Red Torch Cactus
A clumping cactus native to Argentina, with upright, ribbed green stems covered in golden-brown spines and showy scarlet flowers. Special Features Drought tolerant; striking flowers attract pollinators; offsets readily to form dense clumps. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot from excess moisture (ensure excellent drainage); sunburn in intense reflected heat (provide afternoon shade and […]
Trichocereus Grandiflorus
A clumping Argentine cactus with ribbed, spiny green stems and exceptionally large, showy flowers; commonly sold as torch cactus, often in hybrid forms. Special Features Large, spectacular flowers; drought tolerant once established; produces offsets that gradually form attractive clusters. Problems & Solutions Root rot from wet soil: improve drainage and allow drying between waterings. Sunburn […]
Winter Blaze Emu Bush
A compact Australian shrub with narrow green leaves and vivid red tubular flowers, providing winter color in Phoenix desert gardens. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant once established; attracts hummingbirds; provides cool-season color with relatively little maintenance. Problems & Solutions Overwatering and poor drainage can cause root rot; allow soil to dry between waterings. Severe […]
Reitz’ Aloe
A striking South African aloe with broad, blue-green leaves edged in reddish-brown teeth and tall spikes of tubular summer flowers. Special Features Architectural foliage; drought tolerant once established; summer flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Root and crown rot in wet soil: improve drainage and avoid frequent watering. Sunburn in intense Phoenix […]
Red Trumpet Vine
A vigorous, woody climbing vine native to Mexico, with lush green foliage and large red trumpet-shaped flowers; also sold as Distictis buccinatoria. Special Features Showy hummingbird-attracting flowers; long bloom season; rapid coverage of large structures; tolerates desert heat with adequate irrigation. Problems & Solutions Frost can damage foliage and tender growth, especially in the upper […]