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Bulletproof Plants for Southwestern Landscapes

On the cOver: Pathways lined with desert flora beckon visitors in this carefree, arizona property. Landscape design by Donna winters. Photo by michael woodall

TEXT BY CATHY CROMWELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT MILLARD

LONGING TO CREATE an attractive outdoor environment with a minimum of time and effort? Consider incorporating some of these tough native or desert-adapted species into your landscape. The following plants thrive in the low desert and offer such outstanding characteristics as vibrant color, year-round greenery or heavenly fragrance. And best of all: You dont have to be a plant sleuth to find them. They are readily available at many local nurseries and garden centers.

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Foothills palo verde

ironwood (with saguaro)

Palo blanco

TREES
FOOthiLLs PaLO verDe (Parkinsonia microphyllum formerly Cercidium microphyllum) Mature size: 15' x 15' Bloom: covered in a cloud of intense-yellow flowers in spring Growth rate: slow Highlight: its attractive shape and size (smaller than many native trees) makes it a perfect fit for small yards. irOnwOOD (Olneya tesota) Mature size: 25' x 25' Bloom: small lavender flowers in late spring Growth rate: slow Highlight: One of the sonoran Deserts signature plants, its multi-trunked growth pattern lends a sculptural statement in the landscape. PaLO BLancO (Acacia willardiana) Mature size: 20' x 10' Bloom: cream-color flowers in spring Growth rate: slow to moderate Highlight: its white peeling bark makes it the southwests answer to paper birch trees native to northern north america.
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chaparral sage

Baja red fairy duster

SHRUBS
BaJa reD FairY Duster (Calliandra californica) Mature size: 5' x 5' Bloom: red puffball-shape flowers almost year-round Growth rate: moderate Highlight: hummingbirds flock to its blooms. chaParraL saGe (Salvia clevelandii) Mature size: 4' x 4' Bloom: Blue flowers on tall stalks from spring to summer Growth rate: Fast Highlight: intense desert scent of sage permeates the air. YeLLOw BirD OF ParaDise (Caesalpinia gilliesii) Mature size: 6' x 5' Bloom: spring to fall Growth rate: moderate Highlight: unusual yellow flowers with long red stamens provide exotic color throughout summer.

Yellow bird of paradise

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Lilac vine

VINES

LiLac vine (Hardenbergia violacea) Mature size: 15' x 10' Bloom: Purple, lilac or white sprays in winter to spring Growth rate: Fast Highlight: its sweet fragrance is reminiscent of lilac bushes. Pink trumPet vine (Podranea ricasoliana) Mature size: 20' x 10' Bloom: Pink trumpet-shape flowers from late summer to fall Growth rate: moderate until roots become established, then rejuvenates rapidly if cut back (requires sturdy trellis) Highlight: evergreen foliage provides a lush, tropical look throughout summer and winter. Queens wreath (Antigonon leptopus) Mature size: 15 x 15 Bloom: rose-pink flowers summer to fall Growth rate: Fast (dies to the ground with cold temperatures and revives in spring) Highlight: Delicate flower sprays create a profusion of color.
Pink trumpet vine Queen's wreath

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GROUND COVER
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) Mature size: 2' x 2' Bloom: vivid golden daisy flowers in spring and fall Growth rate: slow Highlight: it withstands intense reflected heat. GaZania (G. rigens) Mature size: 8" x 18" Bloom: many shades of orange, yellow and gold; flowers most profusely in spring and fall Growth rate: moderate (do not over-water) Highlight: it creates carpets of color in the landscape and makes an excellent container plant. Lantana (Lantana hybrid and L. montevidensis) Mature size: 1-2' x 3-4' Bloom: white, lavender, yellow, gold, red and multicolor flowers bloom year-round Growth rate: Fast (if not struck by frost) Highlight: mounds of color draw butterflies to the yard.

Damianita

Gazania

Lantana

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coral aloe

Golden barrel cactus

red yucca

CACTI AND SUCCULENTS

cOraL aLOe (Aloe striata) Mature size: 2' x 2.5' Bloom: stunning coral flowers in winter and spring Growth rate: moderate Highlight: its distinct pale-green leaves reveal long fine lines and spineless pinkish margins. GOLDen BarreL cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) Mature size: 1.5' x 2' Bloom: Yellow flowers in spring Growth rate: slow Highlight: Golden spines glow when backlit by low sunlight. reD Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) Mature size: 3' x 5' Bloom: reddish flower spikes from spring to summer (yellow selections also available) Growth rate: Fast Highlight: it thrives in areas of intense sun and reflected heat, attracting hummingbirds over its extended bloom season.
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