Southwest Desert Gardening Photos

Years ago I bought one coreopsis plant in a one-gallon pot. That one plant, mainly through reseeding, has supplied me, as well as neighbors and friends, with lots and lots of plants over the years. They are incredibly easy to grow, and while they are capable of naturalizing a large area, have relatively shallow roots that do not compete with the roses. Although they do not require the water and fertilizer required by roses to do well, coreopsis really responds to getting what you would put out for the roses under any circumstances.

Another advantage? Butterflies love it!

One drawback? To keep it looking its best, old blooms need to be cut back before they go to seed, or the entire plant looks spent. If you don’t have the time or energy to do that, never fear – new plants with new blooms will be up before long! After frost the old plants are easily pulled up and disposed of. New plants will appear mid- to late-spring, and will provide color until frost. A great plant for the desert southwest.