I've grown both Baptisia and Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spires'. Have enjoyed both plants. Unfortunately, the Perovskia I've had has flopped and since I am redoing that bed, I'm removing it all together. If I wanted to keep it, I might consider looking for another variety that didn't flop as much. Otherwise, they've been a care free plant in full sun from sunrise to sunset in zone 6a, for over 10years. Requiring only to be cut back above new growth in early spring. Baptisia is a great plant. Another care free plant. I planted mine in 1/2 a day sun and it also flopped and needed support all the time it has been in that location. Still gorgeous for the brief time it is in bloom. Very reliable. Just this past fall I attempted to dig it out of there for the second time and gave up, and so did my husband. If we tried a pick ax, it probably would work. I opted to smother it with cardboard and a 12 inch layer of mulch on the top of it and see if that will take care of it next season. I am still planning to use Baptisia in my full sun location. I think you just need to be sure where you want it or else move it in the first year or two, to avoid that difficulty. One other thought, if I had such a location, with full sun from sunrise to sunset, I would use it for growing tomatoes. Just what they need and conditions I don't have enough of. Or many other sun loving vegetables and fruit, would love it there.

There are a couple of slightly different types, the Japanese Shiso and the Korean one. This plant is in the mint family. It might be fun to try but I don't know when to plant it. Maybe it should be planted in the spring. Here is a link that might be useful: Korean Perilla

Yup, I agree with the others, it's definitely a plumeria ("frangipani" in some parts of the world). They can be grown in the Phoenix area in the ground in VERY warm microclimates, especially in central Phoenix, and in pots everywhere in the Valley. I've been growing a few in huge pots for several years and really love them. The three things to remember: afternoon shade in summer, no water when they drop their leaves in winter, and no hard freezes. The ones I've had in the ground (N. Scottsdale) for several years all got zorched during this past winter's record breaking cold snap in early January. I brought the potted ones indoors for three nights. Let us know if you give them a try, and how they work out for you. My favorite variety is 'Celandine' with massive, highly scented, yellow blooms. Here's a pic of her blooms: Happy gardening! Grant

disintegrated? like turned to dust? did she water it after planting it. figs are drought resistant but thats once established. while young you should supply water when needed. AZ soil will dry out fast so you can add some organic matter to hold the water better. never dig a hole and poor in potting soil, compost, ect in the hole and plant directly in the hole. amend a hole 2 to 3 times the size of the rootball by mixing existing soil with the soil amendment. the bigger the hole the better. also mulching helps cool the roots in the 100+ degree days and slows evaporation. once your roots are older and run deeper it will probably never need to be watered again or need human assistance and will likely outlive you and provide plenty of figs for your grandkids and maybe there kids. remnants of president Thomas Jefferson's fig orchard lived into the the early 1900's and He planted them as early as 1769. If a tree will take care of you for this long it just makes since to do the extra work upfront. If her plant fails don't give up, just try again. Everyone needs a fig tree especially Mom! Good luck.