Pink Fairy Duster
(Calliandra eriophylla)
Pink Fairy Duster is a small, deciduous shrub known for its delicate, pink, pom-pom-like flowers and finely divided foliage. The vibrant, fluffy blooms appear from late summer through fall, providing a soft and colorful touch to gardens. The shrub is well-adapted to Tucson’s dry and hot climate and thrives in full sun.
Cold Hardiness: Tolerates temperatures down to about 20°F (-6°C).
Water Use: Low. Highly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal irrigation.
Black Dalea
(Dalea frutescens)
Black Dalea is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub known for its unique black-purple flowers. Blooming from late summer into fall, it provides a dramatic contrast to the typical desert palette. This shrub is well-suited to Tucson’s arid climate and requires minimal water, thriving in full sun.
Cold Hardiness: Hardy to around 20°F (-6°C).
Water Use: Low. Extremely drought-tolerant, requires minimal watering once established.
Coral Vine
(Antigonon leptopus)
Coral Vine, also known as Mexican Creeper, is a vigorous, fast-growing shrub with clusters of vibrant pink or coral flowers. It blooms from late summer into fall and adds a burst of color to any garden. It’s well-adapted to Tucson’s hot and dry climate and can be grown on trellises or as a sprawling ground cover.
Cold Hardiness: Foliage is frost-sensitive and will go dormant during winter. Root hardy into low 20s.
Water Use: Moderate. Needs regular watering during the growing season but is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Ruellia
(Ruellia brittoniana)
Ruellia, or Mexican Petunia, features tubular flowers in purple, pink, or white. It blooms continuously from spring through fall and is well-suited for Tucson’s dry climate. It’s low-maintenance and thrives in full sun.
Cold Hardiness: Tolerates temperatures down to about 20°F (-6°C).
Water Use: Low to moderate. Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during extreme dry periods.
Red Yucca
(Hesperaloe parviflora)
Red Yucca, though a succulent, is noted for its tall flower spikes with red or coral tubular flowers. It blooms from late summer into fall and is incredibly drought-tolerant. It’s ideal for adding color and architectural interest to Tucson gardens.
Cold Hardiness: Can withstand temperatures as low as 15°F (-9°C).
Water Use: Very low. Highly drought-tolerant, requires minimal watering.
Pink Trumpet Vine
(Podranea ricasoliana)
Pink Trumpet Vine is a vigorous, climbing shrub with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in soft pink. It blooms from late summer into fall, offering a stunning display of color. This vine is well-suited to Tucson’s climate and can be grown on trellises or as a sprawling shrub.
Cold Hardiness: Best suited for zones with temperatures above 32°F (0°C); may suffer frost damage in colder climates.
Water Use: Moderate. Prefers regular watering but is fairly drought-tolerant once established.
Mexican Bird of Paradise
(Caesalpinia mexicana)
Mexican Bird of Paradise is a striking shrub with bright yellow or orange flowers that bloom from late summer through fall. It’s heat and drought-tolerant, making it well-suited to Tucson’s climate. Its fern-like foliage adds an attractive, tropical feel to gardens.
Cold Hardiness: Tolerates temperatures down to around 20°F (-6°C).
Water Use: Low. Drought-tolerant, once established, requires minimal irrigation.
Pink Muhly Grass
(Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Pink Muhly Grass is an ornamental grass known for its airy, pinkish-purple plumes that bloom in the fall. The grass forms a dense, fountain-like clump of green foliage, which turns a golden color in winter. Its soft, feathery flowers create a striking visual effect and add texture to garden landscapes.
Cold Hardiness: Tolerates temperatures down to around 10°F (-12°C).
Water Use: Low. Very drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering
Brittlebush
(Encelia farinosa)
Brittlebush is a hardy shrub with gray-green foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom in the fall. It’s well-adapted to dry, rocky soils and full sun, making it an excellent choice for Tucson landscapes.
Cold Hardiness: Hardy to about 20°F (-6°C).
Water Use: Very low. Extremely drought-tolerant, thrives with minimal water.
Night-Blooming Jasmine
(Cestrum nocturnum)
Night-Blooming Jasmine is known for its fragrant, tubular flowers that bloom in the fall and emit a strong, sweet scent in the evening. This shrub thrives in Tucson’s climate and adds a pleasant aroma to the garden during cooler months.
Cold Hardiness: Tolerates temperatures down to about 25°F (-4°C); may suffer from frost damage in colder temperatures.
Water Use: Moderate. Prefers regular watering but is fairly drought-tolerant once established.