Roadkill Cactus
A tree-form Caribbean cactus with unusually thin, flattened, irregularly shaped pads that give it the common name roadkill cactus. Special Features Distinctive flattened pads, sculptural branching, and good heat and drought tolerance once established; often nearly spineless but still bears irritating glochids. Problems & Solutions Frost-sensitive and not reliably hardy through Zone 9b freezes; protect […]
Bougainvillea ‘Royal Purple’
A vigorous, thorny climbing shrub with deep green foliage and rich purple, papery bracts surrounding tiny flowers; well suited to warm, sheltered Phoenix landscapes. Special Features Brilliant, long-lasting bract displays; excellent heat tolerance and good drought tolerance once established; trainable on sturdy supports. Problems & Solutions Frost can damage foliage and stems; choose a sheltered […]
Bougainvillea ‘Ruby Red’
A thorny, heat-loving bougainvillea grown as a bush, with deep green foliage and showy ruby-red bracts surrounding tiny flowers. Special Features Vivid, long-lasting bract displays; excellent heat tolerance and good drought tolerance once established. Problems & Solutions Frost can damage foliage and stems; use frost cloth and a warm, sheltered location. Prevent root rot with […]
Staghorn Cholla
A branching Sonoran Desert cactus with antler-like, jointed stems, prominent spines, and unusually variable flower colors. Special Features Exceptional heat and drought tolerance; sculptural branching; flowers attract native bees, and dense branches provide bird shelter. Problems & Solutions Root rot from excess moisture: improve drainage and avoid frequent irrigation. Sharp, barbed spines and detachable joints: […]
Spiral Cereus
A sculptural columnar cactus, Cereus forbesii ‘Spiralis’, with blue-green stems and prominent ribs that twist into distinctive corkscrew spirals. Special Features Unusual spiral stems; strong architectural form; drought tolerant once established; large night-opening flowers. Problems & Solutions Overwatering causes root and stem rot; ensure excellent drainage. Intense afternoon sun can scorch stems; provide shade and […]
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, […]
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 […]
Bougainvillea ‘Superstition Gold’
A vigorous, thorny bougainvillea with golden-yellow flower bracts and green foliage, sold trained upright on a stake. Well suited to warm, protected Phoenix landscapes. Special Features Showy golden bracts; excellent heat tolerance; drought tolerant once established; trainable on stakes, trellises, and walls. Problems & Solutions Frost can damage foliage and stems; plant in a sheltered […]
Bougainvillea ‘Torch Glow’
Bougainvillea ‘Torch Glow’ is a compact, shrubby bougainvillea with stiff, upright branches topped by clusters of vivid magenta-pink bracts. Special Features Heat tolerant, drought tolerant once established, and colorful over a long season; needs no trellis and is less sprawling than vining bougainvilleas. Problems & Solutions Frost can damage leaves and stems; plant in a […]