Shrubs

Native gray leafed shrub for tough color. Brittlebushes are one of the most commonly occurring Sonoran desert shrubs, covering our hillsides and desert floor with bright yellow daisylike blooms in spring and again in summers that receive monsoon rains. Flowers form on branched stalks above the gray foliage. They are extremely drought and heat tolerant. While they appreciate more water initially to become established, like any true native, more water encourages rangy out of control growth which can cause otherwise low maintenance plants into high maintenance plants, so wean them off frequent watering after one year. Brittlebush pairs well with many flowering shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers, as well as large accent plants and desert trees.

Wide, evergreen lush-looking groundcover. This Emu stays relatively low, but it can spread wide as it matures. We list this plant at a comfortable 5-6 ft. spread, but some older specimens in Phoenix and Palm Springs have been noted to have grown to 10 ft. wide or more. They are not considered aggressive growers though. Selective annual pruning right after flowering is all that is needed to control their size. Low to moderate water needs and well-draining soils are all they need to be healthy and happy. Bright
green, lush foliage is covered by golden yellow blooms starting in winter with bloom peeking in early spring

Red to dark, orange-colored flowers on well-behaved shrub. These tough drought tolerant shrubs have dark green lush looking foliage on woody stems for this open medium-sized Emu. Moderate to fast growers, requiring little to no maintenance except for cleaning up after their massive bloom displays from winter to early spring. Plants have the potential to bloom sporadically throughout the year.

Tough silver-gray shrubs with big blue blooms. Semi-woody perennial small to medium sized shrubs for lower deserts and coastal landscapes. Like other silver or gray leafed xeric shrubs, these Blue Bells require well-drained soil and will not tolerate wet roots. They are slow to moderate growers, so be patient for their development. Once mature, they can tolerate infrequent, well-timed waterings to stay healthy and happy. Big blue to lavender flowers can appear throughout the year. This plant pairs very well with green succulent accent plants like large Agaves, columnar cacti, or blend it with other complimentary shrubs, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, or mixed perennials.

Tough Australian shrubs giving great color. This selection is an upright growing plant that produces dark red tubular flowers starting in winter with full bloom occurring in mid-February, hence the cultivar name. Small, dark green to burgundy tinged leaves provide a dark silhouette for other complimentary plants. For reference, it may be helpful to know that all Eremophila sp. are distantly related to Leucophyllum sp. and most require the same cultural care and environments as TX Sage, although most Emu bushes are not as cold tolerant. In Australia, they occupy outback rangeland in mixed sparse forests to scrubland areas that receive less than 9 in. of annual rainfall, however, Emu bush are quite adaptable and will accept more regular watering in captive landscapes. They are equally happy in low deserts as they are in coastal regions. Just remember that the more water they get the faster and larger they usually grow.

Rugged, versatile evergreen small shrubs. Bright green soft but resinous needle-like leaves on woody stems with masses of bright yellow flowers appearing in fall. Moderate to fast growing native shrubs for low to upland desert landscapes. Relevant as a revegetation plant as it is for more formal or refined desert designs. Plants are quite drought tolerant once mature. Light spring trimming or shearing can be done to freshen up their appearance. ‘Aguirre’ is a reference to Aguirre Springs State Park in S. NM outside of Las Cruces where this plant grows naturally. This NM selection appears more floriferous due to wider and more numerous rays encircling each flower, unlike most Turpentine flowers that form no rays.

Divine, heady fragranced waxy white flowers. While the word everblooming may be an over exaggeration, these small, compact shiny dark green shrubs remain popular because of their reliable intoxicating fragrant blooms. In low deserts these plants require shade to part sun locations, such as morning sun with afternoon shade. Under large shade trees with dappled sunlight is also acceptable, but the secret to raising Gardenias is soil amendments. These plants are native to rainforests of central Asia and Japan, where soils are organically rich and acidic. Lowering the soil pH to an acceptable level of 5.0 to 6.5 is needed to keep Gardenias and other acid-loving plants happy in our low desert environment. Regular, supplemental irrigation, minimal pruning and keeping all the fallen flowers picked up are the only other maintenance requirements for these hardy, well-behaved shrubs. NOTE: If you would like advice on how to properly lower your soil pH, please feel free to call our sales team!

Large green glossy leaves with clusters of red blooms. Long-lasting clusters of narrow tubular orange to red flowers form on the ends of most branches that are equally attractive to hummingbirds as they are to homeowners. This woody, but herbaceous looking shrubs work well in nearly any design. They have a lush appearance but are tough and heat tolerant. Moderate summer irrigation keeps them happy and healthy. Minimal selective pruning or trimming for size and to remove spent blooms is the only maintenance they require.

Bold vertical accent plant for big spaces. Succulent accent plant that grows 4 ft. long unarmed leaves from a central base. Strong white curling filaments peal naturally from the leave margins to create a wild wispy appearance, at least when viewed up close. They are quite heat and drought tolerant requiring only periodic moisture once mature. Avoid planting too deep, as this can lead to crown rot. Once mature, these evergreen plants will shoot up tall multi-branched dramatic flower stalks to more than 12 ft. high. Each branch holds cream colored blooms with recurved petals, while attractive the bold size and height of the stalks are what is so impressive about these long-lived large accent plants. While they are not fast growers, when planting, put them in open spaces with wide individual spacing. Good for freeway right of way, parks, golf courses, natural desert designs, and even home or commercial landscapes as long as appropriate spacing is followed.