AZ backyard
Beloperone: The landscape comes alive in winter when red trumpet-shaped flowers appear. Bright green heart-shaped foliage adds a visually cooling element to the landscape and may be absent during times of drought. Hummingbirds flock to the flowers, which are perfectly shaped for their long beaks and are a vital source of nectar when not much else is in bloom. Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9) Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full sun to light shade Mature size: 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide
Little-Leaf Cordia (Cordia parvifolia) Native to the desert regions of Mexico, including Baja, Chihuahua and Sonora The papery white flowers of this Mexican native add a neutral color that enhances the impact of other colors in the landscape. Despite the delicate appearance of its flowers, this large shrub is anything but. Little-leaf cordia’s ability to handle the heat and sun, as well as periods of drought, makes it a popular choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8) Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full, reflected sun or light shade Mature size: 4 to 8 feet tall and 4 to10 feet wide
2. Feathery Cassia (Senna artemisioides, formerly Cassia artemisioides) Native to the arid regions of Australia Fragrant yellow flowers cover finely textured gray-green leaves from late winter into early spring, adding color to the cool-season landscape. Here we see it contrasted by red ‘Valentine’ bush (Eremophila maculata ‘Valentine’) When not in flower, the foliage of this Australian native adds a soft shade of green that contrasts darker green plants. As a bonus, the foliage appears to turn silvery gray when blown by the wind. Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8) Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full, reflected sun to light shade Mature size: 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide
1. Pink Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla) Native to the desert Southwest and also grows in northern Mexico This Southwestern native’s airy foliage is transformed in spring by the arrival of pink flowers that resemble feather dusters. Not only do people enjoy the beauty of these flowers, but hummingbirds can’t get enough of them. While pink fairy duster is able to survive on natural rainfall, its appearance as well as the amount of flowers produced are improved when it is watered deeply once a month in spring and fall and twice a month in summer. Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 8; find your zone) Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full sun is best, but it can handle filtered shade for a few hours a day. Mature size: 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide
5. Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens) Native to the Chihuahuan Desert Commonly referred to as barometer bush, Texas ranger welcomes flushes of purple flowers at the onset of increased levels of humidity throughout the warm season, often occurring after periods of rain. The gray foliage is covered with tiny hairs that help to reflect the sun’s rays while giving it a velvety texture. ‘Green Cloud’ is a popular variety of Texas ranger in a darker shade of green. The beauty of this shrub is best appreciated when it is allowed to grow into its natural shape, rather than being pruned into formal shapes. Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8) Water requirement: Low to moderate Light requirement: Full sun to light shade Mature size: 5 to 8 feet tall and wide
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