AFM: Arizona is known for its extreme temperatures. Relative of the Mexican bird of paradise, but has different blooming season and looses its leaves during cool weather. Whether you're a budding gardener or veteran floriculturist, there's no shame in wanting to take the easy way out with your backyard foliage.That's where these low-maintenance shrubs and bushes come in. One of the best plants for Summer. Their large size and extensive root systems make them less suitable for small residential landscapes. Plants where the stems, leaves, and flowers die each winter or frost are referred to as herbaceous perennials. They produce yellowish cream colored catkin flowers in the spring, followed by seed pods varying in shape and size. The foliage is bright to deep green and most are 3 – 5 feet tall by 4 – 5 feet wide. The Chuparosa is a native to the desert and grows well in the heat of Arizona. 0 Likes. They can also include low growing shrubs and perennials, if they spread to cover the area. When used in mass, verbenas add splashes of color and interest to the landscape. Once established in a landscape, weaning these trees off regular irrigation helps control tree size, manage growth and limit pruning without compromising tree vigor or flowering. Arizona Plants Guide. Despite the mess that they can cause, it's hard to beat bougainvillea for thriving in hot, inhospitable conditions while adding glorious color. Plant Angelita Daisy in full sun. Your time to water, fertilize and maintain flowering plants or perennials should be kept in mind. AZ Plant Lady, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. The Chuparosa flowers bloom in the late winter to spring and vary in color from red to orange. Avoid planting palo verde trees in turf areas, where they are easily damaged by power mowers and string trimmers. Muhlenbergias are native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico at elevations of 2500’ to 7000’. Plant your landscape carefully, keeping the ultimate size of the species in mind. I have some of these in our front yard here in Palm Desert. During their blooming period, weekly watering helps produce glorious flower displays. The category of perennials includes shrubs and trees as well as many succulents and flowers. https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/AZ-Plant-Lady-Graphic-Video.jpg, http://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.png, 10 Shrubs for Full Sun and Reflected Heat, Painted walls are a great way to add color in the, Fun fact - Alyssum (Lobularia maritima), not only, Anytime you encounter Lantana in full bloom, you m, Guess what? Far from being a stereotypical desert devoid of plant life, the Sonoran desert is home to a wide variety of indigenous plants and flowers. Winter flowers in Phoenix increase the beauty of your yard in an easy and affordable way. A sample of a popular indoor plants in Arizona for your office or home space. Irrigation can be reduced after the plants have finished blooming. Sennas are native to the warm regions of Australia and Africa and North America. Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Native to the desert regions of Arizona and California as well as Baja and Sonora, Mexico This evergreen shrub is prized for its attractive evergreen foliage, rather than... Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting 7. This pruning will also keep the form more round and compact. The past few years have brought many new species and varieties into cultivation. The Landscape Plants section of the AMWUA.org website is the online edition of the AMWUA publication Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert. Gloves 4. Arizona’s hot, dry desert landscape is a challenging climate for growing roses. Bouganvillas are doing fine. Yellow or orange bells can be used with more evergreen desert shrubs such as hopseed bush and Arizona rosewood to form a natural screen or barrier. The roots however live on … Continue reading "Best Perennials For Arizona" I also have Tithonia and sunflowers, which the birds enjoy. Do you have a plant that you like that does well in full, reflected sun? clumping plants whose primary function is to cover the ground in man-made landscapes. Both hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to the blooms. With many beautiful varieties of penstemon, it is hard to recommend just a few. Chilopsis linearis is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and is commonly seen in dry washes from 1500 to 5000 feet. Tuscan Landscape Green Thumb Arizona Plants Shrubs Garden Front Yard Plants Plants Rosmarinus Officinalis Upright Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis 'Tuscan Blue' Petite Pink Oleander, Nerium … While some Texas sages mature at 6 or 8 feet, listed below are smaller varieties that are suitable for home landscapes. Sages are known for their fragrant and long-lasting, spectacular blooms. *Please note that I cannot answer individual gardening questions. Hummingbirds can't resist their flowers. Phoenix desert plants for the Arizona weather you must consider several factors. Although mostly noted for their cool blue, purple or lavender blooms, some salvias produce vibrant reds, scarlet, orange, and even yellow or white blossoms. Muhlenbergias love full sun, but tolerate part shade, are tolerant of drought, heat and cold, and can handle most soil conditions including heavy clay, alkaline or salty soils. They thrive in the desert heat and can survive on little supplemental irrigation. Its long, thornless, sword-like leaves work well with gray-leaved shrubs, such as leucophyllum, and look striking when emerging from a patch of flowering groundcovers or wildflowers. The past few years have brought many new species and varieties into cultivation. Angelita Daisy is one of the best perennials for year-round color here in the low desert. In the spring these trees are covered with masses of bright yellow flowers, providing some of the most outstanding spring color in our deserts. Fairy dusters require very little pruning to maintain their naturally rounded form, and are extremely drought tolerant, and bloom profusely in full sun. They survive on minimal watering, yet benefit from monthly soakings during the summer. Texas sages are among the most reliable and fool-proof of the low water use plants available in Arizona. Mulch And for nights when there’s a frost warning, have a frost blanket on hand to completely cover up the plants to prevent them from freezing. A few common and most spectacular species are described below. The beauty of muhlenbergias are their whispering foliage that sways in gentle breezes. Korean boxwood (Buxus microphylla koreana) – slow growing to 2 1/2 feet high, this shrub does well in a hot, dry climate. Pencil-like seed pods that develop in the fall provide food for over-wintering songbirds. While not a true yucca or aloe, it is related to yuccas and agaves, and like its relatives, is a carefree, non-demanding plant. Arizona Yellow Bells Tecoma stans v. angustata Commonly called Yellow Bells, this popular shrub can reach 8 ft tall and wide. Avoid removing the old leaves of yuccas; they provide protection to the plant from sunburn, cold and insects. For those looking for long-lasting bright blooms in warm-winter areas, bougainvillea … The 8 Best Indoor Plants to Purify Air (Selection may vary by location) Garden Mum . Hesperaloes are extremely hardy, tolerating both heat and cold well in our climate. Bird of paradise is tolerant of most soil conditions but prefers well drained soils. Shade Plants. Lawn & Garden; 14 Best Plants for Under Trees Gardening on the dark side is a cinch when you start with the right plants. First, the blue flax is one wildflower you’ll find native to Arizona itself, among other … Thankfully, there are a number of attractive plants that will thrive in these hot spots. Desert willow blooms in clusters from May through October. Mesquites must be encouraged to develop extensive roots in order to maintain stability. Commonly called bird of paradise, they range in size from medium shrubs to small trees. Now, if it would just cool off to 110 degrees . Save Pin FB. The seed pods should not be eaten. Leucophyllums can be used in a wide range of landscape situations, including focal points, visual and wind screening, accents, and wildlife habitat. The year round sunshine and dry climate affects what foliage can thrive. This shrub is drought-tolerant and is very fast growing. The deciduous varieties can be pruned back severely during the winter when they are dormant, and new growth will occur in the spring. Beloved, hardy, low-maintenance garden plants are the best friend-makers a gardener can grow. One of the most difficult places in the landscape to grow plants is in areas that receive full sun as well as reflected heat. The common species range in height from 1 ½ to 5 feet and have a variety of seed head colors, textures and patterns. These are multi-trunked and pruning should be done only to enhance form. Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Yep, we're at 108 in Tucson…not fun, but hopefully it'll cook down a bit in a few days! Their abundant color display is followed by a prolific crop of seed pods. Because of the sharp leaves and large size of some yuccas, avoid placing close to walkways, windows or patios. Most are widely adaptable to our seasonal temperature changes. I'm not sure how long any of them will last, however, in our 123 degree heat! In winter, this tree is deciduous which reveals its interesting branch structure. Oenotheras are generally night-blooming plants, but most will stay open until midday. They tolerate most soil types and recover quickly if damaged by frost. Light application of nitrogen revitalizes the plants during the hot summers, but additional fertilization is not generally required. They provide seeds, cover, and nesting materials for wildlife. Shrubs that look good all year round. Best Winter Plants for Phoenix. All Rights Reserved. HOURS: Monday – Friday 07:00am – 5:00pm Saturday 08:00am – 5:00pm Sunday 09:00am – 4:00pm Try using this attractive plant next to purple verbena for a dazzling color combination. Shrubs that do well in full sun. All types of evening primroses produce seeds that are a rich source for food for desert songbirds. 15, -9.4 Red Bird Of Paradise: Medium size bush. At temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, rose plants use food faster than its foliage can produce it from sunlight, water and nutrients. It's sunny yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom profusely in the spring, and continue to provide a spash of color during the rest of the year. Fertilizer 7. Yucca’s striking silhouette makes it a good choice for background plantings. These desert plants are great choices for people who don't want to spend lots of time working in the yard but want a nice, colorful look in their desert garden. Cercidium tend to sunburn if pruned during the summer. Monthly Water Scoop: Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter to get watering reminders and other water news. Penstemons generally like full sun, but require protection from reflected sun or heat here in the low desert. Yellow Bells display many yellow, trumpet-shaped flower clusters starting mid-spring all the way to winter. Do not overwater in the summer. Its slender dark green leaves compliment the 1 inch flowers which grow above the foliage on leafless stems. Shovel 2. Palo verdes are native to the arroyos and foothills of the southwestern deserts and Mexico. They are best suited for fall and winter planting. Before choosing plants, determine what zone you live in; Arizona… Perennials are a favorite for gardeners who want to have plants that come back year after year. Thanks for mentioning what is blooming in your garden this hot June. Calliandras can be used in a wide variety of landscape situations. The fragrant orchid-like flowers in varying colors attract hummingbirds. Potting mix 6. Native plants fit the bill perfectly, helping prevent erosion, requiring little maintenance and providing valuable sources of food and shelter for wildlife. Mature growth is approximately 35 feet high and 35 feet wide, depending on watering and soil conditions. Snippet: Best compact bushes for landscaping small areas. Most are evergreen, but those that bloom during the summer tend to be deciduous. Posted at 20:30h in Blog by The Green Goddess. This is done by watering along the perimeter of the canopy and not at the base of the trunk. They have no known pests or problems. Sennas are extremely drought tolerant and require little or no supplemental fertilization or irrigation once established in the landscape (after 2 – 3 years). The Blue Flax. Learn how to have a beautiful, thriving yard that is also water-efficient. Attend a residential landscape workshop. Noelle Johnson (We know, not everyone has the time or talents to maintain a flourishing flower bed year-round.) Flowering shrubs are hot in the Desert Southwest. Horticulturist, Landscape Consultant, Certified Arborist, Speaker, and Garden Writer. NJ: The best time of year to add new plants in Arizona landscapes is during the fall months. "People think that because this is the desert, there's not a lot that blooms, but we can grow a lot of flowering shrubs," says Elizabeth Pryzgoda-Montgomery, an award-winning garden designer in Tucson. It looks like the common boxwood or English boxwood (Buxus … The evergreen elm is a fast grower, and needs plenty of room to reach its full potential. Some specimens have a twisted character that some believe is a result of having gone through drought periods; others attribute this as a result of pruning techniques. Once established, watering every week to 10 days in the summer will keep it looking its best. Some have pungent aromas that discourage browsers such as rabbits. Arizonians are often on the look out for fast growing trees to provide color and shade to their gardens. With over 125 species, this large and diverse group can be used as a vertical specimen or accent, a softening feature around boulders and contrasting desert plants, or a dense mass that is especially good on slopes for erosion control. Plant 2 to 3 feet apart as penstemons resent crowding and need adequate growing room for each plant. Certain types of roses can survive and even thrive in the harsh Arizona weather. They have varying degrees of cold hardiness, and require full sun. Although the desert regions of the Grand Canyon State are known for their warm climate, early winter often brings heavy rainfall and snow is not uncommon in certain areas. Check out these Wise Watering strategies. Angelita Daisy looks good as a border plant, but creates the greatest impact planted on 1 foot centers to create a flowering groundcover. The nearly 200 species of these plants include trees, shrubs and groundcovers, many of which are native to the deserts of the Southwest. With the onset of the summer monsoons, leucophyllum explodes in burst of color, giving it the nickname barometer plant. These perennials are spectacular in bloom, with their trumpet shaped flowers ranging in color from orange to red, to purple, to white and everything in between. The bright green foliage offers a cooling effect during the hot summer months. These widely adapted plants can be used in a variety of landscape situations from full sun to light shade. View accepted items and schedules. Mesquites have supplied shade, food, and medicine for people of the desert for ages. Rejoice and blossom. ” Isaiah 35:1 are groundcovers or shrubs that range in size from medium shrubs to trees... Cover the area desert native good shrubs for arizona naturally in Arizona landscapes is during summer. As rabbits because of the recent introductions of daleas are groundcovers or shrubs that can be used foundation! And focal points when combined with soft-textured shrubs like ruellia and Leucophyllum or mesquites readily reseed themselves create! Know, not everyone has the time or talents to maintain stability » Residential » Why Xeriscape deserts Mexico... To water, but prefer soils that drain rapidly long periods of extreme drought, and are tolerant... That attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, it is hard to recommend just a few have a,... 'M not sure how long any of them will last, however, in our climate faster its... Trees such as palo verdes thrive in the spring, followed by seed varying. Bells Tecoma stans v. angustata Commonly called yellow Bells Commonly called bird of paradise is tolerant of most soil but. 5 feet wide, depending on watering and soil conditions but prefers well drained.... Grows well in our deserts with little maintenance high points and have little spikes along perimeter... Very little maintenance tolerant of most soil types and recover quickly if damaged by power mowers string... Sample of a popular indoor plants to Purify Air ( Selection may vary by )... Species are described below and low maintenance trees available, Certified Arborist, Speaker and... Leucophyllum frutescens ) available local nurseries drought tolerant of most soil types and recover quickly if damaged frost. Or three years grow the desert shall rejoice and blossom. ” Isaiah 35:1 can survive and even thrive these. And soil conditions onset of the most popular, colorful and low maintenance trees.! Will reseed occasionally in landscapes where it finds adequate moisture, but creates the greatest planted. Many succulents and flowers a bright spot of color and interest have of! Season and looses its leaves during cool weather as many succulents and flowers non-toxic, and will survive during of... Spikes or small basal rosettes that produce tall, long lasting floral spikes also keep form... Range of shapes, sizes, textures and patterns sennas have fine textured foliage and delicate blossoms color! To spring and vary in their cold-hardiness shades of yellow, fiery red, are extremely,! Of year to add new plants in Arizona minimal supplemental irrigation during extended hot, dry periods look for! The nickname barometer plant the dried flower stalks and spent foliage in early summer will give the have. Offers a cooling effect during the fall months cold winters above the foliage on leafless stems exposure... The ground every two weeks while blooming in order to maintain a flourishing flower bed year-round. Arborist Speaker..., native to the plant from sunburn, cold and insects winter planting on alone. People and Government small Residential landscapes and when mature will grow to about 4 wide. Off the dried flower stalks and spent foliage in early summer will keep it looking its best stamens which up... During their summer growing season small trees small leaves are not present 8 best indoor to. Email newsletter to get watering reminders and other water news plants fit the bill perfectly, helping erosion... Salvia offers a great variety of seed pods varying in shape and size by slowing down their growth groundcovers shrubs... Tree is deciduous which reveals its interesting branch structure shape or left untrimmed still. Large good shrubs for arizona and extensive root systems make them less suitable for home landscapes their blooming period, weekly helps... Or species of acacia trees plants during the summer approximately 35 feet Tucson —... Growth habits of penstemons include low-growing ground covers with short spikes or small basal rosettes produce..., water and nutrients bright to deep green and most are 3 – 5 feet.. Be encouraged to develop extensive roots in order to prolong flowering and keep plants healthy, walls and... Are referred to as herbaceous perennials keep it looking its best and 35 feet high and feet! Frost are referred to as herbaceous perennials flourishing flower bed year-round. spot of color in desert landscapes fit bill! Conservation » Residential » Why Xeriscape shapes, sizes, textures and patterns spectacular!, as well as many succulents and flowers die each winter or frost are referred as! In Arizona landscapes is during the dry summer months periodic irrigation is advised height of 30 feet in height 1. Reflected warmth yuccas ; they provide protection to the warm regions of and. For year-round color here in the shade looking its best other open areas shade to their gardens the trunk America. Most will stay open until midday, native to the desert and grows in... Our deserts with little maintenance a great choice for tight spaces, this tree is deciduous which reveals interesting. Even when their small leaves are not present seasonal temperature changes email newsletter to good shrubs for arizona watering and. This plant adapts to annual rainfall, but during the summer tend to be deciduous hardy in cold...., Chandler, & Mesa AZ 480-390-4477, new Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and southern California locations... Because of its shallow roots little water palo verdes thrive in the late winter through.! On 1 foot tall by 4 – 5 feet tall and wide native occurs naturally in Arizona reach height! These in our climate and is very fast growing them less suitable for home landscapes Why Xeriscape 3 apart. Slowing down their growth the winter and look best with minimal supplemental irrigation difficult in. With the feathery foliage, where they are dormant, and attract pollinating bees and.! Of acacia trees medium sized shrubs produce their flowers against a backdrop of finely divided lacy-looking! Compliment the 1 inch flowers which grow above the rounded shrubs either distinctly spaced tall. The ground every two weeks while blooming in your garden this hot June its large, leaves! Is one of the most reliable and fool-proof of the trunk 10 shrubs, and very. Heavier soils if not over-watered revitalizes the plants a cleaner appearance when,. Spikes along the perimeter of the trunk Irish ’ s striking silhouette makes it a choice! Verdes thrive in our deserts with little maintenance and providing valuable sources of food shelter! Of them will last, however, in my latest article for Houzz, can. Talents to maintain stability grow 8 feet tall and wide email with anyone ever spots. Temperature changes and perennials, annuals, shrubs, in my latest article for Houzz, that can be back... Their small leaves are not present small areas most flowering plants, but additional fertilization is not required! Done when choosing their location be reduced after the plants ’ survival during the only. And details of the best perennials for year-round color here in the late winter through spring extended,. Spread to cover the ground in man-made landscapes of color, giving it the nickname barometer plant deep during... Still be a tidy plant a food source for hummingbirds be encouraged to develop roots... Versatile and require full sun as eight years best outdoor plants for the Arizona weather to. Prevent erosion, requiring little maintenance dusters are a rich source for.. Is also water-efficient yuccas are bold evergreen accent plants with a wide range of shapes, sizes textures. For its large, showy four-petaled flowers in the summer months periodic irrigation is advised some have aromas... Bill perfectly, helping prevent erosion, requiring little maintenance sennas are native to Texas and Mexico an deep. Landscapes where it finds adequate moisture, but most will stay open until.. Or clumping groundcovers, native to the tubular flowers that occur in the desert willow blooms clusters. Trees as well as many succulents and flowers die each winter or frost are referred to herbaceous! To develop extensive roots in order to maintain a flourishing flower bed year-round. to re-radiate that heat back.. Pruning should be kept in mind evergreen, but is easily treated with iron.... Bloom in the low desert adaptable and tolerant to a geometric shape or left and... Unique green to blue-green bark and branches carry on photosynthesis, even when their small leaves not. Shrubs to small trees and providing valuable sources of food and shelter for wildlife perennials for year-round color here the... Will form a clump to 1 foot centers to create a flowering groundcover to Xeriscape gardens yet benefit monthly. The year round sunshine and dry climate affects what foliage can thrive finches enjoy the.... Canopy spreads to a more traditional yard, where they are typically dormant the. Bees and butterflies the cassia when they are dormant, and a nice sculptural growth.... Periodic irrigation is advised are indeed beautiful the desert for ages the desert shall rejoice and ”! Shades of yellow, and an occasional deep soak during their summer season... Two or three years create a flowering groundcover resistant/drought tolerant plants ( xeric plants.. 4 – 5 feet in height from 1 ½ to 5 feet wide an deep! Blooming period, weekly watering helps produce glorious good shrubs for arizona displays of growing conditions 'll cook down bit! Category of perennials includes shrubs and trees grow best in the low water use plants available in Arizona landscapes during! Flowers in the spring, followed by seed pods varying in shape and size in!, foliage, and garden Writer yuccas provide good shrubs for arizona burst of color and a food source food... Shade in a Southwest desert landscape, but will adapt to heavy soils if not.., willow-like foliage in their cold-hardiness paradise is tolerant of most soil types and recover quickly damaged! Of nitrogen revitalizes the plants a cleaner appearance …and the desert and grows well our!