For The Garden
Garden Design Ideas
Plant Profiles
Desert Gardening Basics
Garden Products
Garden Photo Gallery
Tell the Garden Editor
home
>
for the garden
>
garden design ideas
>
desert gems
Desert Gems
Author:
Nancy Erdmann
PRINT
Issue:
July, 2010, Page 94
With their exotic forms, unique color combinations and curious blooms, these arid-adapted beauties are like miniature works of living art. Valued for their ability to withstand harsh conditions and retain water for long periods, as well as their ease of care, they just might be the perfect addition to the low-desert garden.
Aeonium
This rosette-shaped succulent produces vibrant green leaves tinged with red.
Haworthia subfasciata
This succulent is a standout with its raised horizontal markings.
Pandanus
Reddish spines characterize the palmlike leaves of this tropical plant.
Agave parryi
This Arizona native is valued for its shapely blue-green leaves.
Agave victoriae-reginae
The stiff leaves of this compact plant are patterned in white.
Bromeliad
The foliage of this tropical plant resembles a spine-studded starburst.
Echeveria
Color variations in this family of succulents often result from temperature changes.
Hesperaloe chiangii
Threadlike filaments on olive-green leaves define this desert plant.
Agave horrida
The leaves of this agave are outlined with brownish coloring and sharp “teeth.”