Hi, Desert Gardener,

It looks like it's going to be a banner spring for wildflowers, and this week I'm obsessed with my penstemons! They are some of the easiest, and most striking, wildflowers to grow.

A few years ago I sowed both Parry's and firecracker penstemon seeds in the fall. And ever since I've been having very different experiences with these two plants.

The Parry's penstemon flowered prolifically last year and this spring my yard has been blessed (or overrun, depending on how you look at it) with hundreds of Parry's penstemon seedlings. Yikes! I'm letting them all grow for now, figuring I can restore some order to the chaos later.

On the other hand, none of my firecracker penstemons bloomed last year so there are no new seedlings. 😢 But this week, after 3 years, one has finally bloomed. Yay! I'm thrilled and treasure that one lone flower stalk.

If there is one thing gardening teaches us, it's patience.

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Planting a citrus tree is an investment of time, money, and resources. So you should be sure that you love the fruit you're planting. Rillito Nursery in Tucson is having a citrus tasting next Saturday (February 28th). Tasting the fruit before planting the tree is a smart idea that can help you avoid future disappointment.

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In this week's newsletter, we cover:

• Featured plant: Firecracker penstemon
• Smells like lilac?
• Weed or wildflower?
• Upcoming gardening events
• and more!

A Reader Asks:

I'm thinking of planting a lilac vine. I miss the smell of the lilacs I used to grow. Does the vine smell like lilacs?

Unfortunately, no. This is a case where the common name can be deceiving. Lilac vine is an Australian native that is not related to the fragrant lilac shrub grown in temperate US gardens. Plant lilac vine for its own virtues -- its evergreen leaves and beautiful, wisteria-like winter flowers -- but not for the fragrance.

Wildflower Alert!

If you live in southern Arizona, you may be familiar with its premier wildflower spot -- Picacho Peak State Park. Don't miss peak bloom time! Check out their Wildflower Information page and meter, where you'll find updated info on what's blooming and how the wildflower season is progressing.

Upcoming Garden Events & Classes

There's always more to learn about gardening! Check out these events and classes coming up soon.
* Backyard Composting @ Pima Co. Master Gardeners
* Citrus Tasting @ Rillito Nursery
* How to Plan a Pollinator Friendly Garden @ Green Things

Get the details in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar →

Not in Tucson? Look for online classes denoted with this icon. 💻 Anyone can participate in these.

Gardening Quote
​"I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow." — David Hobson, gardening writer

In Case You Missed It

​Valentine Emu Bush: Spectacular Winter Display​

​Baby Sun Rose: Shade-Loving Charmer

​Lilac Vine: Enchanting Winter Flowers ​

Before You Go...

Do you have a gardening question you'd like to see answered here? Send it to ask@swgardener.com.

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Keep growing and learning,
​Desert Dee