Arizona’s desert climate presents unique challenges for gardening. With scorching summers, minimal rainfall, and dry soil conditions, choosing the right plants is crucial for a thriving landscape.
Fortunately, many low-water plants not only survive but flourish in Arizona’s arid environment. If you’re looking to create a stunning garden without excessive water use, here are some of the best low-water plants to consider.
Agave plants are a staple in Arizona gardens thanks to their striking appearance and extreme drought tolerance. They require minimal watering and thrive in full sun. With a variety of species available, from the large century plant to smaller varieties like Agave parryi, these succulents add an architectural element to any landscape.
Desert Spoon is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant with striking silver-blue leaves that radiate from a central trunk. This slow-growing plant is perfect for xeriscaping and requires almost no maintenance once established.
Despite its name, Red Yucca is not a true yucca but shares many of the same water-saving characteristics. It produces long, arching leaves and tall spikes of red or coral-colored flowers that bloom throughout the summer, attracting hummingbirds.
Lantana is a vibrant, drought-tolerant flowering plant that thrives in Arizona’s hot climate. Available in shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, and pink, lantana provides a splash of color while requiring little water.
Desert Marigold is a resilient perennial that produces cheerful yellow flowers. It thrives in rocky and sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for Arizona gardens.
Texas Sage, also known as Texas Ranger or Purple Sage, is a hardy shrub that bursts into purple blooms after rain. It’s an excellent low-maintenance plant for Arizona landscapes.
Palo Verde trees are iconic in Arizona, known for their green bark and bright yellow flowers. These trees require little water and provide much-needed shade in desert landscapes.
Ocotillo is a unique, spiky desert plant that bursts into fiery red blooms after rain. While it may appear dry much of the year, it thrives in the Arizona desert with almost no watering needed.
Penstemons are a group of flowering perennials that thrive in dry, sunny conditions. Their tubular flowers come in shades of pink, red, purple, and orange, making them a favorite among pollinators.
Verbena is a beautiful groundcover plant that produces clusters of small, colorful flowers. It thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for Arizona gardens.
Barrel cacti are among the most resilient desert plants, requiring virtually no water once established. Their rounded shape and seasonal blooms add character to any landscape.
Desert Willow is a small, drought-tolerant tree with pink and purple trumpet-shaped flowers. It thrives in dry conditions and provides excellent shade for smaller gardens.
Jojoba is a durable, evergreen shrub that thrives in Arizona’s hot, arid climate. It produces small, edible seeds and requires minimal maintenance.
Creosote bush is one of the most common native plants in Arizona, known for its fragrant leaves and yellow flowers. It is one of the most drought-resistant plants available.
Building a garden that thrives in Arizona’s dry climate is all about selecting the right plants. By incorporating low water plants, you can create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that requires minimal water and maintenance.
Whether you prefer flowering plants, hardy shrubs, or striking succulents, these options will help you design a garden suited for the desert environment. If you need expert guidance on creating the perfect low-water landscape, Mesquite Landscaping Inc. has the experience and expertise to bring your vision to life.
Now for the part no one likes to talk about—but needs to.
Here's the big one: artificial grass gets hot.
During Arizona summers, turf can heat up to 30–50 degrees hotter than natural grass. That means surfaces can become uncomfortable—or even dangerous—for bare feet and paws.
Solutions include installing shade structures, using cooling infill, or misting systems to lower temperatures.
While it conserves water, artificial turf is still made from synthetic materials.
That means at the end of its life, disposal could become an issue if it’s not recyclable. Some brands are working toward greener products, so ask your landscaping company about sustainable options.
Artificial lawns don’t support the same ecosystems as natural ones.
Bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects rely on real plants for survival. If creating a pollinator-friendly environment is important to you, you’ll want to reserve at least part of your yard for real greenery.
Turf is tough—but it’s not indestructible.
Heavy furniture, sharp objects, or poor installation can cause damage. While individual repairs are possible, they can be noticeable and sometimes costly.