Create a maintainable and drought tolerant landscape. Use flagstone for a beautiful and unique walkway.
9 DECORATIVE ROCK YARDS
Nevada
Las Vegas
2600 W. Ann Rd. (702) 471-ROCK (7625)
5380 Blue Diamond Rd. (702) 382-ROCK (7625)
8725 S. Eastern Ave. (702) 251-ROCK (7625)
Pahrump
911 Buol Rd. (775) 775-5300
Arizona
Utah
4140 Stockton Hill Rd. (928) 757-STAR (7827)
Fort Mohave
Kingman 6325 Hwy. 95 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
Lake Havasu
1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. (928) 505-ROCK (7625)
DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
1335 S. Dixie Dr. (435) 673-5436
Dixie 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. (435) 215-4356
St. George
Art/Design Doug Ryan
Contributing Staff Kelly Davis Madalyn Watt
Editor Tim Jeffery
Horticultural Experts Joey Lynn Paul Noe
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WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF HISTORY, STAR NURSERY IS YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR GROWING BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES IN THE DESERT. ACROSS OUR 16 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, WE’VE DEDICATED OURSELVES TO DELIVERING AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY AND EXPERT ADVICE THAT IS TAILORED TO OUR ENVIRONMENT.
OUR HISTORY
In 1983, Craig Keough, founder and owner, noticed the absence of a convenient one-stop shop where the community could purchase affordable landscape supplies. Starting with humble origins, Mr. Keough began selling plants at his first location on the corner of Wynn Road and Tropicana. Over the years, Star Nursery has grown in tandem with the growth of the Southwest. Today, we have locations across Southern Nevada, Southern Utah, and Northern Arizona.
Our journey is marked by a commitment to ensure that the communities we serve can access the resources needed to build gardens and landscapes at a reasonable cost. We believe that beautiful outdoor spaces shouldn’t be a luxury, but a possibility for everyone.
OUR PROMISE HOUSE CALLS
At Star Nursery, our promise is rooted in your success. Aware of the challenges that desert gardening presents, our staff is committed to continuous learning. Through education programs, community partnerships, and the passing down of generational knowledge, we ensure that our plant experts stay up to date on the latest horticultural knowledge.
When you need advice on your landscape, view our online garden resources, stop by and chat with an expert, or schedule a one-on-one consultation!
If you’ve been experiencing problems in your yard and can’t seem to find a solution, call Dr. Q!
A wide range of factors can affect a plant’s health. Most of the time, our in-store experts will be able to offer gardeners a solution on the spot! However, there are times when diagnosing an issue is more complex. In this case, you may require an expert to visit your home and examine the issue.
When you schedule a house call with the Dr. Q team, you’ll receive one-on-one advice from a Star Nursery expert. For a service fee of $90, you will receive up to one hour of consultation in your yard. To set up an appointment, please visit your favorite Star Nursery location to purchase your House Call.
LOCATIONS
Las Vegas, NV
Ann Road & Simmons 2600 W. Ann Rd. North Las Vegas, NV 89031 (702) 216-STAR (7827)
West Cheyenne & Tenaya 7330 W. Cheyenne Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 253-STAR (7827)
W. Charleston Blvd. & Cimmaron 8170 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 360-STAR (7827)
W. Tropicana & Fort Apache 9480 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89147 (702) 278-STAR (7827)
Boulder Hwy. & E. Tropicana 5340 Boulder Highway Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 435-STAR (7827)
S. Eastern & Pebble
8725 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702) 333-STAR (7827)
Blue Diamond & Lindell
5380 Blue Diamond Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89139 (702) 444-STAR (7827)
Lake Havasu Ave. & College Dr. 1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (928) 505-ROCK (7625)
Kingman, AZ
Stockton Hill Rd. & Gordon Dr. 4140 Stockton Hill Rd. Kingman, AZ 86409 (928) 757-STAR (7827)
Fort Mohave, AZ
Hwy. 95 & Boundary Cone Rd. 6325 Hwy. 95 Fort Mohave, AZ 86426 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
Bullhead City, AZ
Mohave Dr. & Miracle Mile 1579 Mohave Dr. Bullhead City, AZ 86442 (928) 758-STAR (7827)
St. George, UT
Sunset Blvd. & Bluff St. 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 688-STAR (7827)
Dixie Dr. & Gubler Ln. 1335 S. Dixie Dr. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 674-STAR (7827)
Washington, UT
Telegraph Rd. & 500 W. 385 W. Telegraph Rd. Washington, UT 84780 (435) 986-0820
Fall Gardener’s Calendar & Holidays
SEPTEMBER
• Planting – Fall is a great planting season for all varieties of trees and shrubs! If you’re planting deciduous vines and groundcovers, be sure to get them established before cold weather sends them into dormancy. For seasonal color, plant garden mums!
• Watering – Reduce your watering schedule to a maximum of three days a week.
• Fertilize – Labor Day weekend is a great time to fertilize your lawn, roses, citrus, and fruit trees! Consider using an organic fertilizer such as Dr. Q’s Organic Fertilizer Line on edible plant varieties. If you have palm trees, remember that September is the last month of the year that you can fertilize.
• Organic Month
• Honey Month
• Potato Month
• Mushroom Month
• Lawns – Aerate, dethatch, overseed, and add about a half inch of top dressing (anytime in September-November). For more information, reference Star Note #830 – Spruce Up and Over-Seed Your Lawn.
• Roses – Light pruning is recommended after temperatures are below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Hold off on heavy pruning until January.
• Palms – Prune only damaged or dead palm fronds. Do not over-prune, as it will stunt food production and consumption. Additionally, some palms may be chlorotic this time of year. If a palm is suffering from chlorosis, you’ll notice a yellowing of leaf tissue due to a lack of chlorophyll. Possible causes include poor drainage, damaged roots, compacted roots, high alkalinity, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Desert Trees – Clean up unwanted suckers and dead or broken branches. Hold off on heavy pruning until Spring (after the last chance of frost).
• Perennials – Continue to hose off plants frequently to control spider mites, aphids, and white flies. If needed, sparingly use Spinosad Insecticidal Soap or SAFER End All Insect Killer RTU
• Pest Control – With the new growth on your tomato and pepper plants, watch for the return of hornworms. Use Monterey BT Worm Killer to safely and organically control these pests.
• 1st Labor Day
• 6th National Hummingbird Day
• 11th National Patriot Day & National Day of Service & Remembrance
• 13th National Peanut Day
• 15th National Greenpeace Day
• 16th International Day For The Preservation of the Ozone Layer
• 17th–23rd World Clean & Green Week
• 21st–27th National Indoor Plant Week
• 22nd Fall Begins (Autumnal equinox)
• 26th National Johnny Appleseed Day
OCTOBER
• Planting – Continue planting all varieties of trees and shrubs! If you’re growing a vegetable garden, now is a great time to plant cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, radishes, and garlic! For more information, reference Star Note #200 – Cool Weather Vegetable Gardening. To prepare for spring, toss wildflower seeds to create a Spring Pollinator’s Garden!
• Mulch – Fall is the perfect time to refresh the mulch that may have degraded or blown away over the summer. Adding organic mulch will help to retain moisture between waterings, which will help plants in the transition to less frequent watering.
• Shrubs – If you’ve noticed a few shrubs that were not happy with their location during the summer months, now is the time of year that you can safely transplant them into a better location. Be sure to use Dr. Q’s Planting Partners (Dr. Q’s Paydirt, Dr. Q’s Gold Dust, and Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic) to help prevent transplant shock.
• Frost Preparation – Begin to stock up on burlap, frost cloth, and cactus covers. It is best practice to be prepared for the arrival of the first frost.
• Harvest Time!– Now is the perfect time to harvest your pomegranates! Find out how to tell if they’re ready to pick in our article, “Pomegranates – From bloom to bounty, a desert dynamo,” on page 20.
• Weeds – Prepare for winter weeds by using pre-emergent herbicides, such as Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper, in desert landscapes, rockscapes, flower gardens, and well-established lawns and turfgrasses to prevent weeds before they germinate.
• Pruning – Lightly prune mature evergreen shrubs to remove any sun-damaged foliage. Follow up with Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic to stimulate new growth.
• 1st World Vegetarian Day National Pumpkin Seed Day National Kale Day
• 7th National Flower Day
• 12th National Farmer’s Day
• 21st National Apple Day
• 26th National Pumpkin Day
• 22nd National Nut Day National
• Vegetarian Awareness Month
• Apple Month
• Pickled Peppers Month
• Rhubarb Month
National
• Pepper Month
• Pomegranate Month
• Sweet Potato Awareness Month
• World Vegan Month
NOVEMBER
• Planting – November is a great time to plant Aloe, as it is a “cool-seasoned” succulent! Pick an area that has morning sun and afternoon shade, well-draining soil, and be careful not to over-water! Aloes, like all succulents, store lots of water in their leaves and hold onto it until it’s needed. In cooler temperatures, succulents will not transpire as quickly, which reduces the amount of water needed. For seasonal color, plant Pansies, Viola, and Cyclamen! Cyclamen are exceptionally cold-tolerant and will provide beautiful color well into spring!
• Frost – Begin checking the forecast for freeze warnings, as the first frost typically arrives in mid-November. Remember, plants must be protected when temperatures drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have palm trees that are frost tender, wrap them with a Palm Parka to protect them through the winter. (Don’t forget to unwrap them in the spring.)
• Potted Plants – Bring cold-sensitive potted plants inside or to warmer areas. Small potted plants, such as succulents, can be brought indoors, while larger potted plants, such as citrus and pygmy palms, can be brought into a garage until the threat of freeze has passed.
• Cactus – Begin withholding water through February. By doing so, you will encourage dormancy and better protect the cactus from root rot or excessive freeze damage.
• Peppers – Pull pepper plants from your garden to allow the area to rest during the winter. Use this time to plant a different crop for the next season, as rotating crops helps to prevent soil-borne diseases and nutrient deficiencies.
• Yard Maintenance – Fallen leaves from healthy deciduous trees and conifers are nature’s mulch. Rather than raking up the leaves in your yard, consider leaving them to decompose, which will help add organic matter to desert-native soil.
• 1st World Vegan Day
• 2nd Daylight Savings Time Ends
• 10th National Forget-Me-Not Day
• 11th Veteran’s Day
• 14th National Pickle Day
• 28th National Maize Day
WATER SMART CLASSES FREE!
Get the help you need to make your landscape desert-friendly, and your irrigation system and home more water-efficient! These FREE CLASSES are taught by experts from the Southern Nevada Water Authority in partnership with the Springs Preserve.
CLASSES IN ENGLISH CLASES EN ESPAÑOL
BASICS OF PERFORMING A HOME WATER AUDIT
BASICS OF A WATER SMART LANDSCAPE DRIP IRRIGATION
Find class dates & times SCAN TO REGISTER
BASES PARA CREAR UN HUERTO Y UN JARDÍN EFICIENTE
BASES PARA INSTALAR UN SISTEMA DE RIEGO POR GOTEO
AUDITORÍA DE AGUA EN EL HOGAR
Classes are offered both in person and online. In-person classes are held at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
For additional landscaping resources, visit snwa.com.
THE LITTLE OLLIE OLIVE
A desert gardener’s dream plant
For garden enthusiasts living in the Southwest desert, finding plants that thrive in the region’s intense sun, heat, and arid conditions can be a challenge. Enter the Little Ollie olive plant (Olea europaea ‘Little Ollie’), a versatile, hardy, and attractive shrub that’s quickly becoming a favorite among desert gardeners. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and visually appealing addition to your landscape, the Little Ollie olive might be the perfect fit.
The Little Ollie olive is a non-fruiting variety of the traditional olive tree. Unlike its fruit-bearing relatives, this cultivar is grown primarily for its ornamental value. It features slender, silvery-green leaves and a dense, bushy growth habit, typically reaching 4 to 6 feet in height and width. Its compact size and lack of messy fruit make it ideal for residential landscapes, patios, and even container gardening.
The Southwest desert is known for its long, hot summers and minimal rainfall. The Little Ollie olive is naturally adapted to these conditions, requiring very little supplemental water once established. Its deep root system allows it to access moisture far below the surface, making it a sustainable choice for water-wise gardens.
Many plants struggle with the relentless sun and high temperatures of the desert, but not the Little Ollie. This plant thrives in full sun, maintaining its vibrant foliage even during the hottest months. Its leaves are designed to reflect sunlight, reducing water loss and heat stress.
Gardeners in the Southwest often seek plants that don’t require constant attention. The Little Ollie olive fits the bill perfectly. It’s resistant to most pests and diseases, rarely needs fertilizing, and only requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape. Its slow to moderate growth rate means less frequent trimming and upkeep.
The Little Ollie olive’s compact size
and attractive appearance make it incredibly versatile. Use it as a low hedge, foundation planting, or accent shrub. It can be shaped into topiaries, grown in containers, or even used as a small privacy screen. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and its tidy growth habit helps to keep your landscape looking neat.
Unlike fruiting olive trees, the Little Ollie does not produce olives, which means no messy fruit drop or unwanted seedlings. This also makes it a better choice for those concerned about allergies, as it produces minimal pollen compared to other olives.
Incorporating the Little Ollie olive into your Southwest desert garden is a smart, sustainable choice. Its beauty, resilience, and adaptability make it a standout among drought-tolerant plants. Whether you’re designing a modern landscape, a Mediterranean-inspired retreat, or simply looking for a reliable shrub, the Little Ollie olive offers yearround appeal with minimal effort. Give this desert gem a try, and enjoy a lush, green landscape that thrives in the toughest conditions.
Tips for Growing Little Ollie Olive in the Desert
• Planting: Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid areas in the yard where water tends to pool.
• Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, especially after the plant is established.
• Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
• Fertilizing: Little Ollie olives generally don’t need much fertilizer. If growth seems slow, a light application of a balanced fertilizer like Dr. Q’s Triple Play 7-7-7 in spring can help.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF KNOCK OUT® ROSES
A bloom that changed gardening forever
In 2025, the gardening world marks a milestone—25 years since the introduction of one of the most iconic and game-changing plants ever to grace a landscape: the Knock Out® Rose. First released in 2000, this vibrant, low-maintenance shrub rose has revolutionized how people approach rose gardening, blending nonstop beauty with exceptional ease of care.
A Rose for Every Gardener
The story of the Knock Out Rose begins with American rose breeder William Radler. Frustrated by the fussy nature of traditional roses, Radler set out to create a variety that anyone could grow—no spraying, no endless pruning, just reliable performance and dazzling color. After years of selective breeding, he introduced the Knock Out Rose, and it took the gardening world by storm.
Unlike high-maintenance hybrid teas, Knock Out Roses offered repeat blooms, exceptional disease resistance, and the ability to thrive in diverse conditions—including the arid landscapes of the desert Southwest. Finally, gardeners everywhere had a rose that didn’t demand a horticulture degree to succeed.
Changing the Landscape—Literally
Before Knock Out Roses, roses had a reputation for being delicate and demanding. Their susceptibility to disease and need for meticulous upkeep made them intimidating for the average gardener. But the Knock Out series flipped that script.
With their lush, bushy growth habit and near-continuous flowering from spring to frost, Knock Out Roses became an instant favorite for home gardeners, landscape designers, hotels, and public spaces alike. Their resistance to black spot and other common diseases meant fewer chemicals and less worry, making them a sustainable and stunning choice.
A Lasting Legacy of Color and Simplicity
Now, as Knock Out Roses celebrate their 25th anniversary, their influence is more evident than ever. They’ve turned once-difficult rose gardening into an accessible hobby for millions, helping to beautify neighborhoods, highways, parks, and patios across the country.
Their appeal lies in their balance of bold performance and low-maintenance reliability—delivering vibrant color with little effort. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, chances are you’ve planted a Knock Out Rose or admired one in bloom. Here’s to the Next 25
As we honor 25 years of Knock Out Roses, we also look to the future. New varieties continue to emerge, offering fresh colors, enhanced fragrance, and even greater resilience to changing climates. But the core philosophy remains the same: roses that anyone can grow and everyone can enjoy.
So, here’s to Knock Out—the rose that made gardening easier, brighter, and more beautiful for all. Cheers to 25 years of effortless blooms—and the countless more yet to come.
STAR NURSERY & NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS
National Youth Sports journey began over 20 years ago with a simple mission: “To serve the youth, the family and the community through participation in youth sports.” What started as an idea from NYS founder Steve Pipoly in Peoria, Arizona in 1993, has expanded over the years and now operates leagues in 7 states, and continues to grow.
Their goal is to offer amateur sports programs through a volunteer base for all people to have the physical, mental, and moral development of amateur athletics, to promote good sportsmanship and good citizenship, and to serve the youth, the family and the community through participation in youth sports.
For the past five years, Star Nursery
Growing together in Las Vegas
Growing together in Las Vegas
has proudly sponsored every youth team jersey in baseball, soccer, and volleyball for National Youth Sports (NYS) in Las Vegas. This support has helped thousands of kids feel like true athletes — and part of something bigger.
A Partnership Rooted in Community Star Nursery believes in more than just landscaping and Home & Garden — we believe in growing strong communities. Supporting NYS aligns perfectly with our mission: nurturing young talent, encouraging teamwork, and building lifelong connections.
To learn more about Nevada Youth Sports visit: nysnevada.com
Why the Jerseys Matter
With the Star Nursery logo on every child’s jersey, the partnership:
• Fosters team pride and unity.
• Shows kids that local businesses believe in them.
• Connects families to a trusted, long-standing home grown brand.
From fields to flowers, Star Nursery is helping Las Vegas youth grow strong — on and off the field.
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS
Of supporting UNLV Athletics
For 35 years, Star Nursery has been more than just the go-to garden center for Southern Nevada — it’s been a steadfast supporter and proud partner of UNLV Athletics. From sponsoring Rebel teams to supplying plant materials that beautify the university’s athletic facilities, Star Nursery’s impact goes far beyond the garden’s gate.
Deep Roots in Rebel Territory
Since its first store opened in 1983, Star Nursery has grown alongside Las Vegas — and so has its relationship with UNLV. In 1989, the company officially began sponsoring UNLV Athletics, forging a bond built on shared values: community, growth, and team spirit.
A Legacy of Loyalty
What started as a sponsorship has grown into a multi-decade partnership based on mutual loyalty and community investment. Whether it’s game-day promotions, facility upgrades, or grassroots support, Star Nursery continues to stand by UNLV through every season.
And while sports and seasons may change, one thing remains constant: Star Nursery’s dedication to UNLV and the Las Vegas Valley.
Dr. Q’s Guide
Desert Hummingbirds
National Hummingbird Day is on Saturday, September 6, 2025 a perfect time to celebrate these high-energy pollinators!
Desert Southwest Hummingbird Species
Small & Mighty
In the Desert Southwest, hummingbirds are more than just garden visitors. These tiny birds, some weighing less than a nickel, can hover, fly backward, and beat their wings up to 200 times per second. Drawn to tubular flowers and native nectar plants, they feed on hundreds of blooms a day and remember each one. Though they can’t walk, they perch often and even bathe mid-flight making any desert garden feel alive with motion and color.
Garden Attractions
A nectar rich diet is essential for desert dwelling hummingbirds. Along with planting red, tubular flowers and native shrubs, adding a hummingbird feeder provides an extra reliable food source, especially when blooms are scarce.
Dr. Q’s Hummingbird Feeder Recipe
Instructions
1 part white sugar 4 parts water boil water slowly add sugar boil for two to three minutes bring to room temperature
Star Nursery has been with Chris Clyne from the beginning of his racing career and is still going. As a teenager, his career started with hard work and dedication. “Star Nursery opened so many doors for me and stood by me through every win and loss,” Clyne said.
As his career grew in short track stock car racing, he learned the importance of carrying himself and representing sponsors well. “At a young age, I learned the importance of reflecting on my actions. In the Star Nursery shop, we were taught to go the extra mile, to stay the extra hour. Hard work pays off, not just in results, but in pride.”
Star Nursery has celebrated all his wins including his first win in 2002’s NASCAR Super Model series, another win in 2019 as State Champ of Nevada NASCAR weekly series, and in 2025 Super Model series again just to name a few.
Clearly Star Nursery and Chris Clyne have been a great partnership. “It’s become more than just racing—it’s about the friendships that have grown into family,” stated Clyne.
Want to know more about the Star Nursery Race Team?
For updates on our race schedule, upcoming events, and chances to take pictures with the official show car, make sure to follow us:
Instagram: @chrisclyne
Facebook: Chris Clyne
With fall planting season in full swing, take a break from your yard on Friday, October 10th, and head to the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That evening you will enjoy the Star Nursery Classic – The Battle at the Bullring. This annual racing event has become a contest between racing’s newcomers, veterans and royalty on the Speedway’s 3/8-mile paved oval. The event includes races for the Spears Cars Tour West Pro Late Models, Limited Pro Late Models, MMI Legends Cars Tour West and the ARCA Menards Series West (NASCAR West Series).
The night is not just about racing. It’s a high-speed spectacle of thrills including stunts, a kids bicycle giveaway, fireworks and the highlight is the first-ever
Star Nursery Rock Truck 500, The Star Nursery Rock Truck 500 will be a battle of large 10-wheeler dump trucks from four of the nine Star Nursery Rock Centers. These mammoth vehicles will race wheel-to-wheel and door-to-door for bragging rights and glory. Fireworks will light up the sky throughout the night and will be seen between competitors during the on-track action.
Fans will be treated to a meet and greet that will include an opportunity to receive the autographs of the drivers from the Spears Cars Tour West, MMI Legends Tour West and the ARCA Menards Series West. Also, there will be racing stars and personality appearances during this time. A kids’ bicycle giveaway will take place with the goal of
giving away 100 or more bikes to youngsters in attendance.
NASCAR Cup Series Champion and NASCAR on Fox commentator Kevin Harvick and his 13-year-old son Keelan will compete in the Spears Cars Tour West Pro Late Model 150 lap race. The inter-family rivalry has been raging all year, with Keelan besting his father thus far on the track and trash-talking dad off the track.
Don’t miss the action and excitement Friday, October 10 at the Star Nursery Classic – Battle at the Bullring. It’s going to be an unforgettable evening!
Tickets for the Star Nursery Fall Classic – Battle at the Bullring are available for purchase at lvms.com or at the gate on race day.
POMEGRANATES
From bloom to bounty, a desert dynamo
As the intense heat of summer begins to recede and we welcome the more moderate temperatures of fall, it’s the perfect time to consider adding a touch of vibrant beauty and deliciousness to your landscape. This season, we’re highlighting two exceptional pomegranate varieties that thrive in our unique Southwest climate: the charming Utah Sweet and the ever-popular Wonderful Pomegranate.
While both belong to the species Punica granatum, they offer distinct characteristics that make them valuable additions to any garden, whether you’re a seasoned fruit enthusiast or simply looking for a stunning ornamental plant.
Don’t let the name fool you; while it produces delightful fruit, the Utah Sweet Pomegranate offers so much more. Growing as a shrubby tree to around 12’ tall and 6’ wide (though it can grow larger over time), it shares the
robust nature of other pomegranate varieties but sets itself apart with its unique pink flowers. These non-showy blooms precede a harvest of sweet, pink-skinned fruit.
Tough as nails and remarkably easy to grow, the Utah Sweet thrives in full sun and adapts to almost any well-drained soil, including our alkaline conditions. Once established, it requires deep, infrequent watering, making it a water-wise choice for our desert environment. Winter is the time for pruning – clean out any dead or diseased wood and shape the tree as desired. To encourage healthy growth and fruit production, fertilize in February, May, and September.
Wonderful Pomegranate (Punica granatum ‘Wonderful Pomegranate’): The Classic Choice
The name truly says it all! The Wonderful Pomegranate is perhaps the most well-known and widely cultivated variety. It can be grown as a large shrub or trained into a small tree reaching up to 20 feet in height. Its fruit is a recognizable reddish-purple, prized for its juicy, flavorful arils.
Like the Utah Sweet, ‘Wonderful’ thrives in full sun and prefers amended, well-drained soil, appreciating deep, infrequent watering once established. Since it fruits on new wood, the best time to prune for form and size control is in January. A consistent fertilization schedule in February, May, and September will support abundant fruit production.
Thriving in the Desert Southwest
Both varieties are exceptionally well-suited to our Southwest environment. They relish our dry, hot summers, tolerate our alkaline soils, and exhibit excellent resistance to root rot – a significant advantage in our climate. The extended season of interest, from the striking flowers to the colorful fruit and the autumnal foliage, makes them a long-performing landscape asset.
Not a “Plant It and Forget It”
Fruit
While relatively easy to grow, achieving a bountiful harvest of high-quality pomegranates requires a bit more attention than simply planting the tree. Proper timing of fertilizer applications is crucial for fruit development. An early application of dormant oil and fungicide
during the late dormant season helps to prevent infestations of the Leaf-footed leafhopper, a pest that can cause extensive internal damage and fruit cracking. Regular winter pruning to remove all dead, diseased, and broken branches is essential for maintaining a clean, open, and manageable plant, promoting good air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Training for Your Needs
Pomegranates offer versatility in how they are grown. They can be trained as a single-trunk tree by consistently removing lower growth, which makes harvesting easier. Alternatively, they can be allowed to grow more naturally as a multi-stemmed shrub, which can be equally beautiful and may offer more fruit depending on the variety and pruning style. Choose the training method that best suits your garden space and harvesting preferences.
The Jewel Inside: Arils and Their Delicious Benefits
Those delightful ruby-red “seeds” within the pomegranate are actually called arils. These juicy sacs, each containing a small seed, are where the magic happens. They can be enjoyed fresh, adding a burst of sweet-tart flavor to salads, yogurt, and acai bowls. And don’t forget the vibrant juice! Pomegranates are renowned for their high antioxidant content and are a good source of various vitamins, making each little aril a powerhouse of nutrition that truly packs a big punch.
Knowing When to Harvest
Knowing when your pomegranates are ripe and ready to pick is key to enjoying their optimal flavor. As the fruit matures, its shape will start to become more distinctly angular, often taking on an almost octagon-like appearance. The blossom end, also known as the crown, will begin to open slightly and the tips of the sepals will often start to fold outward. The skin color will also deepen to its characteristic hue for the specific variety (pink for Utah Sweet, reddish-purple for Wonderful). Give them a gentle tap; a ripe pomegranate will often sound slightly hollow.
This fall, consider planting the beauty and bounty of the Utah Sweet and Wonderful Pomegranates for your Southwest Garden. With a little attention and care, these resilient and rewarding plants will provide years of ornamental appeal and, in the case of these two stellar varieties, delicious and nutritious fruit. Visit your local Star Nursery to explore these wonderful pomegranate options and speak with our knowledgeable team for personalized advice on planting and care.
DR. Q’S SEASONAL RECIPE
Prep Time:
Ǻ 5 minutes
Ingredients:
Ǻ Ice
Ǻ 1/4 cup Pomegranate Juice (Not from concentrate)
Ǻ Half lime (cut in wedges)
Ǻ 6–8 Mint Leaves
Ǻ 1 cup Soda Water
Ǻ 1 tablespoon Simple Syrup
Ǻ OPTIONAL: White Rum (omit for a delicious mocktail)
Directions:
1) In a tall glass, combine lime juice, pomegranate juice, and the simple syrup (if using).
2) Clap mint leaves together in your hands to release the oils and add to the glass. Give the mint a gentle stir and press with a spoon.
3) Add plenty of ice to the glass and top with soda water.
4) Garnish with extra mint, lime, or pomegranate arils.
5) Enjoy!
Pomegranate Mojito
STEVE & DARLA CUTTS
A growing legacy of love, care and expertise
Steve and Darla Cutts are a power couple in the world of horticulture, with a combined 56 years at Star Nursery. Their journey from coworkers with a bit of tension to life partners and professional teammates is a testament to dedication, passion, and the beauty of growth—both in the garden and in life.
From Rivalry to Romance
In the early days of their careers, Steve, a manager at the Wynn Road location, and Darla didn’t exactly see eye to eye. Darla even called the owner of Star Nursery, saying, “Get me out of here, Steve is so mean!” But time and mutual respect worked wonders. Years later, the same owner walked Darla down the aisle at her wedding to Steve—a full-circle moment that turned tension into a lifelong partnership.
Cultivating Success
Today, Darla is the Lead Contractor Sales Manager at Blue Diamond, where
she works with nearly 50 contractors, ensuring their projects run smoothly. “Every day brings new challenges, and it’s about making my contractors look like stars,” she says. Steve, overseeing key accounts in Commercial Sales, plays a pivotal role in fulfilling large-scale landscaping projects, from estimates to materials delivery. “Watching bare land transform into a beautiful landscape gives me real pride,” he shares.
Friendly Competition
Though their roles differ, one thing unites them: a friendly rivalry. “The best part of working with Darla is she’s my best friend,” Steve laughs. “We’re both competitive, especially in sales—whoever gets the sale first wins!”
Life Beyond the Nursery
When they’re not working, Steve and Darla enjoy gardening, cooking, and attending church together. Their shared hobbies reflect the peaceful, balanced
life they’ve built outside of the nursery.
A Lasting Legacy
The Cutts’ combined expertise and passion have left a lasting mark on Star Nursery. From their early days of tension to a flourishing partnership, they’ve not only nurtured plants but also meaningful relationships—with each other and with their customers. Their story is a true testament to how dedication, love, and a little friendly competition can grow into something extraordinary.
