Full Sun

Medium Water

Mature Size: 40’X 18”

Pine trees provide visual interest in a landscape and much-needed greenery in the coldest, most barren months. Afghan Pine is one of the best desert pines. It thrives in heat, wind, poor soil and it is relatively drought tolerant. However, it cannot tolerate temperatures below 0 degrees F. Its evergreen leaves (needles) grow in pairs and reach 5-6 inches long. This relatively fast-growing tree is great for windbreaks and for creating a “visual screen” between properties.

Full Sun

Medium Water

Mature Size: 30’X 20’

This is one of the oldest known trees on earth, and this resilience and adaptability might explain how a tree normally found in the high mountains of the West grows so well thousands of feet lower in elevation and many degrees hotter in temperature. Short- needled and slow-growing, the resinous aroma of Bristlecone Pine fits smaller garden spaces with grace and limited water.

Full Sun

Medium Water

Mature Size: 25-60’X 10-40’depending on variety
Blooming Season: Spring
Fruit: All female varieties have blue- or copper-colored berries

Although some may argue that there are already enough Junipers in New Mexico gardens, it is important to note that these adaptable conifers are the survivors of  the transition from water-soaked landscapes to more sustainable ones. We are lucky to have many new xeric options, but the pollenless female forms of Juniper provide food and cover for songbirds as well as interesting foliage color and texture.