Arid Landscaping

Cacti and Succulents

• Cacti and succulent plants come in a wide range of sizes, styles and colors. Some are flowering while others aren't, but all have adapted to thrive in full sun with little water. Succulent plants and cacti have developed special features that aid in their desert survival. These special features include a non-porous waxy covering, thick leaves and compact growth. Cacti have pleats along their bodies to carry water toward the ground, making it more available to roots for absorption. The ice plant (delosperma cooperi), the autumn joy stonecrop (sedum spectabile), yucca plants, agave and the prickly pear are all widely used for landscaping.

Xerophytic Shrubs

• Like other xerophytic plants, a few shrubs will do well in the desert. Among them is the bird-of-paradise, a species of flowering shrub that thrives on full sun and little water. Depending on the species, these plants will reach mature heights between 6 and 10 feet, with roughly equal spread. They produce yellow, red or orange flowers during the spring, summer and into fall and produce little debris for cleanup. When in bloom, birds-of-paradise will attract birds, bees and butterflies. Additional options include several types of sage, desert lavender and myrtle.

Aloe Vera

• Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a desert-friendly perennial that has been used medicinally for centuries. It will reach between 1 and 3 feet upon maturity and may be grown indoors or out. Well-draining soil, warm weather and full sun are required for best growth, and these plants do best throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones nine, 10 and 11 and are drought-tolerant once established. They produce large gray-green leaves with teeth along the edges. The juice inside the leaves is used to soothe burns, and leaves that are torn for use will grow back fairly fast.

Flowers

• Desert-friendly flowers come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, and will provide bold color to the landscape. As are other xerophytic plants, these are compact growers with small, thick leaves. Several poppy varieties, including the Arizona poppy (Kallstroemia grandiflora) and the desert poppy (Eschscholzia glyptosperma), sunflowers, a few lilies and some daisies are also widely used. The desert marigold (baileya multiradiata), ragged rock flower (crossosoma bigelovii) and the desert rose mallow (hibiscus coulteri) will also do well in desert settings. Growers should carefully follow planting and watering instructions for each flower variety, as most will require a bit of extra watering when first planted. Homes with young children or pets should also beware of potential poisons or toxic flowers.