Stetsonia
A large, tree-like Argentine cactus with ribbed, blue-green stems and long, stout spines; commonly called toothpick cactus. Special Features Dramatic branching silhouette, exceptionally long spines, strong heat and drought tolerance, and showy nocturnal flowers. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot in wet soil (ensure excellent drainage); sunburn after sudden exposure (acclimate gradually); freeze injury, […]
Stetsonia Cactus
A tree-like South American cactus with thick, ribbed, blue-green stems and long, stout spines; commonly called toothpick cactus. Special Features Bold architectural form; exceptionally long toothpick-like spines; heat and drought tolerance; large night-opening flowers. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot from excess moisture (ensure excellent drainage); sunburn after abrupt exposure (acclimate gradually); frost injury, […]
Stoplight Yucca
A compact red yucca selection with arching, narrow leaves and vivid red flowers. Despite its common name, it is a Hesperaloe rather than a true yucca. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; attracts hummingbirds; low maintenance; leaves have decorative curling fibers along their margins. Problems & Solutions Excess moisture can cause crown or root rot; […]
Strawberry Hedgehog
A Sonoran Desert native cactus with clustered, ribbed green stems densely covered in spines, showy spring flowers, and edible strawberry-like fruit. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; native wildlife value; attracts native bees; produces edible red fruit when pollinated. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot from excess moisture: improve drainage and reduce irrigation. Sunburn […]
Tall Lady Slipper
Tall lady slipper (Pedilanthus bracteatus, now Euphorbia bracteata) is an upright succulent shrub native to Mexico, with slender green stems, small leaves, and unusual slipper-shaped flower bracts. Special Features Sculptural vertical form; heat and drought tolerant once established; flowers attract hummingbirds. Problems & Solutions Overwatering can cause root rot; ensure excellent drainage. Frost can damage […]
Tangerine Aloe
A compact, clumping hybrid aloe generally sold as Aloe ‘Tangerine’, with fleshy, toothed leaves and showy tangerine-orange flowers. Special Features Drought tolerant once established; hummingbird-attracting flowers; produces offsets that expand the clump. Problems & Solutions Root rot from excess moisture: improve drainage and allow drying between waterings. Summer sunburn: provide afternoon shade. Frost damage: cover […]
Tequila Agave
Agave tequilana ‘Azul’, the blue agave used to make tequila, forms a large, sculptural rosette of narrow, rigid, blue-gray leaves with toothed edges and sharp terminal spines. Special Features Striking blue foliage; heat and drought tolerant once established; produces offsets; traditionally cultivated for tequila production. Problems & Solutions Agave snout weevil can cause collapse; inspect […]
Totem Pole
A sculptural, nearly spineless cactus with knobby, irregular green columns resembling carved totem poles; a naturally occurring monstrose form of the senita cactus. Special Features Distinctive knobby stems; nearly spineless; highly heat and drought tolerant once established. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot from excess moisture (improve drainage and let soil dry); sunburn after […]
Texas Tuff Agave
A bold, architectural agave with broad gray-green to blue-green leaves, prominent marginal teeth, and sharp terminal spines. Special Features Strong architectural form; excellent heat and drought tolerance once established; generally suitable for Zone 9b winters in well-drained soil. Problems & Solutions Overwatering and poor drainage cause root or crown rot. Agave snout weevil can cause […]
Thompson Yucca
A sculptural, trunk-forming yucca with dense rosettes of narrow, rigid, blue-green leaves tipped with sharp points; mature plants often develop multiple heads. Special Features Strong architectural form; highly drought tolerant; handles desert heat and Zone 9b winter cold. Problems & Solutions Root and crown rot in wet soil: improve drainage and avoid frequent irrigation. Yucca […]