Shrubs That Are Easy to Keep Alive in Albuquerque

Chamisa

• Chamisa (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) is a native perennial shrub often seen on the foothills around Albuquerque. Identified by its vibrant yellow flowers and soft, gray-green foliage, chamisa is a small- to medium-sized shrub that grows between 3 and 5 feet when mature. Extremely drought-tolerant and hardy, chamisa---or rabbitbrush as it's sometimes called---is a good addition to any garden area that sees little attention.

Three-Leaf Sumac

• Three-leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata) is a medium-sized native perennial shrub found throughout the western United States and northern Mexico. It is a handsome shrub that grows up to 6 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet tall with highly ornamental fall foliage and bright red edible berries that are popular with birds. Tolerant of a variety of nutrient poor soil, high wind, direct sun and cold temperatures, this variety of sumac can survive any extreme and remain visually pleasing. Perfect for the Albuquerque area, three-leaf sumac is readily available at most native plant nurseries and can be grown from seed. Three-leaf sumac is not related to poison sumac and will not cause any discomfort or illness if handled.

Desert Holly

• Desert holly (Mahonia fremontii) is an eye-catching evergreen shrub native to the Southwest and parts of Mexico. With frosty blue evergreen leaves, fragrant yellow flowers in spring and clusters of reddish-orange berries throughout the summer, desert holly is a decorative and surprisingly hardy shrub that thrives in the Albuquerque area. It is a medium to large shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall by 10 feet wide, although on average it is much smaller. Desert holly requires very little water and can tolerate any well-draining soil. It is deer and rabbit resistant.

Big Sage

• Big sage (Artemisia tridentata) is an extremely low-maintenance evergreen shrub with an upright growth habit that can reach heights of 4 feet. A truly xeric (dry growing) plant, big sage actually dislikes being watered once established, preferring the natural cycle of precipitation found in the Albuquerque area. It grows slowly but steadily and will eventually develop a thick, twisted trunk that is striking against its silvery, blue-green leaves. Big sage is resistant to animal pests and most diseases, although it will develop root-rot if overwatered.