Gearing up for the 2012 heat, many people are inquiring about what plants they use in pots that will weather Tucson’s summer sun. Of course, you know I love our flowers and with the right watering, they will thrive!! However, many times people do not want to be married to their pots and hoses, travel a lot or are trying to be more water conscious.

I prefer suggesting plants that do not go dormant in the winter, nor do they need to be pruned each winter. Plants such as our grasses and salvias fall into this category and although they are beautiful during the warm months, they do not do our pots justice in the winter. My experience with potted landscape plants such as bougainvillea, sages and Texas Rangers in pots has not been satisfactory.

My list includes the following:

» Gazania
» Scabiosa
» Artemesia (many varieties)
» Lantana (I prefer treating this as an annual)
» Lavenders (grey leafed better – not the soft green)
» Arctotis
» Ajuga (Shade)
» Euphorbia amygdaloides & Euphorbia martinii’ (prefer morning sun)
» Salvia: Indigo Spires
» Euonymus
» Society Garlic
» Red Yucca

What can you add to this list? Email me.

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