Low-Water-Use Landscaping – LARGE SHRUBS

Large low-water-use shrubs can be a great focal point for your Central Phoenix Real Estate.  Where you might plant a tree, in the center of a yard and in front of a bare wall of your house are all good places to grow large shrubs.  My criteria for large shrubs is a shrub over five feet tall and here are some choices:

• Bee Brush (Aloysia Gratissima) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing semievergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert and South America.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 15 degrees, has moderate litter and very small thorns.  Bee Brush grows upright & open to about six feet tall by six feet across, has fragrant foliage and scented white to pale purple flowers from spring to fall which attract butterflies (and maybe bees?).
• Yellow Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia Gilliesii) is a low-water-use moderate growing semievergreen plant native to Argentina.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 5 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Yellow Bird of Paradise grows upright & open to about six feet tall by five feet across and has exotic yellow flowers with red stamens from spring to fall which attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia Mexicana) is a moderate-water-use moderate to fast growing evergreen plant native to Mexico.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 15 degrees, has moderate litter and no thorns.  Mexican Bird of Paradise grows upright & open to about ten feet tall by eight feet across and has yellow flower spikes from spring to fall which attract hummingbirds.
• Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia Pulcherrima) is a moderate-water-use fast growing deciduous plant native to the West Indies and Mexico.  I can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 30 degrees, has low litter and prickly stems.  Red Bird of Paradise grows rounded & open to about six feet tall by six feet across and has yellow or orange & yellow flowers late spring to fall which attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Little-Leaf Cordia (Cordia Parvifoia) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing semievergreen plant native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 18 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Little-Leaf Cordia grows to about six feet tall by six feet across and has rose-purple flower clusters in fall to early winter.
• Desert Lavender (Hyptis Emoryi) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the southwestern deserts.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Desert Lavender grows to about six feet tall by four feet across and has tiny lavender blooms in the spring whic attract hummingbirds.
• Creosote Bush (Larrea Tridentata) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the North American deserts.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 5 degress, has low litter and no thorns.  Creosote Bush grows to about six feet tall by six feet across and has small yellow blooms from spring to fall.  The folieage is fragrant after rain.
• Texas Sage (Leucophyllum Frutescens) is a VERY low-water-use fast growing evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 10 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Texas Sage grows to about six feet tall by sex feet across and has white, pink or purple flowers in the summer to fall.
• Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria Capensis) is a moderate-water-use fast growing evergreen plant native to South Africa.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 28 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Cape Honeysucle grows to about six feet tall by five feet across and has vivid orange-red blooms year round in frost-free weather.

These plants can be a great choice for your Central Phoenix Real Estate’s low-water-use landscape. Add your favorite large shrubs in the comments and be sure to let me know if you see anything that you would describe differently.

To order brochures with more information on the right low-water-use plants for you, contact the City of Phoenix:

http://phoenix.gov/EMAIL/emwtlitreq.html

 

HomeSmart acquires Dan Schwartz Realty

Andrew Johnson
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 1, 2008 04:40 PM

Two of metro Phoenix’s largest residential brokerage firms have merged with the purchase by HomeSmart Real Estate of competitor Dan Schwartz Realty Inc.

The sale price was undisclosed.

Combined, the companies have about 3,400 licensed real estate agents, said Matt Widdows, president and chief executive officer of HomeSmart.

All of Dan Schwartz’s 1,650 agents have the option of transferring their contracts to HomeSmart by the end of the year, Widdows said.

In terms of size, the acquisition puts HomeSmart in the same realm as Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, West USA Realty and other household names in the local brokerage industry.

HomeSmart had about 1,750 agents before the acquisition, Widdows said.

The transaction should not affect home listings being handled by agents with either business, officials with both companies said.

Combined, agents with the two companies have about 2,300 home listings.

Both Widdows and Dan Schwartz President Duane Fouts said the sale was not prompted by the current housing slump, which has seen home sales and values plummet.

“They pursued us for quite some time, and we decided to entertain their offer,” said Fouts, who joined Dan Schwartz in 1988.

Dan Schwartz Realty was founded in 1976. Fouts became a principal in the company in 1994 and 100 percent owner of the business in 2001, he said.

Before being bought, the company had an office in Phoenix, Glendale and Tempe.

The Glendale and Tempe offices are closing as a result of the acquisition. HomeSmart will move its corporate headquarters from its current location near Missouri Avenue and 16th Street to Dan Schwartz’s Phoenix office near 19th and Northern avenues.

HomeSmart, which opened in 2000, also has an office in Glendale, Mesa and Scottsdale, and plans to open an office in Gilbert this year, Widdows said.

It also has a franchisee in Prescott and in southern California, he said.

Dan Schwartz agents will have until the end of the year to move their contracts to another brokerage firm, according to Widdows and Fouts.

 

Low-Water-Use Landscaping – MEDIUM SHRUBS

Medium low-water-use shrubs can be a great asset to your Central Phoenix Real Estate. Under windows, along walk ways and in front of fences are all good places to grow medium shrubs. My criteria for medium shrubs is a shrub between four and five feet tall and here are some choices:

• Superstition Mallow (Abutilon Palmeri) is a low-water-use fast growing evergreen plant native to Arizona and Sonora Mexico. It can tolerate full sunlight to partial shade, is hardy to 20 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Superstition Mallow grows upright & open to about four feet tall by three feet across and has orange-yellow flowers from spring to fall. This planc creates a subtropical effect and has heart-shaped velvety leaves.
• Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex Canescens) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to western North America. It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to zero degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Fourwing Saltbush grows rounded & dense to about five feet tall by eight feet across and tolerates tough conditions.
• Barberry (Berberis Trifoliolata) is a VERY low-water-use slow to moderate growing evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 15 degrees, has low litter and prickly leaves. Barberry grows rounded to about five feet tall by five feet across and has yellow blooms from late wither to spring. This plant may be sold as Mahonia Trifoliolata and its red berries attract birds.
• Woolly Butterfly Bush (Buddleia Marrubifolia) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 15 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Woolly Butterfly Bush grows upright & dense to about five feet tall by five feet across and has orange flowers from spring to midsummer which attract butterflies. (I just cannot figure out where they got the name?)
• Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Clifornica) is a moderate-water-use and moderate growing semievergreen plant native to Baja California. It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 20 degrees, has low litter and not thorns. Baja Fairy Duster grows upright & open to about five feet tall by five feet across and has red powderpuffs spring to fall which attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Bush Dalea (Dalea Pulchra) is a low-water-use moderate to fast growing evergreen plant native to Arizona and Mexico. It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 10 degrees, has moderate litter and no thorns. Bush Dalea grows rounded & airy to about four feet tall by five feet across and has violet bloom clusters from winter to spring which attract butterflies.
• Red Eremophila (Eremophila Maculata v. Brevifolia) is a moderate-water-use and moderate growing evergreen plant native to Australia. It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Red Eremophila grows upright & open to about four feet tall by five feet across and has red tubular flowers late wither to spring which attract hummingbirds.  Look for selections that offer a variety of leaf forms and flower colors.
• Guayacan (Guaiacum Coulteri) is a low-water-use slow to moderate growing semievergreen plant native to Sonora. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Guayacan grows rounded & open to about five feet tall by five feet across and has vivid colored deep violet-blue blooms in the summer.
• Firecracker Bush (Hamelia Patens) is a moderate-water-use and moderate growing semievergreen plant native Florida to South America. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Firecracker Bush grows upright to about four feet tall by four feet across and has red-orange flowers in the summer which attract hummingbirds. This plant has colorful winter foliage.
• Chuparosa (Justicia Californica) is a low-water-use moderate growing semievergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert. It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Chuparosa grows sprawling to four feet tall by four feet across and has orange to red or yellow tubular blooms from late winter to spring which attract hummingbirds.
• Chihuahuan Sage (Leucophyllum Laevigatum) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 10 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Chihuahuan Sage grows rounded & open to about four feet tall by five feet across and has fragrant lavender flowers from summer to fall.
• Langman’s Sage (Leucophyllum Langmaniae) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 10 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Langman’s Sage grows rounded & Dense to about five feet tall by five feet across and has lavender blooms from summer to fall.
• Myrtle (Myrtus Communis) is a moderate-water-use and moderate growing evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 20 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Myrtle grows upright & dense to about five feet tall and four feet across, has fragrant foliage and fragrant white flowers in spring.
• Shrubby Senna (Senna Wislizenii) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing deciduous plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 10 degrees, has low litter and no thorns. Shrubby Senna grows upright to about four feet tall by six feet across and has bright yellow bloom clusters in summer.

These plants can be a great choice for your Central Phoenix Real Estate’s low-water-use landscape. Add your favorite medium shrubs in the comments and be sure to let me know if you see anything that you would describe differently.

To order brochures with more information on the right low-water-use plants for you, contact the City of Phoenix:

http://phoenix.gov/EMAIL/emwtlitreq.html

 

Phoenix Gay Pride

Tomorrow begins the two day Gay Pride event in Phoenix. This annual event attracts tens of thousands of people and boasts a parade, party and prime entertainment.

The Phoenix Gay Pride Parade kicks off tomorrow, Saturday 12 April 2008, at 11am. The parade moves north on Third Street between Thomas and Indian School and includes floats, walking contingents and cars who support or represent churches, political organizations, bars, radio stations etc. The parade can be a fun learning experience for parents who wish to expose their children to diversity. The parade is free for all.

The Phoenix Gay Pride Event takes place in the Steele Indian School Park from noon until 9pm on Saturday and Sunday, 12 & 13 April 2008, and includes entertainment such as dancing, drag shows and headliners such as Expose and Sheena Easton. The entry fee is $25 for a weekend pass or (I believe) $15 per day. (This is vague and may require more research if you are interested.)

For more information go to: phoenixpride.org

 

Go Paperless With APS

Go paperless, help the environment and APS will donate to the TREE Fund.

For a limited time, when you switch from a paper APS bill to an electronic bill, you’ll not only save a tree but contribute to helping the environment in other ways.  Between March 1 and June 1, 2008, APS will donate $1 to the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund for every customer who switches from receiving papaer bills and instead opts to receive a monthly electronic bill.  The TREE Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing professional tree care and propert urban forestry through funding research and arboriculture educational programs (www.treefund.org).  Other advantages of turning off your paper bill and switching to electronic billing are:

• E-mail notifications when your bill is ready to view
• Online access to your statements and account and usage history
• Reduced possibility of mail fraud and identity theft

Go to aps.com and select “Go Paperless” on the home page, then log in to turn your paper bill off.

The information above is from APS’s March-April 2008 Arizona Lifestyle Newsletter.

 

A Bit of Phoenix History

I know this info isn’t ‘hot of the press.’ I just thought it was interesting.

Modern take on ancients

Sue Doerfler
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 29, 2008 12:00 AM

Take a Tour

It’s only 35 years old, but its past is steeped in ancient history.

The Boulder House, one of the three homes featured Sunday during the Cave Creek Museum’s Homes Through Time Tour, is nestled among an outcropping of granite boulders that possibly were used by ancient Native Americans as a solar observatory.

The rocks rise 20 to 30 feet and form many of the home’s exterior and interior walls.

“It looks like these boulders are just hanging,” said Rick Cibik, general manager of Fort McDowell Adventures, the tourism division of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, which owns the 4,500-square-foot house.

Glass windows fit into the crevices between the boulders and provide cropped views of the desert beyond. Look closely at the boulders and you can see petroglyphs, including circles and spirals, that mark the seasonal changes.

The 10-acre site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also is known for its rare bas-relief petroglyphs.

The tribe bought the home three years ago from original owners Bill and Sunnie Empie.

Southwestern architect Charles Johnson required several years to design the house and three more to construct it. The house was completed in 1983.

The home borrows on Frank Lloyd Wright’s principle of organic construction, in which a building appears to be one with its setting. The home is hidden in the rocks, and driving by, you’d never know it was there.

The entryway is sandwiched between boulders, disguising the small front door. Open it and enter a massive great room that features 20-foot ceilings lined with wood planks and vigas.

The interior has a Southwestern bent with a leather sofa and chairs and a sculptural, stuccoed floor-level fireplace. The copper and iron coffee table resembles a drum; a kiva ladder, with a folded Native American rug across one of the rungs, decorates the side of a boulder wall.

The adjacent dining room features a beehive fireplace, set back-to-back with the one in the great room. The centerpiece of the space is a rustic wood dining table, flanked by wood benches and chairs upholstered in a Southwestern-style fabric.

The small, compact kitchen features a tile mural backsplash and tile counters in earth tones. Stainless-steel appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Dacor double ovens, offer a contemporary twist.

The master bedroom is perched at the top of the house, 23 steps up from the kitchen. A contrast of old and new, it features a fireplace used hundreds of years ago by ancient Native Americans as well as a heavy wood-frame bed that is centered in the room.

The bathroom has dual vanities and a step-down shower that doubles as a jetted tub.

The guest-room wing, off the dining room, contains two bedrooms, a guest bathroom and a powder room. Its long hallway features a wet bar, which contains the only boulder that was moved on the site during the home’s construction, said Cibik, of Fort McDowell Adventures. With its flat top, it makes an ideal tray stand.

Throughout the house hangs Native American artwork, including pieces done by members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

Other homes on tour

The tour includes two other homes:

• The Hunt home, on the site of an old cavalry remount station. The property features old structures as well as a main house that was inspired by hacienda living. Rich woodworking, antique furnishings and architectural details abound.

• The Hoss home, an environmentally friendly home with passive solar features, gray-water recycling and other environmentally sensitive features.

 

Pizza A Metro

I raved about Pizza A Metro in the last post about places to eat near Thomas Road and Interstate 17 and now I have more to say with even more information. One of the rumors I heard the first time I ate at this restaurant, now I will only type this information once since I never repeat gossip, was that the owners of Pizza A Metro were formerly the Maitre d’ and Cook from an un-named high end restaurant in Scottsdale who left to open this restaurant. If indeed this rumor is true, they have outdone themselves. After writing the last post I stopped by for dinner again and grabbed a take out menu so I could give some examples of the great food this restaurant has to offer. Of course we took wine with us since they do not offer wine for sale.

One of the most interesting things I learned was from one of the owners who told me that the “Metro” in the name refers to the meter measurement as in “Pizza by the Meter”. They do have some great looking wood fire baked pizza by the meter here but I would like to concentrate my attention on the rest of the amazing menu.

All meals are accompanied by a great seasoned roasted pita and dipping sauce. On my first visit I had the Cheese Ravioli with Four Cheese Sauce and fell in love. Here are some of the favorites with me and my friends:

• Cheese Ravioli choice of sauce
• Penne alla Vodka pasta in tomato sauce with bacon, fresh basil cream and vodka
• Pollo Parmigiana breaded chicken breast, marinara, mozzarella and parmesan cheese
• Cannoli Siciliani

There are many more dishes to choose from including a large selection of Soup, Salads, Antipastis, Pastas, Pizzas, Crostones and yes, Dolcis.

Pizza A Metro is located on the NorthEast corner of Thomas Road and 24th Avenue on the far east side of the Circle K center. THIS IS A VERY MODEST LOOKING LOCATION SO DON’T BE FOOLED! The exact address is: 2336 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015 Telephone: 602-262-9999 Fax: 602-257-2338 You may call or fax ahead for take-out orders.

Pizza A Metro is open for business Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Friday & Saturday 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Closed Sunday

Do not forget to try Pizza A Metro for a delicious break in your search for Central Phoenix Real Estate.

 

Phoenix: Thomas Road and Interstate 17

Near the intersection of Thomas Road and Interstate 17 are some great neighborhoods. Northeast of this intersection is the wonderful, affordable and well-built Westwood Neighborhood. Southeast of this intersection is the amazing, beautiful and well-built Encanto Estates Neighborhood.  These two neighborhoods are a must-see in your search of Central Phoenix Real Estate.

If you are looking for something to eat, there are choices and one of the best surprises imaginable can be found near the intersection, Pizza-A-Metro. This restaurant opened a few months ago and every time I take a new person there, they become regulars. The food is unbelievable and the service is exemplary. If you wish to try a new restaurant and can get past the Circle K center where it is located you won’t be disappointed. Here is a list of restaurants near the intersection of Thomas Road and Interstate 17:

NorthEast Corner: Jack In The Box

SouthEast Corner: Denny’s, Starbucks (surprise!)

West (at 27th Avenue): QT (Quick Trip), Carl’s Jr.

East (at 24th Avenue): Chevron/McDonald’s, Arby’s, Circle K, and our favorite and the best of all at the East end of the Circle K center at 2336 W Thomas Rd, Pizza-A-Metro (DON’T MISS THIS PLACE!)

 

An Explanation of Solar Energy Covenant Restrictions

Here is what Krystal Book with American Solar Electric has to say about Solar Energy Covenant Restrictions:

An Explanation of Solar Energy Covenant Restrictions

Arizona law protects individual homeowners’ private property rights to solar access by dissolving any local covenant, restriction or condition attached to a property deed that restricts the use of solar energy.

This law sustained a legal challenge in 2000. A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of homeowners in a lawsuit filed by their homeowners association seeking to force the homeowners to remove roof-top solar panels. The judge found that the association’s “guidelines combined with [its] conduct ‘effectively prohibited’ the defendants from placing solar heating devices on their residence, contrary to the provisions of A.R.S.-33-439 (A).”

Senate Bill 1254, enacted in July 2007, stipulates that a homeowners association may not prohibit the installation or use of solar-energy devices (panels and associated devices). An association may adopt reasonable rules regarding the placement of a solar device so long as those rules do not prevent the installation of the device, impair the functioning of the device, restrict its use, or adversely affect the cost or efficiency of the device. The bill also requires that the court award reasonable attorney fees and costs to any party who substantially prevails in litigation against an association’s board of directors as it relates to the provisions.

For more information about Solar Electric for your Central Phoenix Real Estate contact:

Krystal Book (krystal@americanpv.com) American Solar Electric, Inc, 1475 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 410, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 www.AmericanPV.com 480-994-1440×102

 

Low-Water-Use Landscaping – SMALL SHRUBS

Small low-water-use shrubs can be another great accent to your Central Phoenix Real Estate.  Under trees, along walk ways and beside boulders are all good places to grow small shrubs.  My criteria for small shrubs is a shrub under three feet tall and here are some choices:

• Triangleleaf Bursage (Ambrosia Deltoidea) is a VERY low-water-use moderate to fast growing evergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 22 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Triangleleaf Bursage mounds to about one foot tall by two feet across.
• Flame Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus Quadrifidus v. Wrightii) is a low-water-use moderate growing deciduous plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert.  It can tolerate full sunlight, is hardy to 5 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Flame Honeysucle sprawls to about three feet tall by four feet across and has orange-red blossoms in summer to late fall which attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Pink Fairy Duster (Calliandra Eriophylla) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing semievergreen plant native to the southwestern US deserts.  It can tolerate full sunlight, is hardy to 5 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Pink Fairy Duster grows upright & airy to about three feet tall by four feet across and has pink powderpuffs from spring to fall which attract hummingbirds.
• Black Dalea (Dalea Frutescens) is a low-water-use moderate to fast growing semievergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert.  It can tolerate full sunlight, is hardy to 15 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Black Dalea grows rounded to about three feet tall by four feet across and has rose-purple flower clusters from fall to early winter.
• Weeping Dalea (Dalea Vericolor v. Sessilis) is a low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full sunlight to partial shade, is hardy to 20 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Weeping Dalea grows spreading and open to about three feet tall by four feet across and has purple clusters of flowers from fall to spring.
• Brittlebush (Encelia Farinosa) is a VERY low-water-use fast growing evergreen plant native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Brittlebush grows mounding to about three feet tall by four feet across and has yellow daisylike flowers from winter to spring.  The seeds attract birds.
• Desert Tea (Ephedra Nevadensis) is a low-water-use slow growing evergreen plant native to the southwest US and Mexico.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to zero degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Desert Tea grows upright & open to about three feet tall by three feet across.
• Turpentine Bush (Ericameria Laricifolia) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the southwest US and Mexico.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 5 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Turpentine Bush grows mounding to about two feet tall by three feet across and has yellow flower clusters from late summer to fall.  The foliage is fragrant and seeds attract birds.  This plant may also be sold as Haplopappus Laricifolius.
• Flattop Buckwheat (Eriogonum Fasciculatum v. Polifolium) is a VERY low-water-use fast growing evergreen plant native to the southwestern US deserts.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 15 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Flattop Buckwheat grows rounded to about one foot tall by two feet across and has pale pink to white blooms in the spring.  The seeds attract birds.
• San Marcos Hibiscus (Gossypium Hasrknessii) is a low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  San Marcos Hibiscus grows rounded to about three feet tall by four feet across and has yellow flowers with red centers from summer to fall.  The flowers are showy and leaves are glossy heart-shaped.
• Red Justicia (Justicia Candicans) is a moderate-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to Arizona and Mexico.  It can tolerate partial shade, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Red Justicia grows sprawling to about three feet tall by three feet across and has bright red flowers from in fall and spring which attract hummingbirds.  This plant does well in containers and may be sold as Justicia Ovata.
• Violet Silverleaf (Leucophyllum Candidum) is a VERY low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 10 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Violet Silverleaf grows mounding to about three feet tall by three feet across and has deep violet blooms from summer to fall.
• Mangle Dulce (Myrtus Communis) is a low-water-use slow growing evergreen plant native to the southern US and Mexico.  It can tolerate full sunlight to partial shade, is hardy to 20 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Mangle Dulce grows mounding to about three feet tall by four feet across.
• White Plumbago (Plumbago Scandens) is a moderate-water-use fast growing evergreen plant native to Arizona, Mexico and Tropical America.  It can tolerate partial to full shade, is hardy to 20 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  White Plumbago grows sprawling to about three feet tall by three feet across and has white flower clusters from summer to fall.  Foliage turns to an attractive maroon color in winter.
• Baja Ruellia (Ruellia Peninsularis) is a low-water-use moderate growing evergreen plant native to souther Baja California and Sonora.  It can tolerate full sunlight, is hardy to 28 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Baja Ruellia grows rounded to about three feet tall by four feet across and has purple bell-shaped blooms from spring to fall which attracts hummingbirds.
• Golden Eye (Viguiera Deltoidea) is a VERY low-water-use fast growing evergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Golden Eye grows rounded to about three feet tall by three feet across and has yellow daisylike flowers in spring.

These plants can be a great choice to accent your Central Phoenix Real Estate’s low-water-use landscape. Add your favorite small shrubs in the comments and be sure to let me know if you see anything that you would describe differently.

To order brochures with more information on the right low-water-use plants for you, contact the City of Phoenix:

http://phoenix.gov/EMAIL/emwtlitreq.html