Articles » Selecting Plants for Tucson: When Plant Instructions Mislead

By: Debra Howard

Selecting Plants for Tucson: When Plant Instructions Mislead

For gardening enthusiast of all levels, a trip to a nursery or garden center can be like a trip to Shambhala. Rows and rows of beautiful flowering plants of different colors and shapes are truly a delight to the senses. Making the proper selection, however, may not be so delightful.

Many a gardener has selected plants based on the information presented on the label taking care to only select plants for “full sun”, “partial sun” or “shade”.

Excitement mounts as we take our newly purchased plants and place them in the soil, dreaming of a colorful patio or garden view. A month goes by and our “full sun” plants have scorched leaves and are barely alive. Watering & fertilizing don’t help; the end is inevitable. Our once beautiful plants have “fried” in the Tucson sun.

What happened? Many beginning gardeners or those new to the Tucson area, may think it’s their lack of skills that resulted in such disappointing results. The truth is, the plant may have been labeled improperly for our climate or may not even be suitable for our desert environment. So what’s a frustrated gardener to do?

First of all, don’t rely on the plant instructions that come with the plant. A lot of garden centers get plants from California that don’t do well in our area. “Full sun” in California is not the same thing as “full sun” in Tucson. Spending $50 to $100 dollars on a gorgeous Coconut Palm only to have it wither and scorch in the Tucson sun can get expensive and frustrating.

Secondly, do a little research about our climate.

Tucson’s altitude is 2389 ft. and according to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension we are considered to be “Mid Altitude Desert” or Zone 4. Get a book on desert gardening or do some research online.

Thirdly, choose a reputable nursery or ask questions from a knowledgeable person at the garden centers.

Reputable nurseries in Tucson will only carry plants suitable for our area and will be more than happy to give you planting instructions beyond what the label tells you. Unless you’re familiar with the plant you’re purchasing, make sure you don’t leave the place without asking lots of questions!

Now that you’ve made an informed purchase, rather than relying on labels, enjoy the process; gardening is fun. And once the plants are in the ground, should you have any more questions about plant maintenance, call the store or center and ask even more questions; a reputable business won’t mind. Because all the stores know that a happy gardener with happy plants will return again and again.

For more information about gardening in Tucson, visit our links page.

Debra Howard is a former interior designer, antique dealer, retailer and gardening enthusiast who now helps local small businesses get more exposure through her community website http://www.tucsonhomeandgardenspot.com