Common name:Ocotillo
Botanical name:Fouquieria splendens
Deciduous succulent grows at a moderate rate to 12' x 10'. Slender spined branches ascend from a common base. Medium green leaves appear when there is ample moisture. Drought deciduous. In spring, spiky clusters of red orange flowers appear. Too much water can kill this plant. Good drainage is important. Accepts full fun. Striking silhouette. Attracts hummingbirds. Native to Sonoran, Chihuahuan and Mojave Deserts.
Common name:Palo Verde Desert Museum
Botanical name:Parkinsonia 'Desert Museum'
This semievergreen tree will grow quickly to 25' x 25'. It has a beautiful vase-shape and makes a makes a nice specimin tree. Bright yellow blooms appear from spring through summer. There is seasonal leaf and flower litter. Overwatering may cause imbs to break. Look for selections that offer a vareity of bark colors and textures and thornless selections.
Designer:
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Group plants according to their water needs.
Creating separate zones for drought-tolerant plants, medium water-use plants, and water-thirsty grass will help prevent overwatering.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.