Because of the desert climate, Arizona residents face some specific challenges when it comes to landscaping. You must choose carefully plants that don’t require a great deal of water and can handle the temperature extremes. However, those hurdles don’t have to keep you from enjoying a vibrant and beautiful lawn. That’s why Mesquite Landscaping shares a list of top options and tips to help. Consider these options for Arizona plants and flowers that can flourish in your backyard with little maintenance.
Desert Plants that Work for Desert Landscaping
Acacia
While most people have heard of an acacia tree, other varieties of this hearty plant, such as shrubs and ground covers, are less well-known. Acacias are an excellent option to add shade to your yard, but they also present you with beautiful flowers and an attractive way to screen off part of your property. Acacias love the full sun and can grow well in varied soil conditions. For trees, the maintenance is limited to occasional deep watering at the edge of the canopy.
Hesperaloe
Hummingbird lovers are fans of this tall, flowering plant because it draws the little creatures with its lovely colors and tube-shaped flowers. Hesperaloe is a clumping evergreen that requires little care and does well in heat and cold, making it an ideal fit for the Arizona desert landscape. Like the acacia, the hesperaloe loves the sun and dry soil, but it can adapt to wet grounds as long as you don’t overwater it. Try planting it with flowering ground covers or wildflowers to make the most of the cream and red blossoms.
Mesquite
Prosopis, commonly known as mesquite, is an adaptable plant that needs little water but can thrive where water is plentiful as well. Some appear twisted, and some do not, so you can choose plants that work best for your property. The dark green leaves and yellow flowers create a lovely contrast. Watering along the perimeter of the canopy helps the tree develop a robust root system that will support the mature 20 to 35-foot canopy. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, mesquite has been a source of shade, medicine, and food for native desert-dwelling people for many generations.
Verbena
For a perennial ground cover that loves heat and provides color, verbenas are beautiful Arizona landscaping plants. Group these plants to add color and variety to your landscaping plan. They prefer plenty of sun and dry soil, but watering once a week during blooming helps them maintain color. Pruning helps to keep verbena looking neat and healthy. Every two or three years, you will probably have to replace them, as verbena plants do not have a long lifespan.
Agave
Agave plants are part of the succulent family and offer a variety of colors and sizes from which to choose. The rosettes make lovely points of contrast when set among trees and shrubs. Agave plants are resilient and can tolerate high and low temperatures and low-quality soil. Also known as century plants, and agaves can take up to 50 years to bloom, so patience is required. The plant dies after flowering, so be prepared to replace them as needed.
Fairy Duster
This pretty plant is also known as Calliandra. The stamens from pale pink to deep red flowers look like tufts of hair for a unique accent to your garden. Fairy dusters draw hummingbirds to your wildlife garden or lawn and provide foliage almost year-round. These low-maintenance plants require little care, keeping their shape well even without pruning.Fairy dusters do well in dry conditions, enjoy full sun, and recover from damage quickly.
Desert Plants Expert in Arizona
If you’re looking for help with your desert landscaping, consult a professional who is familiar with the conditions where you live. Mesquite Landscaping in Queen Creek & Gilbert, AZ can help you choose a layout along with the green and colorful plants that will look best around your home. Contact us at (480)238-2943 today to schedule your free consultation.
Acacia
Hesperaloe
Mesquite
Verbena
