Arizona’s warm climate allows for year-round blooming flowers in many parts of the state. While winters can get chilly in northern Arizona, the southern and central regions see mild temperatures through the winter months, enabling flowering plants to thrive. Here are some of the flowers that bloom year round in Arizona:
Lantana
Lantana is a popular shrub that produces clusters of small, colorful flowers. Over 150 varieties exist, ranging in color from reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, purples, and whites. This plant is tolerant of drought and heat, making it ideal for Arizona’s climate. Lantana blooms spring through fall in northern Arizona but will flower year round in warmer areas. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Bougainvillea
Few plants evoke the tropical feel of Arizona as well as bougainvillea. This vine bursts with papery bracts in shades of orange, pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. Although the tiny white flowers at the center produce the real blooms, it’s the colorful bracts that make the biggest impact. Bougainvillea will bloom year round in the low desert regions of Arizona. It can survive winters in northern Arizona as well but may experience a brief period of dormancy.
Cape honeysuckle
With its brilliant tubular red flowers, cape honeysuckle is aptly named. This vining shrub thrives in Arizona, pumping out flowers nonstop except for the coldest stretch of winter in northern parts of the state. Hummingbirds frequently visit the nectar-rich blooms. Yellow-flowering varieties of cape honeysuckle also exist.
Primrose
Several species of primrose bloom year round in Arizona. Evening primrose opens its yellow, pink, or white flowers as the sun sets. This short-lived perennial goes dormant in the summer but reblooms in fall. Mexican evening primrose flowers in shades of white and yellow continuously except in the coolest weather. Another good option is rock rose, a low-growing succulent with yellow or white blooms.
Verbena
With dense clusters of tiny flowers, verbenas add vivid color to Arizona gardens year round. Perennial verbenas like Homestead purple verbena and Meidiland white verbena bloom off and on except for the dead of winter. Annual verbenas will flower constantly from spring to fall and include popular varieties like Imagination verbena. These heat-loving annuals come in many colors.
Plumbago
A semi-evergreen shrub, plumbago produces delicate sky blue or white flowers. In warmer zones of Arizona, it blooms nearly nonstop. Farther north, it may experience a brief dormant period in winter when grown in containers. But in the ground, the roots remain protected to enable flowering most of the year. Plumbago works beautifully as a sprawling shrub or climbing vine.
Ornamental onions
The genera Allium contains ornamental onion plants that bloom in globes of purple, pink, yellow or white. Varieties like Allium giganteum and Allium schubertii flower from late spring through summer in northern Arizona. But in the warmer regions, these perennials can produce blooms periodically throughout winter and spring too. The flowers dangling from long stems make for interesting textures in the landscape.
Geranium
Available in many colors, scented geraniums bloom off and on year round in sheltered spots of Arizona. Periods of bloom last longer in the warmer climates, where they can flower nearly continuously. The classic Martha Washington geranium also reblooms within weeks after flowering and will blossom sporadically through winter and spring when grown as a perennial. Plant geraniums in containers that can be moved into protection from freezes.
Petunias
Few flowers bloom as prolifically and continuously as petunias. Old-fashioned types like Supertunia are perennials in Arizona, blooming heavily in spring and fall with lighter flowering in hot summers and cold winters. By deadheading spent blooms, they can flower year round except for brief dormant periods in extreme weather. Wave petunias are also perennial in warm zones, while annuals planted in fall provide color through late spring.
Pansies and violas
Cool weather ushers in the seasonal bloom for pansies and violas. Plant these flowers in late summer or fall, and they’ll produce flowers until temperatures climb above 80 degrees Fahrenheit in spring. Lows consistently below freezing will diminish winter blooms until warmer weather returns. In southern Arizona, pansies and violas planted in well-drained soil bloom off and on year round. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
Snapdragons
Tall snapdragon varieties bloom year round in southern Arizona while shorter types flower through winter and spring in cooler zones. Planted in fall, they’ll bloom into summer but may go dormant when temperatures climb over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Potted snapdragons that are moved into shade and provided consistent moisture can sometimes flower year round. Remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering.
Dianthus
Several species of dianthus thrive in Arizona. Sweet William produces profuse blooms in spring while maiden pinks flower from spring to fall. Border carnations are short-lived perennials but bloom off and on year round. The compact Helen cape dianthus features bright purple blooms spring through fall. In southern Arizona, dianthus blooms heavily October through April and may continue flowering sporadically in summer.
trailing lantana
Delicate look but hardy and drought-tolerant. Pink, yellow, and bi-color flowers. Perennial in warm climates, blooms spring through fall elsewhere. Attracts butterflies.
cherry sage
Tubular red flowers provide winter nectar for hummingbirds. Hardy perennial blooms spring through fall. Full sun. Requires little maintenance.
baja fairy duster
Wispy purple flowers bloom heavily in spring and continue appearing year round. Thrives in full sun and heat. Tolerant of drought and poor soils. Attracts hummingbirds.
firebush
Tropical-looking shrub displays bright red flowers summer through fall. May bloom year round in warm climates. Provide full sun. Extreme cold damages foliage but roots recover.
angelita daisy
Profuse white daisy blooms with yellow centers. Blooms most heavily spring and fall but continues flowering year round. Perennial in warm climates, annual elsewhere. Attracts butterflies.
firespike
Tubular orange and red flowers on slender spikes. Blooms from spring to fall, taking short breaks in extreme heat or cold. Hummingbirds visit the nectar-rich blooms.
Table: Year Round Blooming Flowers for Arizona
| Flower | Colors | Type | Sun Exposure | Soil | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lantana | Wide color range | Perennial shrub | Full sun | Well-drained, average | Drought tolerant, low needs |
| Bougainvillea | Many bright colors | Vining shrub | Full sun | Well-drained, even poor soil | Drought tolerant, low needs |
| Cape Honeysuckle | Red, yellow | Vining shrub | Full sun to part shade | Well-drained | Drought tolerant, low needs |
| Primrose | Pink, white, yellow | Perennial | Part sun | Moist, well-drained | Moderate watering |
| Verbena | Many colors | Perennial or annual | Full sun | Well-drained | Drought tolerant, remove deadheads |
| Plumbago | Blue, white | Shrub | Full sun to part shade | Well-drained | Drought tolerant |
| Ornamental Onion | Purple, pink, yellow, white | Perennial bulb | Full sun | Well-drained | Drought tolerant, low needs |
| Geranium | Many colors | Perennial | Part sun | Well-drained | Moderate watering |
| Petunia | Many colors | Annual or perennial | Full sun | Well-drained | Deadhead spent blooms |
| Pansy | Many colors | Annual or short-lived perennial | Part sun | Moist, well-drained | Provide afternoon shade in summer |
| Snapdragon | Many colors | Annual or short-lived perennial | Full sun | Well-drained | Deadhead spent blooms |
| Dianthus | White, pink, purple, red | Perennial | Full sun | Well-drained | Drought tolerant, low needs |
Arizona’s climate supports a diverse range of flowers that can bloom year round. Choose heat and drought tolerant varieties that also handle cooler winter weather. Perennials like lantana, bougainvillea, cape honeysuckle, verbena, plumbago, geraniums, and some dianthus species flower the most consistently through the seasons. Tender perennials and annuals offer additional color during their peak seasons. Focus on providing the proper growing conditions for each flower, and your Arizona garden can stay bright even in the dead of winter.
Conclusion
Arizona’s mild winters enable a wide variety of flowers to bloom intermittently or continuously year round. The most prolific bloomers for all seasons include tough perennials like lantana, bougainvillea, cape honeysuckle, verbena, plumbago, ornamental onions, petunias, dianthus, and certain primroses. Annuals and short-lived perennials like pansies, violas, and snapdragons provide a burst of blooms in winter and spring. By selecting the right plants and giving them proper care, it’s possible to enjoy colorful flowers in Arizona all year. Focus on heat tolerance, provide full sun exposure, and ensure adequate drainage for the best flowering through even the hottest summers and coldest winters.