Banana Dwarf Cavendish
Dwarf Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’) is a tropical, clumping herbaceous perennial with broad leaves and sweet, edible bananas. In Phoenix, it needs shelter from intense afternoon sun, dry winds, and frost. Special Features Large tropical foliage; edible, seedless fruit without a pollinator; suitable for large containers. More compact than standard bananas, but not […]
Hesperaloe Straight Up
A compact red yucca selection with narrow, arching leaves and notably upright flower stalks. Despite its common name, this tough desert perennial is not a true yucca. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; attracts hummingbirds; upright bloom stalks provide strong vertical accents; low maintenance. Problems & Solutions Overwatering and poor drainage can cause crown or […]
Asparagus Fern, Myers
Foxtail asparagus fern, commonly sold as ‘Myers’ or ‘Meyeri’, forms dense, upright plumes of soft-looking, needlelike green foliage. It is an asparagus relative, not a true fern. Special Features Distinctive foxtail-shaped plumes; attractive texture year-round; tuberous roots provide some drought tolerance once established. Problems & Solutions Afternoon sun can scorch foliage; provide shade. Poor drainage […]
Sedum Autumn Joy
A clump-forming succulent perennial with fleshy leaves and broad flower heads that age from pink to coppery rust. Also known as Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’; Phoenix’s extreme summer heat makes it a challenging rather than reliably desert-adapted choice. Special Features Succulent foliage; nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies; dried flower heads provide seasonal interest; drought tolerant once […]