The high desert region presents some unique challenges for growing flowers due to the arid climate, intense sunlight, poor soil conditions, and extreme temperatures. However, with careful planning and selection, many beautiful flowers can thrive in high desert gardens.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are one of the most iconic and cheery flowers that grow well in the high desert. They are drought and heat tolerant once established, and their bright, sunny faces can withstand windswept conditions. Plant sunflower seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Choose varieties with shorter maturation times for best success.
Cosmos
Cosmos are lovely, delicate-looking annual flowers that bloom prolifically in hot, dry conditions. Their lacy, open blooms come in shades of pink, magenta, white, and orange. Sow cosmos seeds where they are to grow and lightly cover with soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Cosmos grow 1-4 feet tall depending on variety.
Zinnia
Few flowers can match the vivid, jewel-toned colors of zinnias. These hardy annuals thrive with hot sun and bloom from summer until frost. To grow zinnias, sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost. Space plants 8-12 inches apart. Choose compact varieties under 2 feet tall for very windy areas. Water occasionally once established.
Verbena
With clusters of tiny blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, verbena is a gorgeous choice for high desert gardens. It flowers all summer long in hot, sunny conditions and can handle some drought once rooted. Grow verbena from seed or plant nursery starts after the last spring frost. Give it well-drained soil and allow the surface to dry between waterings.
Gaillardia
Also called blanket flower, gaillardia produces showy flowers in radiant shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple. The plants bloom reliably when given full sun and well-drained soil. Gaillardia is drought tolerant, low maintenance, and heat hardy. Plant nursery starts in spring or sow seeds directly in fall. Deadhead spent blooms to promote new blossoms.
California Poppy
The state flower of California, this wildflower thrives in high desert environments. California poppies have satiny flowers in brilliant shades of orange, pink, red, purple, and yellow. Allow them to self sow for continuous color year after year. They require no supplemental water or care once established. California poppies grow 1-2 feet tall on slender stems that dance gracefully in desert winds.
Penstemon
Commonly called beardtongue, penstemon produces spikes of tubular, lipped flowers resembling snapdragons. Colors include white, pink, red, purple, and blue. Penstemon is drought tolerant, attracts hummingbirds, and adapts readily to desert gardens. Give it full sun, occasional water, and well-drained soil. Sow seeds in fall or plant nursery starts in spring after danger of frost has passed.
Osteospermum
Osteospermum, also known as African daisy, blooms abundantly in the hottest, driest conditions. Its flowers resemble daisies and come in purple, pink, orange, yellow, blue, and white. Plant African daisy starts after the last spring frost. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Osteospermum spreads rapidly and works beautifully as a hardy groundcover.
Portulaca
Portulaca, or moss rose, forms a low mat of succulent foliage studded with colorful flowers shaped like miniature roses. It thrives in hot, dry sites with poor soil and blooms from summer until frost. Portulaca is available in almost every color, from neon brights to pastels. It requires little care once established and can tolerate some foot traffic. Plant moss rose starts outdoors after danger of frost.
Datura
Also called moonflower, datura unfurls huge, trumpet-shaped blooms in the evening that stay open until the next morning. Their giant flowers come in white, purple, and yellow. Grow datura from seed directly sown outdoors once temperatures are warm and consistent. Site it in full sun with room to expand. The foliage and seeds are poisonous.
Globe Mallow
Globe mallow, also called abutilon, is a desert-loving perennial that produces dangling, bell-shaped blooms resembling miniature Chinese lanterns. Flower colors include yellow, orange, pink, red, and peach. Plant nursery starts of globe mallow outdoors after the danger of frost. Site in full sun. Prune periodically to shape the plant and promote new growth.
Lavender
The sweet fragrance of lavender perfumes many desert gardens. Lavender thrives in hot sun and needs little supplemental water once established. The flowers and foliage can be used to make sachets and aromatherapy products. Plant nursery-grown lavender in spring and choose cold-hardy varieties like Munstead or Hidcote. Prune plants after flowering.
Yarrow
Yarrow handles intense sun, heat, drought, and wind with ease. The ferny, aromatic foliage remains attractive when not in bloom. Flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, orange, and red appear from early summer into fall. Yarrow spreads readily and fills spaces well. Plant nursery starts in spring or fall. Divide clumps every 2-3 years.
Salvia
Salvia produces dense spikes of tubular flowers attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. The blossoms come in red, pink, purple, blue, white, and orange depending on variety. Salvias thrive in hot, dry conditions. Plant nursery starts after the danger of frost. Prune plants by one-third in fall to promote bushy growth and abundant blooms the following year.
Petunia
A popular flowering annual, petunias bloom from spring to frost in vivid shades of purple, pink, red, yellow, blue, and white. They handle dry conditions very well once established. Grow petunias from seed or plant nursery starts after the last spring frost. Give them full sun. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Trailing varieties work beautifully in containers and hanging baskets.
Marigold
Marigolds are easy to grow, drought tolerant annuals with bold flowers in yellow, gold, orange, and red hues. They bloom nonstop from planting until frost. Marigolds deter pests in the garden with their strong scent. Sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost or grow transplants. Give marigolds full sun and average to dry soil. Deadhead flowers to promote more blooms.
Ice Plant
Ice plant forms a carpet of succulent foliage that produces cheerful daisy-like flowers in summer. It thrives in hot sun and needs little supplemental water once established. Ice plant blooms in pink, yellow, orange, purple, red and white depending on variety. It spreads quickly and works well as colorful groundcover. Plant nursery starts outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Gazania
Heat-loving gazanias produce brightly colored daisy-like blooms in shades of orange, pink, yellow, red, white and multi-colors. The flowers close at night and open to greet the morning sun. Low-growing gazanias work well as colorful desert groundcovers that bloom spring until fall. Plant nursery-grown starts outdoors after danger of frost in a sunny area with well-drained soil.
Lantana
Lantana is a rugged, easy-care perennial with clusters of small, bright flowers that attract butterflies. It thrives in hot, dry conditions. Lantana blooms from spring until frost if grown as an annual. Allow it to overwinter indoors and replant outside the following spring. Give lantana full sun and well-drained soil. Water moderately. Remove faded blooms to encourage new flowers.
Scaevola
Also called fan flower, scaevola produces delicate-looking blossoms resembling small, open fans. Plants bloom in light blue, purple, pink or white from spring to fall with proper care. Scaevola thrives in hot, dry conditions. Grow it as an annual and provide full sun and average watering for best performance. Pinch back tips periodically to encourage bushy, compact growth and more flowers.
Alyssum
Alyssum is a low-growing annual that blooms profusely in spring and fall with small flowers in white, pink, lavender or purple. It thrives in full sun and hot weather, requiring little watering once established. Sow alyssum seeds directly in the garden in fall or spring. Alyssum spreads readily and works beautifully as an edging plant or groundcover. Deadhead spent blooms to maintain its appearance.
Dianthus
Also called pansies, dianthus produces ruffled, velvety flowers in white, pink, red, purple and bicolors. Some varieties are fragrant. Dianthus thrives in full sun and hot, dry conditions. Use it as an annual or grow cold-hardy perennial varieties. Provide well-drained soil. Remove faded blooms to promote continuous flowering from spring until frost.
Four O’Clocks
Four o’clocks open their brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers in late afternoon, earning their common name. Flower colors include red, pink, yellow, purple, and white. Four o’clocks are very drought tolerant once established and handle intense heat very well. Direct sow seeds in spring after the danger of frost. Site them in full sun to light shade.
Nasturtium
Nasturtium produces edible flowers and leaves with a peppery flavor. The blooms come in bright shades of red, orange, yellow, pink and peach. Nasturtiums grow easily from seed planted directly in the garden after frost danger passes. Site them in full sun to partial shade and provide occasional water. Use nasturtiums in containers, beds, and slopes to control erosion.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges of arid environments, many colorful flowers can thrive in high desert gardens. Look for varieties that are naturally adapted to drought, heat and/or poor soil. Give all flowers full sun exposure and plant them in spring once the danger of frost has passed. Focus on providing good drainage and occasional deep watering. With the right plant selections and care, your high desert garden can come alive with gorgeous blooms.
