree, also called acerola, with glossy green leaves and tart, cherry-like red fruit rich in vitamin C. Requires a protected microclimate in Phoenix. Special Features Edible, vitamin-C-rich fruit; ornamental flowers; attracts pollinating insects. Fresh fruit is highly perishable and best eaten or processed soon after harvest. Problems & Solutions […]
Canna Lily
A rhizomatous tropical perennial with large, banana-like leaves and upright spikes of colorful flowers; not a true lily. Special Features Bold tropical foliage; hummingbird-attracting flowers; heat tolerant with adequate moisture; spreads by rhizomes and is easily divided. Problems & Solutions Leaf scorch and brown edges from hot sun, dry soil, or salt buildup (provide afternoon […]
Canna South Pacific Yellow
A compact, rhizomatous canna with sunny yellow flowers and broad, tropical-looking green leaves; best suited to irrigated garden areas in Phoenix. Special Features Tropical texture; bright, hummingbird-attracting flowers; vigorous growth in warm weather. Not drought tolerant. Problems & Solutions Scorched or crispy leaves indicate excessive sun, dry soil, or salt buildup; provide afternoon shade and […]
Canna Cleopatra red
A tropical-looking, rhizomatous canna with broad green and burgundy leaves. ‘Cleopatra’ is notably variable; plants sold as red may also produce yellow-marked or mixed-color flowers. Special Features Bold tropical texture; unusual, variable leaf and flower coloration; attracts hummingbirds; readily divided. Not drought tolerant. Problems & Solutions Hot sun, dry soil, and low humidity can cause […]
Canna X Gen CNNV Bronze Scarlet
A compact, tropical-looking hybrid canna commonly sold as Cannova Bronze Scarlet, with broad bronze leaves and vivid scarlet-red flowers. Grown from rhizomes, it thrives in Phoenix with irrigation and protection from intense afternoon sun. Special Features Bold bronze foliage, bright hummingbird-attracting flowers, and a compact habit suitable for containers. Heat tolerant with adequate moisture; not […]
Arabian Jasmine ‘Summer Soul’
A compact Arabian jasmine cultivar with glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant, double white flowers; best grown in a sheltered, irrigated location in Phoenix. Special Features Strong floral fragrance, double blossoms, compact size, and suitability for patio containers. Problems & Solutions Afternoon sun and reflected heat can scorch leaves; provide afternoon shade. Protect from freezing […]