by 505 Outside | Feb 29, 2024 | Flowering Plants
Type: Shrub, Flowering Plant
Exposure: Sun/Shade
Water Use: Low
Mature Size: 8” H x 2’ W, varies depending on species
Catmint has become a cornerstone of many xeriscapes because of its hardiness and long bloom period. The first flush of blue flowers comes in late spring. When deadheaded promptly, a second flush blooms in late summer. Out of flower, the neat mound of gray-green foliage has a pleasing fragrance and texture. Adaptable to any well-drained soil, catmint can handle a range of light from full sun to light shade. Trim back in late winter for prolific blooms the following spring. Pollinators enjoy this plant along with house cats as this plant is similar to catnip. Walker’s Low is a great variety if you are looking for a more compact catmint. Six Hills Giant is one of the tallest catmint varieties with long lasting blooms.
by 505 Outside | Oct 2, 2023 | Flowering Plants
Type: Deciduous shrub
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Water Use: Low
Mature Size: 4’ H x 4’ W
Hummingbirds flock to this shrub's tubular orange flowers, which bloom during the hottest times of the summer. Flame acanthus can be slow to leaf out in the spring, so it generally is not bothered by late winter freezes. It has a strong vertical structure with dark green leaves. This shrub does well in reflected heat and is cold hardy to -5 degrees F. It provides lots of color on a small water budget, and rain will trigger a rush of blooms.
by 505 Outside | May 2, 2023 | Edibles, Flowering Plants
Type: Flowering Plant
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Water Use: Low
Mature Size: 2’ H x 3’ W
Plant this perennial among your garden beds for yearlong interest. This sage does double duty: It is edible and also a beautiful addition to any xeriscape yard. Purple blooms appear in early summer. Because it’s a Mediterranean plant, it likes to dry out between waterings.
by 505 Outside | Jul 1, 2022 | Blog, Flowering Plants
Type: Flowering plant
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Use: Medium
Mature Size: 24” x 24”
As its nickname “hummingbird mint” suggests, Agastache is a reliable perennial for attracting pollinators and hummingbirds to your garden. Soft masses of colorful tubular flowers tower above soft leaves, from mid-summer until frost. Members of the Agastache family give off an anise-like fragrance that delights the senses. Many cultivars are available in a wide selection of form and colors. Agastache will thrive in tough, dry conditions.
by 505 Outside | May 31, 2022 | Blog, Flowering Plants
Type: Deciduous shrub
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Use: Low
Mature Size: 2’ x 4’
This low-growing native shrub is an excellent choice for compact spaces in the desert- friendly garden. The texture of its soft fern-like leaves contrasts well against desert accent plants. Dark green leaves are covered with an abundance of small purple flowers in late summer through early fall. A native to the Chihuahuan desert, it is much beloved by native pollinators. Minimum maintenance is required — just an occasional trim at the edges if it starts to get leggy. Plant in well-drained areas and avoid overwatering.
by 505 Outside | May 1, 2022 | Flowering Plants, Planting Tips
Type: Flowering plant
Exposure: Full sun
Water Use: Low
Mature Size: 18” x 18”
This spectacular native wildflower is everblooming with a profusion of large, bright yellow, four-petaled flowers. Its narrow gray-green foliage gives the plant a lacy look in the garden. Calylophus thrives in the heat and grows well in a wide range of soils, as long as they’re well drained. This tough plant is the star of any dryland rock garden or xeriscape. Giving it a good shearing before the growing season starts in late spring will keep it looking tidy and loaded with flowers.
