DESERT BLUEBELLS (Phacelia campanularia)

DESERT BLUEBELLS
(Phacelia campanularia)

Best traits—Pretty bouquets of bell-shaped blue flowers appear on this plant from February to May. It is one of the easiest wildflowers to grow and thrives in almost any type of soil. This free-seeding flower can be grown in planting beds, containers and xeriscape gardens.

Growing tips—In fall, sow seeds in full sun. Water every 2-3 days until germination, then every 5-7 days. Once blooming, water weekly. No fertilization is needed, as this will produce excessive foliage but few flowers. Note: The stems and leaves may irritate the skin; gloves are advised.

PURPLE OWL’S CLOVER (Castilleja exserta)

PURPLE OWL’S CLOVER
(Castilleja exserta)

Best traits—From March to May, this low-growing shrubby wildflower forms a carpet of pinkish-purple blooms on branching stems. Also known as exserted Indian paintbrush—as its floral bracts look like paintbrushes—it attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to its densely clustered spikes.

Growing tips—Sow in fall in full sun in well-draining soil. Water every few days until established, then once every few weeks. It is a good choice for annual color in native gardens or paired with other wildflowers, such as California poppies, desert bluebells, lupines and globe mallow.

CALIFORNIA POPPY (Eschscholzia californica)

CALIFORNIA POPPY
(Eschscholzia californica)

Best traits—Showy and easy to grow, this wildflower puts out a slew of yellow-orange flowers as early as February in the low desert and continues until temperatures heat up. It is low-maintenance, self-seeding and easy to remove if growing in unwanted places.

Growing tips—Sow seeds in fall in well-draining soil in a sunny area. Water every 2-3 days until they germinate, then every 5-7 days. Water once a week through the growing season. For the most impact, plant in masses. This poppy also can be grown in pots. Note: Flowers close at night and on overcast days.

DESERT GLOBE MALLOW (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

DESERT GLOBE MALLOW
(Sphaeralcea ambigua)

Best traits—Native to Arizona, this spring-blooming perennial—often seen growing along roadways—produces large globular flowers, usually in orange (although colors vary). Extremely heat- and drought-tolerant, the low-maintenance wildflower is ideal for xeriscape gardens or dry, hot locations.

Growing tips—Plant in fall in full sun, watering every few days to establish, then once every 2-3 weeks while flowering. To encourage rebloom, remove spent blossoms. If the plant becomes leggy after flowering, prune it to the ground.