Common name:Desert Marigold
Botanical name:Baileya multiradiata
Fast growing perennial reaches 1' x 1'. Soft silvery gray leaves. Bright yellow daisy like flowers appear year round. This undemanding plant reseeds easily. Accepts reflected sun. Be careful not to overwater. Native to southwest U.S. and northern Mexico.
Common name:Globe Mallow Louis Hamilton
Botanical name:Sphaeralcea ambigua 'Louis Hamilton'
This perennial will grow 4' x 3' . It has small, leathery gray leaves with rich, red-orange flowers that bloom in the spring.
Common name:Desert Ironwood
Botanical name:Olneya tesota
Evergreen tree grows slowly to 25' x 25'. It has attractive gray bark and the stems are armed with thorns. In late spring there are masses of dusty lavender pea-like flowers. This handsome tree lends character to the landscape. Native to the Sonoran Desert.
Common name:Apricot Mallow
Botanical name:Sphaeralcea ambigua 'Pink Form'
This native perennial has a relaxed sprawling form. It usually has light orange flowers but this one is the pink form. It starts to look rangy after flowering, so cut to 6" above ground for a fresh start. Leaves are small, grayish green, and 3 lobed. This extremely drought and soil tolerant shrub does best in full sun, even in reflected heat. This is the most drought tolerant of Sphaeralceas and the largest, with up to 100 stems from a single root. Some folks have allergic reaction to the leaves.
Designer: Carol Stuttard, Homeowner
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.