As summer approaches, we want to showcase some of the flowers, shrubs and trees that thrive in the hot Summer Desert.

The Valley of the Sun is classified as a Subtropical Desert which means that it is a low desert at around 1,100 feet elevation. What this means to us is that the mean daily temperature in July (the hottest month) is from

The good news is that numerous subtropical plants with high heat requirements thrive in our climate. You simply need drive through the valley during the hottest months of the summer and see the desert abloom! During the upcoming summer months we also have to consider the summer storms which sometimes present challenges because the rains may supply some soil moisture but on many afternoons the valuable afternoon sun is blocked by the dense clouds that roll across the valley.

Cactus are a large family of succulent plants with many varieties, shapes and colors. Generally leafless, they have stems modified into cylinders, pad or joints which store water in times of drought. Their thick skin reduces evaporation and most species have spines to protect plants from browsing animals.

These native plants produce large and brightly colored flowers as well as fruit which is colorful and edible.

Cacti range from a few inches to 50ft high with larger species used to create desert landscapes. Rock gardens are a great place to display smaller and sufficiently hardy species.

Featured Flower

 The Matilija Poppy Flower, Romneya coulter, makes a fine flower display with it's fragile beauty contrasting with its rugged, drought resistant constitution.
This flower, which is native to Southern California and Mexico grows to a spectacular 8 feet or more and produces flowers up to 9 in wide with 5 or 6 white crepe paper like petals surround round cluster of golden stamens. It is a fragrant plant that blooms in June and July.

Featured Shrub

 The Cresote Bush, :Larrea Tridentata, is an evergreen shrub that grows with many upright branches 4-8 ft high. It is an attractive dense and rounded plant with leathery yellow green to dark green leaves.
Small yellow flowers bloom off and on all year, followed by small roundish fruit covered with shiny white or rusty hairs.

Featured Tree

 The Desert Willow, Chilopsis Linearia, is a deciduous large shrub or small tree that is native to the desert. This open and airy tree grow to about 25 feet and develops dark shaggy bark and twisting trunks.
It's long narrow 2-5 in leaves are sometimes occupied by pink, white, rose or lavender flowers and attracts birds.