French Lavender Topiary
French lavender is an aromatic, woody subshrub with toothed gray-green foliage and dense flower spikes, here maintained in a topiary form. One of the most heat- and humidity-tolerant lavenders for the low desert. Needs excellent drainage. Special Features Highly fragrant foliage and flowers; attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant; among the most heat-tolerant lavenders Problems […]
Purple Lantana
A heat-loving lantana with aromatic, textured foliage and clustered flowers. Confirm the botanical name: purple trailing lantana is usually Lantana montevidensis, not Lantana camara; the details below apply to Lantana camara. Special Features Heat tolerant, drought tolerant once established, and attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Lace bugs, whiteflies, and spider mites […]
Sandpaper Verbena
Sandpaper verbena (Verbena rigida) is a spreading perennial with rough-textured leaves and vivid purple flower clusters held above upright stems. Special Features Heat tolerant and drought tolerant once established; attracts butterflies and other pollinators; distinctive sandpapery foliage. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage can cause root rot; avoid soggy soil. Spider mites may appear in hot, […]
Texas Ranger Sage
A tough desert-adapted shrub with silvery foliage and abundant purple-pink flowers after summer rains or increased humidity; also called Texas sage or cenizo. Special Features Highly heat and drought tolerant; low maintenance; attracts bees and other pollinators; tolerates alkaline desert soils. Problems & Solutions Overwatering and poor drainage can cause root rot; irrigate sparingly and […]