The silver torch sactus (Cleistocactus straussii) is a strikingly beautiful columnar cactus. I have a lot of them growing in containers and in my xeriscape. Read more about silver torch cactus care, and ways to encourage faster growth and more flowers. Before we discuss how to care for Cleistocactus straussii, let’s describe this wonderful cactus! […]
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If you’d like a unique-looking and easy-to-grow cactus that stays relatively small, I’d suggest the Opuntia quitensis Johnson’s hybrid. Read more about how to grow Opuntia Johnson’s hybrid cactus! But first, here’s a description of Opuntia Johnson’s hybrid cactus. Description of the Opuntia Johnson’s hybrid cactus Smaller flowers and smaller pads Most varieties of opuntia
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This is the story of how I learned about the 3 benefits of earthworm castings, and how I used their organic waste to combat a common landscape pest. Surprisingly, I was amazed that earthworm castings also helped my agaves grow faster, larger, and look more beautiful. Earthworm castings backstory: Before we discuss the 3 benefits
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Recently, I bought a small columnar cactus. Uniquely, it has long white hairs covering the top and side of the cactus column. It looks like an old man’s long white beard. In fact, it is called the Old Man of the Andes cactus (Oreocereus trollii), and it’s a unique-looking succulent to add to your xeriscape. Here
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This fall, my Orange Jubilee (Tecoma x ‘Orange Jubilee’) is blooming like crazy. Its trumpet-shaped orange flowers create a wall of vibrant color in my xeriscape. While this plant looks good, are there any drawbacks to having this plant in your landscape? Here are the Tecoma Orange Jubilee pros and cons! Orange Jubilee pros and
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The woolly butterfly bush (Buddleia marrubifolia) is native to the Chihuahuan Desert, which includes the southern Texas and northern Mexico regions. It’s a unique-looking bush that will attract lots of butterflies to your xeriscape. Here are things to consider with woolly butterfly bush care. Browse the latest landscaping deals on Amazon! (As an Amazon Associate,
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Ever since I moved to the southwestern United States, I’ve been growing autumn sage (Salvia greggii). It’s a popular and easy-to-find plant that is perfect for landscapers who want to conserve water. But, are there also downsides to autumn sage? Here are the autumn sage pros and cons! Autumn sage pros and cons PROS: Blooms
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Bougainvillea are colorful tropical plants that are also surprisingly drought-tolerant. In addition, they love extreme summer heat. Once established, these plants are relatively carefree. To ensure your success with these vibrant plants, here’s how to care for bougainvillea. Description of bougainvillea plants Bougainvillea are viny, woody, and thorny plants that can be grown as a
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I was surprised to learn that bougainvillea plants are drought-tolerant, and that they can thrive in the sunny, hot, and dry conditions common in the southwestern United States. However, this plant does haves its disadvantages, too. Here are the bougainvillea pros and cons for a drought-tolerant landscape. In the past, I dismissed using bougainvilleas as
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Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas ) will add a colorful, aromatic flair to your southwestern xeriscape. Amazingly, the Spanish lavender will reward you with prolific, purple flower blooms throughout the growing season. Here’s how to grow Spanish lavender. To withstand heat, select the Spanish lavender In addition to the Spanish lavender variety, you might also see
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