Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) Height: 4-6'. Width: 4-6'. Evergreen Full to reflected sun/light shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees Moderate to fast growth rate. Small white flowers in late Spring are followed by ornamental seed heads from which this plant derives its name.
Arcadia Juniper (Juniperus sabina) Height: 1. Width: 10 . Low water use once established. Evergreen. Full sun to partial shade. Cold tolerant to 10 with a slow to moderate growth rate Great groundcover addition to any garden. Should be hosed off once a week to prevent spider mites during bug season.
Arizona Rosewood (Vauquelinia californica) Height: 15'. Width: 10'. Low water use. Evergreen. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees. Slow growth rate. White flowers. Full sun to partial shade. This is a great screen plant and or a small tree. Not a fantastic flower but has a larger leaf and once established almost no care for a good looking small tree.
Arizona Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans stans) Height: 5'. Width: 5'. Low to moderate water use. Deciduous. Fast growth rate. Yellow flowers. Full sun. A fantastic native shrub to the Sonoran desert that blooms heavily almost year long in frost free areas. The flowers are trumpet shaped about and inch at the face and 1 1/2 inches long. Freezes back in the winter but re-emerges as soon as the weather warms up.
Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) Height: 1'. Width: 6'. Moderate to high water use. Evergreen. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees. Slow initial growth rate. White flowers. Shade to morning sun. Good groundcover for shaded locations, in deep shade the plant will have problems flowering but just a little dappled sun will produce small white flowers that have a sweet smell.
Australian Saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata) Height: 3-5' Width: 3-5'. Low Water Use. Evergreen. Full Sun. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees moderate to fast growth. Flowers are inconspicuous followed by ornamental fruit. This plant's fast growth helps with erosion issues. An Australian native this plant has adapted nicely to the extremes of desert gardening.
Autumn Sage (Salvia Greggii) Height: 2-3'. Width: 2-3'. Moderate water use after establishment. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant with a moderate to fast growth rate. A wide variety of colors are available, this plant blooming spring and fall. Beautiful spikes of flowers are favorites of hummingbirds and butterflies. It should be pruned in late winter to avoid leggy growth and to encourage a lush appearance, this shrub also able to be grown in containers.
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra californica) Height: 3-5'. Width: 3-4'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full Sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 26 degrees. Moderate to fast growth rate. Blooms Spring-Fall with red puffball flowers. In a warm garden, this plant can bloom thru-out the year. If nipped by winter frost prune out damaged material in Spring.
Bear's Breech (Acanthus mollis) Height: 5'. Width: 5'. Moderate Water Use. Evergreen. Shade. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees with a moderate to fast growth rate. Bloom with purple/white flowers in Spring. Provide enriched soils and deep irrigations. Provides a lush tropical appearance.
Bitter Condalia (Condalia globosa) Height: 15-20'. Width: 10-15'. Low water use. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees Moderate growth rate. Inconspicuous, fragrant flowers in late Spring.
Black Dalea (Dalea frutescens) Height: 3-5'. Width: 4-6'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms in Fall with purple rose flowers. A great show of color in Fall when other plants are getting ready for winter. A number of the daleas are favorite food source for native caterpillars.
Blackbrush Acacia (Acacia rigidula) Height: 15-20'. Width:15'. Low Water Use. Deciduous. Full Sun. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees with a slow to moderate growth rate. Blooms with yellow flowers in Spring/Summer. This native plant can be weaned from irrigations after established.
Blue Chihuahuan Sage (Salvia Chamaedryoides) Height: 2'. Width: 2'. Low to moderate water use after establishment. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant with a slow to moderate growth. It blooms true blue spike flowers, a hard to find color, in the summer and fall. It should be provided a planting site with good drainage, as soils that are too wet will often induce root rot. This plant is versatile and is good in perennial borders.
Blue Hibiscus (Alygone huegglii) Height: 4-10'. Width: 4-6'. Moderate to High Water use. Evergreen. Light Shade to Full Sun. Avoid reflected sun. Cold tolerant to 32 degrees with a moderate to fast growth rate. Blooms with bluish flowers in Spring/Summer. An Australian native. Water and fertilize consistently during the growing seasons for best results.
Blue Ranger (Leucophyllum zygophyllum) Height: 3-4.Width: 2-3. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 10 with a moderate growth rate. Blooms blue flowers predominantly during rainy season in summer has gray green cupped foliage. require well draining soil. Can withstand stints of drought. Great for hedging. They require little to no pruning. Older plants can be pruned to the ground if woody.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) Height: 6-12'. Width: 4-8'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees. Moderate growth. Blooms late Winter-Spring with red flowers. The unique flowers of this plant alone make it a must have plant. Prune to shape. This plant can be trained into a single or multi-trunk patio tree or specimen.
Bright-bead Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster glaucophyllus) Height: 4-6'. Width:4-6'. low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms in Spring with pink/white flowers. A little known option for the desert garden. It is easily pruned to shape. Red berries are carried through the winter season.
Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) Height: 3-4'. WIdth: 3-4'. Low water use. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant to 26 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Yellow flowers late Winter/Spring. A desert native this plant reseeds readily and provides food for birds.
Butterfly Bush (Buddlea daviddii) Height: 4-6'. Width 4-6'. Moderate Water Use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees Moderate to fast growth rate. Flowers Spring/Summer/Fall. A favorite of gardeners and butterflies alike. Easy to grow! Fragrant flowers in a number of colors.
Camellia (Camellia japonica) Moderate to high water use. Evergreen. Morning sun or Filtered Shade, Cold tolerant to 10 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms Winter and Spring in varying colors. An ideal canidate for container growth in protected locations. A consistent performer for color during winter and early Spring.
Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) Height: 6'. Width: 6'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Cold tolerant to 25 degrees. Fast growth rate. Orange flowers. Full sun to partial shade. This vining shrub has been used in Tucson for many years it has proven itself a consistent bloomer and very versatile. Its large orange trumpet flower do well for attracting hummingbirds and giving long lasting color. This plant can be used as a shrub and or using a trellis can be supported to create a vine. Only warning is be prepared for a little
Cape Plumbago (Plumbago Auriculata) Height: 3-4'. Width: 4-5'. Moderate to high water use. Full sun to shade. Will freeze at 28 degrees, but recovers quickly in the spring and has a fast growth rate. It blooms in the spring through fall with true blue flowers; the flowers of this plant a favorite of butterflies year-round. Prune late winter before growth begins and fertilize lightly. Bloom season is extended if provided p.m. shade in summer.
Cape Plumbago (Plumbago Auriculata 'Royal Cape') Height: 3-4'. Width: 3-4'. Moderate to high water use. Full sun, light shade. Freezes at 28 degrees, but recovers quickly in the spring and has a fast growth rate. Its bloom cycle is from spring through fall and its deep blue flowers, although hard to come by, are readily available on this easy to grow flowering shrub. It should be pruned if needed and fertilized for the best results, an absolute favorite of butterflies.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elation) Height: 2-2 1/2'. Width: 2-3'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Light to deep shade. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees. slow to moderate growth rate. Flowers are inconspicuous. As its name implies this plant is tough and can tolerate a great deal of neglect, tolerates deep shade.
Cat-claw Acacia (Acacia greggii) Height: 6-15'. Wdith: 10-20'. Low to moderate water use once established. Deciduous to semi-deciduous. Cold tolerant. Yellow flowers in the Spring. Slow to moderate growth. Full to reflected sun.
Chaparral Sage (Salvia Clevelandii) Height: 4-5'. Width: 4'. Low to moderate water use once established. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant with a moderate growth rate. It blooms purple flowers in late spring, held in whorls along the stems. This plant demands good drainage and must be allowed to dry slightly between irrigations to avoid root rot. The flowers of this plant are favorites of butterflies and it is a unique plant in that it is summer dormant.
Chihuahuan Orchid Shrub (Bauhinia lunar odes) Height: 6-8'. Width: 6-8'. Low Water Use. Deciduous. Full Sun to Light Shade. Cold tolerant to 5 degrees Slow to moderate growth rate. Flowers from Spring to summer white to pink. Both flowers and the leaves of this plant merit it a place in the garden. Prune after bloom cycle to achieve desired shape. Makes a nice specimen plant.
Chihuahuan Sage (Leucophyllum laevigatum) Height: 2-3.Width: 3-4. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 10 with a moderate growth rate. Blooms Lavender flowers predominantly during rainy season in summer has tiny dark green foliage. require well draining soil. Can withstand stints of drought. Great for hedging. They require little to no pruning. Older plants can be pruned to the ground if woody.
Compact Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina Domestica 'Compacta') Height: 3-4'. Width: 2-3'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees with slow to moderate growth. It blooms white flowers in the spring. A multitasking plant, it can be used in containers for tight, narrow spaces. It's easy to grow and there are few plants that offer the winter color, with as little effort, as this family of plants.
Compact Myrtle (Myrtus communis 'Compacta') Height: 3-5. Width: 3-5. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun to partial shade. Cold tolerant to 20 with a slow to moderate growth rate. Blooms star white flowers in summer which turn into dark blackish blue berries. Has a very rich green color all year round. Is great for edging and can be pruned to shape.
Compact Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens 'Compacta') Height: 3-4. Width: 3-4. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 10 with a moderate growth rate. Blooms pink flowers predominantly during rainy season in summer has gray foliage. require well draining soil. Can withstand stints of drought. Great for hedging. They require little to no pruning. Older plants can be pruned to the ground if woody.
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) Height: 10-15. Width: 8-10. Moderate water use . Deciduous. Full sun to partial shade. Cold tolerant to 0 with a moderate to fast growth rate. Bloom colors vary from white, red pink, and purple which appear predominantly in the summer. Also has beautiful showy fall leaves. Can be pruned to look like a tree.
Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) Height: 6-8. Width: 4-6. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 15 with a slow to moderate growth rate. Blooms small yellow flowers on and off all year long after bloom appears small fuzzy fruit covered with rusty white hairs. Arizona native. Has a distinct sweet scent during rainy season especially.
Desert Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gillesii) Height: 6-8'. Width: 4-6'. Low Water Use. Semi-evergreen Full Sun to Light Shde. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees. Moderate to fast growth rate. Blooms with yellow flowers Spring thru Fall. This naturalized plant provides color with little effort. It'.s open airy form allows for plantings beneath.
Desert Broom (Baccharis sarothroides) Height: 6-8'. Width: 4-6'. Low Water Use. Evergreen. Full Sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 5 degrees moderate growth Rate. Flowers are inconspicuous.
Desert Cassia (Casiia nemophila) Height: 6'. Width: 6'. Low water use. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant to 18 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms late Winter-Spring with clear yellow flowers. An Australian import that has adapted nicely to the Sonoran desert. Provide good drainage.
Desert Hackberry (Celtis pallida) Height: 10-16'. Width: 8-10'. Low water use. Semi-evergreen. Fullsun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms in Summer. Fuits of this plant are favorites of local and migratory birds.. Provide good drainage. This plant can be trained into a small ornamental tree.
Desert Honeysuckle (Anisicanthus Thurberi) Height: 3-5' Width: 3-4'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees moderate growth rate. Orange-yellow flowers late Winter/Spring/Summer. An Arizona native this plant is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. Cut back severely in late Winter to encourage bloom and lend plant a lush, full look.
Desert Myrtle (Myrtus communis 'Boetica') Height: 6-8. Width: 4-6. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 20 with a slow growth rate. Blooms star white flowers in summer which turn into dark blackish blue berries. Has a very upright frame with twisted branches making it a great addition to any oriental garden.
Desert Ruellia (Ruellia Californica) Height: 3-4'. Width: 3-4'. Low to moderate water use once established. Full to reflected sun and partial shade. Evergreen, but can be damaged with cold winter temperatures. Moderate growth rate. It blooms purple flowers throughout the warm seasons and, if planted against warm southern or western walls, some cold damage can be avoided. A small decorative shrub that does well in transition zones of the periscope garden, this long blooming shrub is quite often visited by hummingbirds.
Dwarf Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis) Height: 6"-2'. Width: 3-6'. Low water use. Evergreen. Full Sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees. Moderate Growth Rate. Flowers are inconspicuous.
Dwarf Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica 'Nana') Height: 2'. Width: 2'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Morning sun, afternoon shade in the summer. Cold tolerant to mid teens with a slow to moderate growth rate. Its blooms are sporadic and insignificant, a good choice for accents in the garden or container culture. These plants provide a soft appearance and are as easy to care for as other varieties.
Dwarf Japanese Mock Orange (Pittosporum Tobira 'Wheeler's Dwarf') Height: 2-3'. Width: 2-3'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Morning sun, afternoon shade in the summer. Cold tolerant to XXX with a slow to moderate growth rate. It blooms in the spring with white, fragrant flowers. Small round dense habit works well in the small garden. Easy to grow with little need for pruning, but if necessary, it should be done in late winter, before growth begins. It should also be fertilized lightly in the spring.
Emu Bush (Eremophila sp.) Height: 4-6'. Width: 4-8'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees Moderate to fast growth rate. Different varieties offer different colors from pink to red and even blue.
Euonymous (Euonymous japonica) Height: 4-8'. Width 4-6'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms are insignificant. This plant works well as a hedge and can be pruned to desired shape.
Evergreen Sumac (Rhus Virens 'Choriophylla') Height: 6-8'. Width: 8-10'. Low water use once established. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant with slow to moderate growth. It blooms in spring with white flowers followed by red berries. Another of the tough and durable Rhus family, this plant is low maintenance and clean, making it a good choice for poolside areas. It also contrasts nicely with silver foliaged or light green plants.
Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla) Height: 3-4'. Width: 3-4'. Low water use. Deciduous. Full to reflected Sun, Light Shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees Moderate growth rate. Blooms Spring and Fall with pink puff ball flowers. An Arizona native shrub well suited to small gardens. Flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies.
Feather Bush (Lysiloma thornberi) Height: 10-15. Width: 8-10. Low water use once established though frequent watering keeps it looking it's best. Evergreen. Full sun to partial shade. Cold tolerant to 20 with a moderate to quick growth rate. Blooms creamy white puffballs that emerge in spring or early summer. Nicknamed the fern of the desert it adds a lush tropical look to any desert landscape.
Feathery Cassia (Cassia artemisiodes) Height: 6'. Width: 6'. Low to Moderate water use. Full to reflected Sun Light Shade. Cold tolerant to 28 degrees. Fast growth rate. Blooms late Winter-Spring with yellow flowers. Good choice for color early in the year. Easy to grow!
Firethorn (Pyracantha Fortuneana 'Santa Cruz') Height: 4-5'. Width: 4-5'. Low water use once established. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun. Slow to moderate growth. It blooms in the spring with white flowers, followed by red berries. This shrub form of firethorn is a great choice for birders as the red berries are a favorite of birds.
Four Wing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens) Height: 3-6'. Width: 4-6'. Low Water Use. Evergreen. Full Sun. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees Slow to moderate growth rate. Flowers inconspicuous followed by ornamental seeds. Easy to grow and tolerant of the desert extremes, this plant can survive on rainfall alone after established.
Germander (Teucruim fruticans) Height:4'. Width: 4'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Pink flowers. Full sun to partial shade. Germander is a great plant because its evergreen and has a pink flower that is highlighted by grayish leaves. The plant is not real showy but makes a good background plant and is a nice contrast when flowering.
Glossy Abelia (Abelia Grandiflora) Height: 4-6'. Width: 3-5'. Moderate water use after established. Shade during the summer months. Evergreen, though it may lose its leaves in temperatures in the mid-teens. It blooms pinkish-white flowers in summer with a moderate growth rate. A graceful, arching shrub, this underused plant lends a woodsy feel to courtyards with little effort. Heavy pruning should be avoided as this may compromise this plants form. If needed, older established plants can be cut to the ground and will quickly
Glossy Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) Height: 10-15. Width: 8-10. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Morning sun / afternoon shade to filtered sun. Cold tolerant to 15 with a moderate growth rate. Blooms white flowers late spring into summer. Can be used a screening plant in the shadier garden. Requires rich well draining soil.
Gold Dust Plant (Aucuba japonica) Height: 3-5'. Width: 3-5'. Moderate to high water use. Evergreen. Light to deep shade. Cold tolerant to 5 degrees Slow growth rate. Flowers are inconspicuous. Highly ornamental, this plant does well in containers. Tolerant of heat if kept watered thru the growing season.
Gold Spot Euonymous (Euonymous japonica '.gold spot'.) Height: 4-6'. Width: 4-6'. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms are insignificant. Prune to achieve desired effect.
Green Cloud Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens 'Green Cloud' ) Height: 6-8. Width: 6-8. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 10 with a moderate growth rate. Blooms darker rose flowers predominantly during rainy season in summer has bright green foliage. require well draining soil. Can withstand stints of drought. Great for hedging. They require little to no pruning. Older plants can be pruned to the ground if woody.
Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina Domestica) Height: 4-6'. Width: 2-3'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees with slow to moderate growth rate. It blooms in white flowers in the spring. Tough and durable, this plant is easy and adaptable. It's foliage changes to a deep reddish-purple color during winter months. Highly ornamental!
Hopseed bush (Dodonea viscosa) Height 6-12'. Width 6-12'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees. Moderate to fast growth. Flowers are insignificant but seeds are ornamental. Multi functional plant that is easily pruned to use as a hedge. Tough and durable.
Hummingbird Flower (Zauchneria californica) Height: 4'. Width: 4'. Low water use. Evergreen. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees. Fast growth rate. Red flowers. Full sun. Just as the name suggests, this plant is a great hummingbird attractor and takes almost no care on your part. Can be a little frost sensitive, but recovers quickly in the spring.
Hummingbird Plant (Justicia californica) Height: 3-4. Width: 3-4. Low water use once established. Semi-Evergreen to deciduous. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 25with a slow to moderate growth rate. Blooms coral red colored flowers spring through fall. Great addition to any hummingbird garden.
Indian Hawthorne (Raphiolepis Indica 'Majestic Beauty') Height: 6-10'. Width: 4-9'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Partial shade to full sun (reflected sun should be avoided). Cold tolerant mid teens with slow to moderate growth. It blooms in late Winter through spring. This variety of hawthorn is quite often trained into small patio or decorative trees for courtyards or even container growth. It should be fertilized lightly late winter and spring.
Indian Hawthorne (Rhaphiolepis Indica 'Clara') Height: 4'. Width: 4'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Partial shade to full sun (reflected sun should be avoided). Cold tolerant to 10 degrees with slow to moderate growth. It booms in late winter through spring with white flowers followed by bluish to black berries. A little pruning is necessary to achieve a rounded, dense shrub.
Indian Hawthorne (Raphiolepis Indica 'Pink Lady') Height: 4-5'. Width: 4-5'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Partial shade to full sun (reflected sun from hot surfaces should be avoided). Cold tolerant to low teens with a slow to moderate growth rate. It blooms in late winter through spring. It should be provided soils that are enriched with organic matter and well drained.
Indian Hawthorne (Rhaphiolepis Indica 'Ballerina') Height: 2-3'. 2-3'. Moderate Water use. Evergreen. Partial shade to full sun (reflected sun should be avoided). Cold tolerant to 10 degrees with slow to moderate growth. It blooms in late winter through spring with pinkish flowers. This plant provides a lush appearance and lends itself well to container growing. It should be fertilized lightly in the spring and fall.
Indigo Bush (Dalea pulchra) Height: 6'. Width: 4-6'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 5 degrees Moderate growth rate. Blooms in Fall-Winter with purple-rose flowers. An easy to grow plant that tolerates neglect once established. Unlike most plants if pruning is necessary it is done in summer after the major bloom cycle.
Japanese Mock Orange (Pittosporum Tobira 'Variagata') Height: 4-6'. Width: 4-6'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to XXX with a moderate growth rate. It blooms in the spring with white, fragrant flowers. The variegation this plant offers lends itself well to shaded areas, bringing brightness to dark areas. Little maintenance is required of this plant, though it should be provided good drainage and fertilized lightly.
Japanese Mock Orange (Pittosporum Tobira 'Mock Orange') Height: 4-6'. Width: 4-6'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to XXX with a moderate growth rate. It blooms in the spring with white, fragrant flowers. The round, dense form of this plant lends itself well to more formal applications. Little pruning is required, maintenance is minimal and it should be fertilized in the spring.
Knife leaf Acacia (Acacia cultiformis) Height: 10-15'. Widht: 10-15'. Low to moderate water use once established. Evergreen. Cold tolerant, but may suffer light damage in hard freezes. Creamy yellow flowers in Spring. Moderate growth. The unusual form of this plant lends itself well to becoming an accent plant in the garden, prune to develop desired shape. Provide good drainage and water generously during active growth cycles.
La Jolla Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea sp.) Height: 4-6'. Width 4-8'. Low water Use. Evergreen. Full to Reflected Sun. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees moderate to fast growth rate. Flowers late Spring / Summer with red-magenta color. This variety can be grown in containers with great success. Water consistently and fertilize lightly in Spring as new growth emerges.
Leather-leaf Acacia (Acacia Craspedocarpa) Height: 4-5'. Width: 4'. Low to moderate water use once established. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant with a moderate growth rate. It blooms purple flowers in late spring, held in whorls along the stems. This plant demands good drainage and must be allowed to dry slightly between irrigations to avoid root rot. The flowers of this plant are favorites of butterflies and it is a unique plant in that it is summer dormant.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) Height: 3'. Width: 3'. Moderate to high water use. Evergreen. Light Shade. Cold tolerant to 32 degrees with a moderate growth rate. Blooms with blue flowers on 2'. or longer stems in late Spring/Summer. A good container choice providing a unique flower. Fertilize and water consistently thru the growing season.
Little leaf Sumac (Rhus Microphylla) Height: 4-10'. Width: 6-10'. Low water use once established. Deciduous. Full sun though it will tolerate light shade. Cold tolerant with slow to moderate growth. It blooms whitish flowers in the spring. This native plant is an excellent choice for those trying to draw wildlife to the garden as the orange to red fruit are favorites of native fauna.
Little Red Oleander (Nerium Oleander 'Little Red') Height: 4-6'. Width: 4-6'. Low to moderate water use. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant mid 20's with a moderate to fast growth rate. It blooms from spring to fall with blood red flowers. Like it's larger cousins, Little Red oleander provides a long bloom season with little effort. Water use lessens as the plant matures.
Little-John Bottlebrush (Callistemon lanceolatus 'Little John') Moderate Water use. Evergreen. Full Sun to filtered shade. Cold tolerant to 26 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms in Spring and Fall with red flowers. A graceful and small shrub that can be grown in containers. Like its cousin the bottlebrush provides flowers that are a draw for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Little-leaf Ash (Fraxinus greggii) Height: 8-15'. Width: 6-10'. Evergreen. Full to reflected Sun. Cold tolerant to
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Height: 6-12'. Width: 6-10'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees. Moderate growth rate. BLooms are insignificant but result in an edible fruit.
Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia Mexicana) Height: 10-15'. Width: 8-12'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold toleratn to 20 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms intermittently Spring thru Fall. A large shrub or small tree dependant on how it is pruned. Bright canary yellow flowers are help on ends of stems, highly ornamental.
Mexican Flame Anisicanthus (Anisicanthus quadrifidus wrightii) Height: 3-4'. Width: 3'. Low to Moderate Water Use. Evergreen. Full Sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees or lower. Moderate growth rate. Orange tubular flowers Spring thru Fall. An absolute must for those who appreciate butterflies or hummingbirds. Prune after winter freezes and this plant comes back lush with a multitude of flowers.
Mexican Honeysuckle (Justicia specigera) Height: 2-3. Width: 3-4. Low water use once established. Evergreen. Full sun to partial shade. Cold tolerant to 25 degrees with a moderate growth rate. Blooms orange colored flowers almost all year round but the greatest show of color would be spring and fall. Great addition to any hummingbird garden. cut back in late winter early spring to prevent leggy ness.
Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana) Height: 3'. Width: 3'. Moderate water use after establishment. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Suffers cold damage during winter months, but recovers quickly in the spring, with a rapid growth rate. It blooms blue-purple flowers throughout the warm seasons. This plant has long been a favorite of desert gardeners for its long bloom season. Little effort is needed to maintain this plant, prune in late winter to remove frost damaged materials and fertilize if necessary.
Mount Lemmon Marigold (Tagetes lemmoni) Height: 3'. Width: 4'. Moderate to low water use. Deciduous. Cold tolerant to 35 degrees. Fast growth rate. Yellow flowers. Full sun to partial shade. This shrub is an easy way to get a lot of color with very little care. Some of its positive features are that it is rabbit and javelina resistant because of its strong odor. Mount Lemmon Marigold is frost sensitive and will freeze back in the winter but will re-emerge quickly in the spring.
Mulga (Acacia Aneura) Height: 10-20'. Width: 10-12'. Low water use once established. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun. It may suffer from hard freezes during the winter months with a moderate growth rate. It blooms rod-shaped yellow flowers in late winter through spring. The yellow flowers are fragrant and are followed by flat oblong seed pods. This plant works well as a screening plant, helping to filter sound, dust, noise and wind. If trained young, it can be trained into a small accent or patio tree.
Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa) Moderate to high water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 32 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms intermittently thru-out year. Protect from frost. These plants are slow to recover from frost damage, plant in warm areas of the garden. A lush green plant offering white fragrant flowers followed by edible fruit.
Natal Plum 'Boxwood Beauty' (Carissa macrocarpa 'boxwood beauty')Height: 2'. W
Natal Plum 'tuttle' (Carissa macrocarpa 'tuttle') Height: 2-3'. Width: 3-5'. Moderate to high water use. Full Sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 32 degrees Moderate growth rate. Blooms intermittently thru-out year. Protect from frost.
Oleander (Nerium) Height: 12-18'. 8-10'. low-moderate water evergreen cold tolerant 20* moderate to fast growth blooms from late Spring to Fall colors vary full sun to reflected sun This durable plant matures quickly and is an ideal choice for windbreaks and visual blockage. Prune to shape as necessary. All parts of this plant are poisonous. Easy and colorful!
Orange Jubilee (Tecoma alata) Height: 6'. Width: 6'. Low to moderate water use. Deciduous. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees. Fast growth rate. Orange flowers. Full sun. This plant is becoming very popular because of it almost year round flowering season and fast rate of growth. Orange Jubilee can sometimes grow larger than 6x6 if it is in a frost free location or has some kind of protection from the cold. If it happens to freeze back don't get discouraged, it is worth a couple of months of nothing to have 9 or 10 months of easy
Petite Oleander (Nerium Oleander 'Petite Pink' ) Height: 3-5'. Width: 3-5'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant to mid 20's with a moderate to fast growth rate. It blooms from spring to fall with soft pink flowers. This smaller version of the oleander is well suited to the average garden because of its large amount of color with little effort. Use it in difficult, hot situations and prune it in late winter.
Petite Oleander (Nerium 'Petite Salmon') Height: 3-5'. Width: 3-5'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant to mid 20's with a moderate to fast growth rate. It blooms from spring to fall with salmon-colored flowers. This smaller version of the oleander is well suited to the average garden because of its large amount of color with little effort. Use it in difficult, hot situations and prune it in late winter.
Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) Height: 4-10'. Width: 4-8'. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees. Moderate growth rate. White and red flowers in Spring are often followed by an edible fruit. This versatile plant can be shaped into espaliers or small ornamental trees.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Height: 12-20'. 10-15'. Low water use once established. Deciduous. Full to reflected sun. Slow to moderate growth. It blooms reddish flowers in the spring followed by edible fruit that attracts hummingbirds. This plant is easy to grow and bears delicious fruit as well, an easy choice for the desert garden. To shape it, the pomegranate should be pruned in late winter. While the fruit is developing, ensure even moisture to avoid splitting of the fruit.
Pomegranate 'Nana' (Punica Granatum) Height: 3-4'. Width: 3-4'. Moderate water use. Deciduous. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant with a moderate growth rate. It blooms in late spring with red flowers, followed by small ornamental fruit that's non-edible. Tough and durable this plant will tolerate neglect once established and, this variety of the plant being ornamental, it can be grown in containers. It should be prune in late winter to control size and remove any twiggy, interior growth.
Prostrate Germander (Teucruim chamedrys) Height: 1'. Width: 3'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees. Slow growth rate. Pinkish purple flowers. Full sun to partial shade. This plant is a great groundcover for smaller gardens, just make sure you have well drained soil and you are not overly heavy on the watering. This plant is considered rabbit resistant which gives you more options for plants in the landscape not enclosed by a wall.
Purple Hopseed (Dodonea viscosa purpurea) Height 6-10'. Width 6-8'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full Sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 26 degrees. Moderate to fast growth rate. Flowers are insignificant. This plant takes on deep red to purple color in Fall and winter.
Quail Bush (Atriplex lentiformis) Height: 10-12'. Width: 8-15'. . Low Water Use. Deciduous. Full Sun. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees Moderate to Fast growth rate. Flowers inconspicuous followed by ornamental seeds. A favorite of birders, providing shelter and food to native birds. Easy to grow and TOUGH.
Raspberry Ice Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea sp.) Height:3-5'. Width:3-6'. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun/ Afternoon shade. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees. Moderate to fast growth rate. Flowers late Spring / Summer with magenta flowers. The variegated foliage of this plant makes it unique from other varieties of Bougainvillea. Can be grown in containers, offering a tropical feel with little effort.
Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherima) Height: 6'. Width:6'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen in warm gardens. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees. Moderate to Fast growth rate. Blooms late Spring thru Fall with orange-red/yellow flowers. This plant lends a lush tropical appearance with little effort. Slow to establish, but after that there is no holding it back.
Red Clusterberry (Cotoneaster lacteus) Height: 6-8'. Width: 6-8'. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Blooms in Spring with pink/white flowers. This large open and airy shrub offers a woodsy feel to the garden. Provide enriched soils. Prune to control size if needed.
Red tipped Photinia (Photinia Fraseri) Height: 6-12'. Width:4-8'. Moderate to high water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Avoid reflected sun.
Rio Bravo Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum langmaniae) Height: 3-4.Width: 3-4. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees with a moderate growth rate. Blooms Lavender flowers predominantly during rainy season in summer has bright green foliage. require well draining soil. Can withstand stints of drought. Great for hedging. They require little to no pruning. Older plants can be pruned to the ground if woody.
Rosemary (Officinalis 'Upright') Height: 4-5'. Width: 3-4'. Low to moderate water use after establishment. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant with a moderate growth rate. It blooms in winter and spring with bluish flowers, its rich, green foliage contrasting nicely with the blue flowers. This plant can also be used in a kitchen garden for use as an herb. Good drainage should be provided and caution should be taken to not over-water as the plant becomes established. The plant should be watered thoroughly and the s
Seagreen Juniper (Juniperus chinensis) Height: 4-5. Width: 4-5. Low water use once established. Evergreen. Full sun to partial shade. Cold tolerant to 0 with a slow to moderate growth rate. Great evergreen addition to any garden. Great plant for hedging. Should be hosed off once a week to prevent spider mites during bug season.
Shrub Daisy (Euryops pectinatus) Height: 3-4'. Width: 2-4'. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 25 degrees Moderate growth rate. Yellow daisy flowers appear intermittently thru-out year, but heaviest Fall through Spring.
Shrubby Cassia (Cassia wislizenii) Height: 4-6'. Width: 4-6'. Low water use. Full to reflected sun. Blooms Summer-Fall with yellow flowers. A sonoran native that provides a burst of color after summer rains. Rather non-descript during winter months. The growth rate is dependant of soils and irrigation.
Sierra Sierra Bouquet Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum pruinosum) Height: 3-4.Width: 3-4. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees with a moderate growth rate. Blooms fragrant dark purple flowers predominantly during rainy season in summer has silvery foliage. require well draining soil. Can withstand stints of drought. Great for hedging. They require little to no pruning. Older plants can be pruned to the ground if woody.
Silver Cloud Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum candidum ('Silver Cloud' ) Height: 3-5. Width: 3-4. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 10 with a moderate growth rate. Blooms deep purple flowers predominantly during rainy season in summer has white foliage. Require well draining soil. Can withstand stints of drought. Great for hedging. They require little to no pruning. Older plants can be pruned to the ground if woody.
Silvery Cassia (Cassia phyllodenia) Height: 6'. Width 6'. Low water use. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant to 26 degrees Slow to Moderate growth rate. Blooms in Spring with yellow flowers.
Sonoran Yellow Bells(TM) (Tecoma stans) Height: 5'. Width: 5'. Low to moderate water use. Deciduous. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees. Fast growth rate. Large yellow trumpet flowers. Full sun. This hybrid is a lusher version of the Arizona yellow bells the leaves are much wider and the flowers are larger and cluster closer together. This shrub is a great choice for easy color and getting a lush look without a lot of water.
Sugar Sumac (Rhus Ovata) Height: 8-10'. Width: 8-10'. Low water use once established. Evergreen. Full sun to afternoon/light shade. Cold tolerant with a slow growth rate. It blooms in late spring and prefers well drained soils. Care should be taken to not over water in the summer months and allow soils to dry between irrigations. This plant is relatively clean and could be used for a lush, low-water look in courtyards of pool areas.
Sunrise(TM) (Tecoma stans) Height: 5'. Width: 5'. Low to moderate water use. Deciduous. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees. Fast growth rate. Large orange and yellow flowers. Full sun. Another hybrid of the Arizona yellow bells but with a little orange in the flower. The trumpet flower is mainly yellow but has stripes of orange going into the throat of the flower. A good choice for any landscape, xeriscape, or higher water use garden.
Sweet Acacia (Acacia minuta) Height: 20-25'. Width: 15-20'. Low Water Use. Semi-evergreen. Full Sun. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees Moderate to Fast Growth Rate. Blooms with yellow-orange flowers in late Winter/Spring. This tough, durable tree matures quickly with relative ease. Prune to achieve desired shape. Flowers are quite fragrant.
Sweet Olive (Osmanthus Fragrans) Height: 4-8'. Width: 3-6'. Moderate to high water use. Evergreen. Full sun/afternoon shade and no
Temple Fire Bougainvillae (Bougainvillae sp.) Height: 3-4'. Width: 4-6'. Low Water Use. Evergreen . Full to reflected Sun. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees. Moderate growth rate. Flowers late Spring / Summer with red-bronze flowers. Small in stature but big on impression ! Good choice for the gardener looking to add a tropical feel to the garden.
Thunder Cloud Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum candidum 'Thunder Cloud' ) Height: 2-3. Width: 3-4. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees with a moderate growth rate. Blooms darker violet flowers predominantly during rainy season in summer has silvery white foliage. require well draining soil. Can withstand stints of drought. Great for hedging. They require little to no pruning. Older plants can be pruned to the ground if woody.
Tolleson's Weeping Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) Height: 15-20. Width: 8-10. Low water use once established. Evergreen. Full sun to partial shade. Cold tolerant to 0 degrees with a slow to moderate growth rate. Great evergreen addition to any garden. Has a beautiful oriental feel. Should be hosed off once a week to prevent spider mites during bug season.
Tombstone Rose (Lutea) Height: 6-10'. 10-15'. Low to moderate water use after established. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to mid-teens with a rapid growth rate. It blooms in the spring with yellow clusters of small roses, a beautiful flower display in spring that comes with little effort. It is also an excellent choice for a large mounding shrub, so do not let the name 'rose' discourage the use of this forgiving plant.
Torch Glow Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea sp.) Height: 4-6'. Width: 3-5'. Low Water Use. Evergreen. Full to Reflected Sun. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees moderate growth rate. Flowers late Spring / Summer with red-magenta flowers. Stiff upright branches separate this plant from other bougainvilleas. Use as an accent against warm walls or consider container growth.
Triangle Leaf Bursage (Ambrosia deltoidea) Height: 2'. Width: 2-3'. Low Water Use. Evergreen. Full Sun. cold tolerant to 15 degrees with a moderate growth rate. Flowers are insignificant but appear in midwinter. This Arizona native does well in re-vegetation applications reseeding somewhat consistently.
Twisted Myrtle (Myrtus Communis 'Boetica') Height: 8-12'. Width: 4-6'. Low water use/drought tolerant. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees with a slow growth rate. It blooms in late Spring with white flowers. This plant makes an excellent specimen or focal point in the garden and can be grown in containers. It should be provided good drainage and should not be over-watered in the summer to avoid root rot.
Viburnum (Viburnum tinus) Height: 4'. Width: 4'. Moderate to high water use. Evergreen. Cold tolerant to 35 degrees. Moderate to fast growth rate. Flower color varies, but generally pink. Partial sun to shade. Vibernum is an old style plant, generally planted in the 70's, but is making a come back. It is a nice medium-sized shrub, good for near houses on the north or east side of Tucson.
Waxleaf Privet (Ligustrum texanum) Height: 8-10. Width: 4-6. Moderate water use. Evergreen. Morning sun / afternoon shade to filtered sun. Cold tolerant to 10 with a moderate growth rate. Blooms white flowers late spring into summer. Can be used a screening plant in the shadier garden. Requires rich well draining soil.
Weeping Acacia (Acacia pendula) Height: 20'. Width: 15'. Low Water Use. Evergreen. Full Sun. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees with a slow to moderate growth rate. Blooms with yellow flowers in late Winter/Spring. A nice accent tree that is underused in the desert garden. Clean and easy to grow can be used around pool areas providing a dense canopy.
White Cloud Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens 'White Cloud') Height: 5-6.Width: 5-6. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun. Cold tolerant to 10 degrees with a moderate growth rate. Blooms white flowers predominantly during the rainy season in summer and has gray foliage. It requires well draining soil and can withstand stints of drought. Great for hedging, they require little to no pruning. Older plants can be pruned to the ground if woody.
Whitethorn Acacia (Acacia Constricta) Height: 10-20'. Width: 10-20'. Low water use once established. Deciduous. Full to reflected sun. Cold tolerant with a slow to moderate growth rate. It blooms yellow, fragrant flowers in the spring and proves to be a versatile plant. It can be trained into a small, flowering tree or used as a barrier planting around the perimeter of a property. The fragrance of the flowers themselves are worth the investment.
Willow Acacia (Acacia salacina) Height: 20-25'. Width:15-20'. Low to Moderate Water Use. Evergreen. Full Sun. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees with a fast growth rate. Blooms with yellow-white flowers in Winter. Fast growing and with a dense canopy , this tree does well in limited space. Prune to shape.
Wislizenus Dalea (Dalea versicolor) Height: 3-4'. Width: 3-4'. Low water use. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees. Moderate to fast growth rate. Blooms Fall-Spring with purple flowers. Like some other desert natives, this plant responds to supplemental irrigations during the warm season with lush growth and heavy bloom.
Wormwood (Artemisia sp.) Height: 3'. Width: 3'. Moderate water use. Evergreen Full sun to afternoon shade. Cold tolerant to 30 degrees moderate to fast growth rate. Flowers yellow in summer but insignificant. Lush mounding habit and grey-silver foliage make a great contrast to rich green foliage of other plants. If damaged by winter cold, cut back after threat of frost.Xylosma (Xylosma congestum) Height: 8-15'. Width: 6-8'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees. Slow to moderate growth rate. White flowers. Full sun to partial shade. An underused plant that makes a great shrub or small tree. Very tough and hardy to everything Tucson has to offer, a very good substitute for Japanese privet. Xylosma has a glossy leaf that looks lush with little care and moderate water.
Yellow Dalea (Dalea lutea) Height: 3'. Width: 3'. Low to moderate water use. Evergreen. Full to reflected sun to light shade. Cold tolerant to 20 degrees Moderate growth rate. Blooms during warm season in response to irrigations with yellow flower. This plants mounding form contrasts nicely when planted near columnar cacti or ocotillo.
Yellow Oleander (Thevitia peruviana) Height: 8'. Width: 5'. Moderate to high water use. Evergreen. Cold tolerant to 35 degrees. Fast growth rate. Yellow to pale orange flowers. Full sun. This a great large shrub to small tree here in Tucson, the plant can be frost sensitive so make sure you mention that to the sales person so they can asses where you live in town, and make a suggestion on where it can survive.
