For several months I have been trying to find the name for this shrub:
It is Plumbago auriculata, also known as Cape Leadwort. This pretty plant has many bloggers exclaiming that they wish they had discovered it sooner. I agree.
The plumbago, also called Skyflower because of the sky blue color of the blossons, fits all my requirements for the near perfect desert landscaping shrub. No thorns, roots from cuttings, easy to grow, hardy, drought-resistant, and tolerates heat and sun.
The skyflowers I am nurturing are destined to go out front, where they will not only be decorative, but also provide a little shade from the relentless Palm Desert sun. Until they get established, though, I need them in a more protected area, so a little planning was in order. By nesting a pot filled with each plant into an identical empty one buried in the ground I will be able to move the plants around without having to dig them up. It will be easy to lift them up onto the potting bench where they can be tended at a comfortable height. Also, using this method I can go ahead and prepare the larger holes now for when they are ready to transplant to bigger pots.
A clay saucer can go over the top of the empty pots as they are awaiting future plants. That will keep them from filling up with water or debris, and smaller plants can rest on top of the saucer. If we get a cold spell, I can just lift the plants out and move them into a huddle all together in a sheltered place instead of trying to protect them individually.
Soon it will be cool enough to plant some Swiss Chard. I'll start it indoors in an AeroGarden and then move it out back, using the same pot in pot method in a raised bed. We'll see if that keeps the rabbits out.