Weber’s agave (Agave weberi) is one of my favorite succulents growing in my xeriscape. It has lovely blue-green leaves that undulate with a beckoning wave-like design. But, is this attractive agave the right choice for your xeriscape? Read the Weber’s agave pros and cons to make an informed decision. My experiences with Weber’s agave Years […]
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One of my favorite agaves is the variegated century plant (Agave americana ‘Marginata’). In my opinion, its variegated colors and striking shape make it a standout focal point in any landscape. Unfortunately, I have found it to be difficult to keep alive! Here’s what my experience has taught me about the variegated century plant pros
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The Peruvian apple cactus (cereus repandus) can grow large and make a striking visual statement in your landscape. I have one in my xeriscape, and it flowers and produces fruit every year. But, will this cactus work in your landscape? Read about the Peruvian apple cactus pros and cons, and decide for yourself! Peruvian apple
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There are hundreds of aloe plants that are very easy to grow, but today I’m focusing on the easy to grow aloe vera species named Aloe barbadensis Miller. It is one of the few aloes that I can grow outside, year-round, in our extreme climate of southern Arizona. So, here’s how to grow aloe vera!
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The soaptree yucca (Yucca elata) is another evocative icon of the southwestern United States. Just like the iconic saguaro cactus, the soaptree yucca conjures up images of determination and survival in the most difficult, unforgiving conditions. But does the soaptree yucca belong in your landscape? Let’s discuss the soaptree yucca pros and cons. But first,
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The Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora ) was one of the first plants that caught my eye when I moved to the southwestern United States. The almost fluorescent pinkish-red flowers and the long stalks made me look twice. And I noticed that the hummingbirds loved them, too. Their ability to grow in poor soil and with
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The Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilus), sometimes called the European fan palm, is probably one of the easiest and prettiest palm trees I have ever grown. However, it grows excruciatingly slow. Because of those conflicting attributes, I will discuss the Mediterranean fan palm pros and cons. Mediterranean fan palm in my xeriscape Because I am
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The Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia ) is a hardy perennial. In 1995, it was named the Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. I love the Russian sage because it has aromatic leaves with long stems of small but abundant flowers. Here’s what I’ve learned about how to grow Russian sage. How to
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The chaste tree, or the vitex tree (Vitex agnus castus), produces clusters of small flowers in the spring and the fall (depending on your hardiness zone). After the flowers wilt, it produces bountiful seeds that feed the wildlife. But, to stimulate more growth, you should cut the clusters of seeds off. It’s easy! Here’s how
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The chaste tree, which I’ve also heard called the vitex tree (Vitex agnus castus), wins the top prize for the easiest-to-grow plant in my xeriscape. It produces long panicles (branching clusters of flowers) that are covered with beautiful blue flowers in the spring and fall. Read about the pros and cons of the chaste tree
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