Rio Bravo Sage
Rio Bravo sage (Leucophyllum langmaniae) is a dense, rounded desert shrub with green foliage and abundant lavender-purple flowers, well suited to Phoenix landscapes. Special Features Excellent heat and drought tolerance; attracts bees and other pollinators; tolerates reflected heat and alkaline soil. Problems & Solutions Poor drainage and frequent watering can cause root rot; allow soil […]
Rosmarinus Off Tuscan Blue
Tuscan Blue rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Tuscan Blue’, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is an upright Mediterranean shrub with aromatic, needlelike foliage and rich blue flowers. Special Features Edible, strongly aromatic foliage; heat and drought tolerant once established; attracts bees and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil: improve drainage and reduce watering. Spider mites […]
Rosemary ‘Tuscan Blue’
An upright Mediterranean herb with aromatic, needlelike leaves and showy blue flowers. ‘Tuscan Blue’ is valued for culinary use, evergreen structure, and tolerance of Phoenix heat when properly established. Special Features Fragrant, edible foliage; heat and drought tolerant once established; attracts bees and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Root and crown rot in wet soil: […]
Sugar Bush
A Southwestern native shrub with dense, leathery foliage, reddish twigs, and clusters of small flowers followed by sticky reddish fruit. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant once established; provides screening, erosion control, pollinator forage, and fruit for birds. Problems & Solutions Root rot in poorly drained or frequently watered soil (improve drainage and reduce irrigation); […]
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 […]
Twisted Myrtle
An unusual Mediterranean myrtle, commonly sold as Myrtus communis ‘Boetica’, with twisted branches and curled, aromatic leaves that create a sculptural appearance. Special Features Twisting branches, curled aromatic foliage, fragrant flowers, and dark berries; attractive to pollinators and suitable for bonsai. Problems & Solutions Leaf scorch in intense afternoon sun or reflected heat (provide afternoon […]
Variegated Euonymus
An upright evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves edged in golden yellow, providing year-round color in sheltered Phoenix landscapes. Special Features Bold golden leaf margins; year-round screening; responds well to pruning and hedge shaping. Problems & Solutions Intense Phoenix sun can scorch foliage; provide afternoon shade and consistent deep watering. Watch for euonymus scale and […]
Waxleaf Privet
A dense evergreen shrub with glossy, leathery leaves, commonly grown as a hedge, privacy screen, or small tree. Adapted to Phoenix landscapes with irrigation and protection from intense reflected heat. Special Features Glossy foliage, dense screening, pruning tolerance, and flowers that attract pollinators. Tolerates heat with adequate irrigation but is not a low-water desert shrub. […]
Variegated Mock Orange
Variegated Japanese mock orange (Pittosporum tobira ‘Variegata’) is a broadleaf shrub with leathery, cream-edged leaves and fragrant spring flowers. In Phoenix, it performs best in sheltered, irrigated landscapes rather than exposed desert settings. Special Features Decorative variegated foliage, sweet orange-blossom fragrance, and a dense form useful for screening. Tolerates pruning. Problems & Solutions Leaf scorch […]
White Cloud Sage
A heat-loving Texas sage cultivar (Leucophyllum frutescens ‘White Cloud’) with silvery foliage and abundant white flowers after summer rains. Special Features Excellent heat and drought tolerance; white-flowered selection with attractive silver foliage; attracts bees and other pollinators. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil: improve drainage and reduce irrigation. Sparse growth in shade: provide […]