Yellow Red Yucca (Hesperaloe)
Clumping accent perennial producing tall stalks of tubular yellow blooms over a long season. Arching, strap-like green leaves have fibrous white margins. Highly drought tolerant and low maintenance once established. Not a true yucca. Special Features Attracts hummingbirds; tolerates reflected heat; deer resistant; long bloom season; low-water plant Problems & Solutions Root rot in poorly […]
Zig Zag Euphorbia
A cactus-like succulent with upright, angular green stems marked by pale bands, paired spines, and irregular constrictions that create a zigzag outline. Special Features Sculptural branching, patterned stems, and drought tolerance; resembles a cactus but belongs to the euphorbia family. Problems & Solutions Root rot (provide sharp drainage and avoid overwatering); sunburn (provide afternoon shade); […]
Yucca Filamentosa (Adam’s Needle)
Adam’s needle is a trunkless yucca with stiff, sword-shaped leaves edged in curling white threads. Native to the southeastern United States, it benefits from protection from Phoenix’s harshest summer exposure. Special Features Distinctive threadlike leaf margins; drought tolerant and very cold hardy. Bold architectural foliage and showy flower spikes. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage and […]
Aloe Brevifolia
A compact South African succulent with dense rosettes of thick, triangular, blue-green leaves edged with small white teeth; commonly called short-leaved aloe. Special Features Compact, sculptural rosettes; drought tolerant once established; produces offsets readily; flowers attract hummingbirds. Problems & Solutions Root rot from wet soil (improve drainage and avoid frequent watering); sunburn in Phoenix summers […]
Agave Lechuguilla
A small Chihuahuan Desert agave with narrow, rigid, yellow-green leaves, hooked marginal teeth, and sharp terminal spines; forms dense colonies through offsets. Special Features Highly drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and cold hardy for Zone 9b; sculptural foliage, abundant offsets, and nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators. Problems & Solutions Overwatering and poor drainage cause root or […]
Chalk Fingers
An upright, branching succulent with elongated, fingerlike, blue-gray leaves coated in a powdery white bloom; also known as big blue chalk sticks. Special Features Striking chalky blue foliage; drought tolerant once established; provides strong vertical contrast among rounded succulents. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot from wet soil (improve drainage and allow drying); sunburn […]
Gold Tooth Aloe
A compact, clumping aloe with fleshy green rosettes edged in prominent golden-yellow teeth. Special Features Golden leaf teeth, colorful stress-tinted foliage, drought tolerance, easy propagation from offsets, and hummingbird-attracting flowers. Problems & Solutions Root rot from excess moisture (improve drainage and let soil dry); sunburn in Phoenix heat (provide afternoon shade); frost injury, especially below […]
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 […]
African Spears
An architectural succulent, formerly known as Sansevieria cylindrica, with stiff, cylindrical, spear-shaped leaves arranged in upright fans. Special Features Distinctive cylindrical foliage; drought tolerant once established; low maintenance and well suited to containers. Problems & Solutions Root rot from wet soil (improve drainage and let soil dry); sunburn (provide afternoon shade); mealybugs or scale (inspect […]
Needle Leaf Agave
A compact, clumping agave with dense, rounded rosettes of slender, rigid, needlelike leaves tipped with sharp spines. Special Features Distinctive pincushion form; strong drought tolerance; compact size; produces offsets to form colonies. Problems & Solutions Overwatering and poor drainage cause root or crown rot; allow thorough drying. Acclimate gradually to intense Phoenix sun. Inspect for […]