When choosing plants for a desert garden, it’s important to select varieties that are well-suited to hot, arid conditions. Fast growing shrubs are a great option as they can quickly provide shade, color and interest. There are many fast growing shrubs to consider that thrive in full sun and need little water once established.
Desert Environment
The desert environment presents challenges for plant growth including intense sunlight, heat, aridity and poor soil quality. When rainfall does occur, it often comes in intense bursts followed by long dry periods. Plants that thrive in these conditions are able to withstand drought, high temperatures and have low water needs once their root systems are established. The plant choices presented below are adapted to the desert climate.
Factors for Fast Growth
There are a few key factors that contribute to fast growing shrubs in the desert:
– Fast root establishment – Quickly developing an extensive root system to absorb available moisture from the soil. Many desert plants have long tap roots that can reach deeper water sources.
– Rapid growth when water is available – Taking advantage of periodic rainfalls by quickly uptakeing water and nutrients to fuel growth spurts.
– Efficient water use – Avoiding excess transpiration and using water wisely for essential plant functions once established. Having adaptations like waxy leaves or hairy stems to reduce water loss.
– Ability to withstand drought – Entering dormancy during extended dry periods then resuming growth when water returns. Shedding leaves or stems to reduce water loss.
– Heat tolerance – Withstanding intense sun exposure and high temperatures through physical adaptations like light leaf color or drought deciduous leaves.
Selecting varieties with these traits will provide the best chances for fast growth in the desert garden.
Recommended Fast Growing Desert Shrubs
Here are some excellent options to consider:
Texas Ranger
– Botanical Name: Leucophyllum frutescens
– Growth Rate: Fast growing, up to 2 feet per year.
– Mature Height/Spread: 8 feet tall and wide.
– Features: This Texas native has silvery green leaves and bursts of purple flowers in summer. It tolerates heat and needs little watering once established.
Autumn Sage
– Botanical Name: Salvia greggii
– Growth Rate: Moderate growing up to 1-2 feet per year.
– Mature Height/Spread: 4 feet tall and wide.
– Features: A semi-evergreen shrub with colorful flowers in hues of red, pink, orange and white that bloom spring through fall. Tolerates drought and heat. Attracts hummingbirds.
Damianita
– Botanical Name: Chrysactinia mexicana
– Growth Rate: Fast growing up to 2 feet per year.
– Mature Height/Spread: 3 feet tall, 5 feet wide.
– Features: This native shrub has aromatic leaves and cheerful yellow flowers that bloom nearly year-round in warm climates. Thrives in full sun and needs little watering once established.
Indian Hawthorn
– Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepis indica
– Growth Rate: Moderate, up to 1-2 feet per year.
– Mature Height/Spread: 6 feet tall and wide.
– Features: An evergreen shrub with small pink or white flowers in spring followed by colorful berries that attract birds. Does well in full sun and is drought tolerant.
Blue Bells
– Botanical Name: Eremophila hygrophana
– Growth Rate: Fast growing up to 2 feet per year.
– Mature Height/Spread: 6 feet tall, 5 feet wide.
– Features: This Australian native has attractive bluish-green foliage and tubular purple flowers for much of the year. Thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Brittlebush
– Botanical Name: Encelia farinosa
– Growth Rate: Moderate, up to 1-2 feet per year.
– Mature Height/Spread: 3 feet tall and wide.
– Features: Silvery-gray leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers cover this native shrub. Blooms in spring and needs little supplemental water in the desert.
Planting and Care
When planting fast growing shrubs, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with native soil. Water deeply after planting and use mulch around the base to help retain moisture. Avoid over-watering which can lead to root rot. Most established desert shrubs only need weekly or monthly watering depending on rainfall. Prune as needed to shape and improve flowering.
Conclusion
Adding fast growing shrubs to a desert garden can provide quick appeal. Their ability to rapidly develop root systems and withstand the challenges of arid environments make them ideal choices that require minimal care once established. Consider one of the recommended varieties that offer flowers, visually appealing foliage and are well suited to thrive in the desert heat. With the right selection and proper planting, they will soon grow to become stunning focal points in the landscape.
| Shrub | Growth Rate | Height/Spread | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Ranger | Fast, 2 ft/year | 8 ft tall and wide | Silver foliage, purple flowers |
| Autumn Sage | Moderate, 1-2 ft/year | 4 ft tall and wide | Colorful flowers, attracts hummingbirds |
| Damianita | Fast, 2 ft/year | 3 ft tall, 5 ft wide | Yellow flowers nearly year-round |
| Indian Hawthorn | Moderate, 1-2 ft/year | 6 ft tall and wide | Pink flowers, colorful berries |
| Blue Bells | Fast, 2 ft/year | 6 ft tall, 5 ft wide | Purple flowers, bluish foliage |
| Brittlebush | Moderate, 1-2 ft/year | 3 ft tall and wide | Yellow flowers, silvery foliage |
