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:
Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
Water Saving Tip:
As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.
Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.
Integrated Pest Management:
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.