More desert perennials for Tucson area landscapes

Penstemon parryi is native to the Tucson area. This penstemon species reaches 3 feet tall or more, with vivid pink flowers appearing in the early spring. They can bloom as early as February if conditions are warm enough. They finish blooming once temperatures climb into the 80’s; usually in April. Red Salvia, Salvia greggii, is a must-have perennial for the desert, as hummingbirds just love this plant. A small shrub, about 2 feet tall and wide, Red Salvia blooms up to 9 months a year, providing lots of red flowers to attract hummingbirds. Shear to the ground in early spring if it starts to look leggy. View the list »
Mexican Oregano, Poliomintha maderensis ‘Lavender Spice’ is a perennial that not only will attract hummers, but is equal to any oregano you buy in the store for cooking. The light pink to lavender flowers appear the entire warm season, sometimes so extensively it hides the leaves. When not blooming, the foliage is a lovely glossy green.

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Desert perennials abound, and with so many to choose from, you might find yourself looking for more places around your Tucson area home to add a perennial garden or two.

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Hummingbirds love our desert perennials. If you are planning a hummingbird garden, do not forget to plant penstemons, as they are one of a hummingbird’s favorite plants.

Most perennials prefer filtered shade, such as underneath a desert tree like the Mesquite, Palo Verde, Acacia or Desert Willow. If you do not have a tree like this to take advantage of, at least provide afternoon shade. The east side of your home is a good orientation for perennials. Never plant on the west side, as although this means only a half day of sun, it is just too hot. This is especially true if it includes reflected heat from the house or a patio wall.

Although perennials are low water use, you will still need to provide irrigation. A drip system is important, as watering by hand is quite a chore when the temperatures are over a hundred.

View the list
  • Mexican Oregano, Poliomintha maderensis ‘Lavender Spice’ is a perennial that not only will attract hummers, but is equal to any oregano you buy in the store for cooking. The light pink to lavender flowers appear the entire warm season, sometimes so extensively it hides the leaves. When not blooming, the foliage is a lovely glossy green.
  • Red Salvia, Salvia greggii, is a must-have perennial for the desert, as hummingbirds just love this plant. A small shrub, about 2 feet tall and wide, Red Salvia blooms up to 9 months a year, providing lots of red flowers to attract hummingbirds. Shear to the ground in early spring if it starts to look leggy. 
  • Penstemon parryi is native to the Tucson area. This penstemon species reaches 3 feet tall or more, with vivid pink flowers appearing in the early spring. They can bloom as early as February if conditions are warm enough. They finish blooming once temperatures climb into the 80’s; usually in April. 
View the list

, Tucson Gardening Examiner

This author has lived in Arizona since 1972 and has been gardening for more than 28 years. A landscape architect and certified arborist, Linda teaches classes for everyone in desert plant care for Green Valley Recreation, and provides services in landscape design. Contact her at Linda...

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