Gardening Guides
Flowers and Plants
10 Fall-Blooming Shrubs for Southwest Gardens
These drought-tolerant flowering shrubs show off their colors in the cooler autumn months
The arrival of fall is often celebrated as a “second spring” in the Southwest, when the heat of summer goes away and cooler weather is welcomed with open arms. It’s a time when people begin to emerge from their air-conditioned hibernation to enjoy the outdoors. As if on cue, several shrubs burst forth with colorful blooms to celebrate the season.
Let’s look at 10 shrubs that bloom in autumn and decorate Southwestern gardens with their vibrant flowers. All are drought-tolerant and native to the drier regions of North America.
Let’s look at 10 shrubs that bloom in autumn and decorate Southwestern gardens with their vibrant flowers. All are drought-tolerant and native to the drier regions of North America.
2. Lemmon’s Marigold
(Tagetes lemmonii)
Native to Arizona and Mexico
The arrival of fall is heralded by flushes of yellow daisies, which cover the dark green foliage of this softly mounded shrub. One of the many attributes of Lemmon’s marigold is that it also flowers in spring, providing several months of brilliant color to the Southwest landscape.
Like other marigold species, the foliage is aromatic and made up of narrow, dark green leaves, which create lovely color contrast with the golden flowers. The scent of the foliage is described by some people as a mixture of mint and lemon. Others find the scent objectionable, in which case it can be placed toward the back of the landscape where its beauty can be appreciated without the scent.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun; must have filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 4 to 6 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide
See how to grow Lemmon’s marigold
(Tagetes lemmonii)
Native to Arizona and Mexico
The arrival of fall is heralded by flushes of yellow daisies, which cover the dark green foliage of this softly mounded shrub. One of the many attributes of Lemmon’s marigold is that it also flowers in spring, providing several months of brilliant color to the Southwest landscape.
Like other marigold species, the foliage is aromatic and made up of narrow, dark green leaves, which create lovely color contrast with the golden flowers. The scent of the foliage is described by some people as a mixture of mint and lemon. Others find the scent objectionable, in which case it can be placed toward the back of the landscape where its beauty can be appreciated without the scent.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun; must have filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 4 to 6 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide
See how to grow Lemmon’s marigold
3. California Fuchsia
(Epilobium canum)
Native to California
As the days begin to shorten in late summer, bright red to orange petals begin to unfurl, adding a welcome splash of vibrant color to the landscape. As suggested by its other common name — hummingbird trumpet — hummingbirds flock to the tubular flowers that last through fall.
When not in bloom, gray-green foliage creates a nice backdrop until the flowers appear, moving California fuchsia into the spotlight. Its trailing growth habit makes it a good choice for raised beds, pathways or even large containers. There are several varieties, which have variations in flower color, size and cold hardiness.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide
See how to grow California fuchsia
(Epilobium canum)
Native to California
As the days begin to shorten in late summer, bright red to orange petals begin to unfurl, adding a welcome splash of vibrant color to the landscape. As suggested by its other common name — hummingbird trumpet — hummingbirds flock to the tubular flowers that last through fall.
When not in bloom, gray-green foliage creates a nice backdrop until the flowers appear, moving California fuchsia into the spotlight. Its trailing growth habit makes it a good choice for raised beds, pathways or even large containers. There are several varieties, which have variations in flower color, size and cold hardiness.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide
See how to grow California fuchsia
4. Violet Silverleaf
(Leucophyllum candidum ‘Silver Cloud’ and ‘Thunder Cloud’)
Native to southwestern Texas and Mexico (but these are garden varieties)
Tiny white hairs give the foliage of this Texas native its characteristic gray color. In response to periods of increased humidity in summer and fall, an explosion of color covers the foliage in deep violet blossoms.
Small leaves are cupped in shape and closely spaced along thin branches. For best results in growing violet silverleaf, allow it to grow in a natural shape, and place it where its gray coloring can be used to greatest effect to provide color contrast alongside plants with darker green foliage.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
See how to grow violet silverleaf
(Leucophyllum candidum ‘Silver Cloud’ and ‘Thunder Cloud’)
Native to southwestern Texas and Mexico (but these are garden varieties)
Tiny white hairs give the foliage of this Texas native its characteristic gray color. In response to periods of increased humidity in summer and fall, an explosion of color covers the foliage in deep violet blossoms.
Small leaves are cupped in shape and closely spaced along thin branches. For best results in growing violet silverleaf, allow it to grow in a natural shape, and place it where its gray coloring can be used to greatest effect to provide color contrast alongside plants with darker green foliage.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
See how to grow violet silverleaf
5. Turpentine Bush
(Ericameria laricifolia)
Native to the Chihuahuan and Sonoran desert regions of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico
Finely textured, dark green foliage graces the softly rounded shape of this desert native throughout the year, making it a great background or filler plant for the landscape. In fall, light to dark yellow flowers appear over the leaves, creating the appearance of golden snow. The flowers themselves are tiny but are clustered in masses, which together add a lot of color to the garden.
It is hard to find a shrub that is more drought-tolerant or low-maintenance than turpentine bush. As its common name suggests, it has aromatic foliage that smells like turpentine when touched, due to the resin that covers the leaves. Although it does offer welcome fall color, it isn’t fire-resistant, so it should be placed at least 20 feet away from structures.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 15 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Light requirement: Full sun or bright, filtered shade
Mature size: 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide
See how to grow turpentine bush
(Ericameria laricifolia)
Native to the Chihuahuan and Sonoran desert regions of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico
Finely textured, dark green foliage graces the softly rounded shape of this desert native throughout the year, making it a great background or filler plant for the landscape. In fall, light to dark yellow flowers appear over the leaves, creating the appearance of golden snow. The flowers themselves are tiny but are clustered in masses, which together add a lot of color to the garden.
It is hard to find a shrub that is more drought-tolerant or low-maintenance than turpentine bush. As its common name suggests, it has aromatic foliage that smells like turpentine when touched, due to the resin that covers the leaves. Although it does offer welcome fall color, it isn’t fire-resistant, so it should be placed at least 20 feet away from structures.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 15 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Light requirement: Full sun or bright, filtered shade
Mature size: 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide
See how to grow turpentine bush
6. Germander Sage
(Salvia chamaedryoides)
Native to the Chihuahuan Desert region of eastern Mexico
Blue flowers are especially prized in the landscape, as it’s a color not commonly found in many flowering plants. The delicate blue blossoms of germander sage appear to glow in the sunlight, making this small salvia species a favorite in drought-tolerant gardens. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to its flowers spring through fall.
The gentle mounded shape and small gray-green leaves of this sage look at home in a water-wise, cottage-themed garden where the blue blooms can be best appreciated up close.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade; filtered shade in low-desert gardens
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
See how to grow germander sage
(Salvia chamaedryoides)
Native to the Chihuahuan Desert region of eastern Mexico
Blue flowers are especially prized in the landscape, as it’s a color not commonly found in many flowering plants. The delicate blue blossoms of germander sage appear to glow in the sunlight, making this small salvia species a favorite in drought-tolerant gardens. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to its flowers spring through fall.
The gentle mounded shape and small gray-green leaves of this sage look at home in a water-wise, cottage-themed garden where the blue blooms can be best appreciated up close.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade; filtered shade in low-desert gardens
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
See how to grow germander sage
7. Black Dalea
(Dalea frutescens)
Native to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and into northern Mexico
The lacy foliage of black dalea adds airy texture to the garden alongside larger-leaved plants. Violet blossoms signal the beginning of fall as they create the appearance of a purple haze lying on top of this low-growing shrub. Bees and butterflies welcome the flowers of black dalea as the blossoms of many other plants begin to fade.
Both the foliage and flowers of this airy shrub are small, made up of tiny leaves and petals. Despite its delicate appearance, black dalea can easily handle full, even reflected, sun in locations such as parking lots, medians and by sidewalks.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full, reflected sun
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide
See how to grow black dalea
(Dalea frutescens)
Native to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and into northern Mexico
The lacy foliage of black dalea adds airy texture to the garden alongside larger-leaved plants. Violet blossoms signal the beginning of fall as they create the appearance of a purple haze lying on top of this low-growing shrub. Bees and butterflies welcome the flowers of black dalea as the blossoms of many other plants begin to fade.
Both the foliage and flowers of this airy shrub are small, made up of tiny leaves and petals. Despite its delicate appearance, black dalea can easily handle full, even reflected, sun in locations such as parking lots, medians and by sidewalks.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full, reflected sun
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide
See how to grow black dalea
8. Baja Fairy Duster
(Calliandra californica)
Native to Baja California, Mexico
Multiple red stamens clustered together create the uniquely shaped flowers of Baja fairy duster. Although it blooms throughout the year, the heaviest flowering occurs in spring and fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
The dark green leaves are made up of tiny leaflets, which give the shrub an airy appearance. This Mexican native looks best when allowed to grow into its natural vase shape. It thrives in exposures that receive hot, reflected sun, where other plants may struggle.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full, reflected sun to light shade
Mature size: 5 to 6 feet tall and wide
See how to grow Baja fairy duster
(Calliandra californica)
Native to Baja California, Mexico
Multiple red stamens clustered together create the uniquely shaped flowers of Baja fairy duster. Although it blooms throughout the year, the heaviest flowering occurs in spring and fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
The dark green leaves are made up of tiny leaflets, which give the shrub an airy appearance. This Mexican native looks best when allowed to grow into its natural vase shape. It thrives in exposures that receive hot, reflected sun, where other plants may struggle.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full, reflected sun to light shade
Mature size: 5 to 6 feet tall and wide
See how to grow Baja fairy duster
9. Damianita
(Chrysactinia mexicana)
Native to the high-desert regions of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico
This softly mounded, dark green ground cover experiences a dramatic change in spring and again in fall with the appearance of brilliant yellow flowers. In high-desert zones, flowering may continue into the summer months. What the flowers lack in size they make up for in sheer volume, which creates the appearance of golden clouds.
Damianita has aromatic foliage that is made up of small needlelike leaves that give off a subtle scent when touched. Plant in groups of three for maximum impact alongside a large boulder or around a spiky succulent such as common sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri).
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
See how to grow damianita
(Chrysactinia mexicana)
Native to the high-desert regions of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico
This softly mounded, dark green ground cover experiences a dramatic change in spring and again in fall with the appearance of brilliant yellow flowers. In high-desert zones, flowering may continue into the summer months. What the flowers lack in size they make up for in sheer volume, which creates the appearance of golden clouds.
Damianita has aromatic foliage that is made up of small needlelike leaves that give off a subtle scent when touched. Plant in groups of three for maximum impact alongside a large boulder or around a spiky succulent such as common sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri).
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
See how to grow damianita
10. Mexican Bush Sage
(Salvia leucantha)
Native to the forests of central and eastern Mexico
Velvety flowers are displayed over gray-green leaves in spring, summer and fall. Surprisingly, the actual flower of Mexican bush sage isn’t purple; it’s white and contained within the purple calyx. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to this shrubby perennial.
The softly textured leaves are white underneath and have a pleasing narrow shape. In winter, it often dies back to the ground when temperatures dip below freezing, but it grows back quickly in spring once pruned back severely.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Filtered sun
Mature size: 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide
See how to grow Mexican bush sage
More: Fire-Wise Landscapes Keep Your Home and Property Beautiful and Safe
(Salvia leucantha)
Native to the forests of central and eastern Mexico
Velvety flowers are displayed over gray-green leaves in spring, summer and fall. Surprisingly, the actual flower of Mexican bush sage isn’t purple; it’s white and contained within the purple calyx. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to this shrubby perennial.
The softly textured leaves are white underneath and have a pleasing narrow shape. In winter, it often dies back to the ground when temperatures dip below freezing, but it grows back quickly in spring once pruned back severely.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Filtered sun
Mature size: 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide
See how to grow Mexican bush sage
More: Fire-Wise Landscapes Keep Your Home and Property Beautiful and Safe
(Salvia clevelandii)
Native to Southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico
Violet-blue blossoms on tall stems grab the attention of passers-by in spring and fall when the flowers appear over attractive sage-green foliage. Although the blooms are eye-catching, the plant’s fragrance is another notable characteristic of this California native.
Both the leaves and flowers of Cleveland sage are very aromatic, releasing their scent whenever their leaves are touched or when carried through the garden on a gentle breeze. Blooming occurs in both spring and fall, with the heaviest flowering occurring in spring, much to the delight of hummingbirds.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 8; find your zone)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide
See how to grow Cleveland sage