Common name:Ocotillo
Botanical name:Fouquieria splendens
Deciduous succulent grows at a moderate rate to 12' x 10'. Slender spined branches ascend from a common base. Medium green leaves appear when there is ample moisture. Drought deciduous. In spring, spiky clusters of red orange flowers appear. Too much water can kill this plant. Good drainage is important. Accepts full fun. Striking silhouette. Attracts hummingbirds. Native to Sonoran, Chihuahuan and Mojave Deserts.
Common name:Pincushion Cactus
Botanical name:Mammillaria tetrancistra
This cactus is solitary, reaching 4"-6" tall and 2"-2.5" wide. It prefers light shade and water sparingly. However, good drainage is essential. Large pink flowers, 1"-2" in diameter, bloom in June and then again after monsoon summer rains. Fruit is cylindrical and red in color. The stem of the cactus is completely covered by spines, which resemble fish hooks.
| Designer: Sarah Wood | The Beloved Garden 2 |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Soils and Compost:
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Water Saving Tip:
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.
Integrated Pest Management:
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.