Growing plants in the desert can be challenging due to the extreme temperatures and lack of water. However, there are some plants that are well-adapted to survive and thrive in arid, desert environments. When selecting plants for a desert garden, it’s important to choose drought-tolerant varieties that can handle the intense sun and heat. With careful planning and proper care, even the driest landscapes can burst with greenery and flowers.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Desert Plants
Several key factors should be evaluated when choosing plants to grow in the desert:
- Drought tolerance – Plants need to be able to withstand long periods of time with little rainfall. Look for varieties described as “xeriscape plants.”
- Heat tolerance – Desert summers are brutally hot, so plants must be able to survive high temperatures over 100°F.
- Sun exposure – The sun beats down intensely in the desert, so plants should be able to thrive in full sun conditions.
- Soil conditions – Desert soil tends to be sandy, alkaline, and nutrient poor. Select plants that grow well in these conditions.
- Climate matching – Choose plants suited to your specific desert region, as the Southwest deserts differ from the Middle Eastern deserts.
- Growth habit – Look for low-growing shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers that don’t require much trimming or shaping.
- Low maintenance – Prioritize easy-care plants that don’t need much watering, fertilizing, or frequent pruning.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you pick rugged plants tailor-made for the desert.
Best Plants for Desert Gardens
Many plants actually enjoy the harsh desert conditions. Here are some of the top varieties that grow well in the desert:
Succulents
Succulents are the quintessential desert plants. Their thick, fleshy leaves and stems store water to help them survive extended dry periods. Popular succulents include:
- Aloe
- Agave
- Yucca
- Sedum
- Echeveria
- Hens and chicks
- Prickly pear cactus
Group succulents together in a xeriscape bed for low maintenance and visually appealing texture and form.
Cacti
Cacti are specially adapted with thorny, protective skin and thick stems for storing water. They come in many shapes like barrels, prickly pears, and columns. Recommended cactus varieties include:
- Prickly pear
- Barrel cactus
- Opuntia
- Golden barrel cactus
- Totem pole cactus
- Pincushion cactus
Use cacti as accent plants and specimens scattered around the landscape.
Shrubs and Trees
For structure and height, incorporate some desert-loving trees and shrubs such as:
- Mesquite
- Palo verde
- Ocotillo
- Texas sage
- Creosote bush
- Desert willow
- Jojoba
Prune and shape these plants minimally to maintain their natural forms.
Grasses and Groundcovers
Complete your desert garden with tough grasses and groundcovers like:
- Lamb’s ear
- Verbena
- Gazania
- Sedum
- Ice plant
- Lantana
- Ornamental grasses
Let these plants blanket the ground to prevent erosion and add texture.
Annual Flowers and Herbs
You can add seasonal color with heat-loving annuals such as:
- Portulaca
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Cosmos
- Four o’ clocks
- Petunias
- Verbena
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
Work these plants into your beds and borders to bring bursts of color and interest.
Caring for Desert Plants
While adapted to manage with little water, desert plants do require some care and maintenance:
- Water deeply and infrequently – About once a week or when the top few inches of soil are dry. Avoid frequent, light waterings.
- Prioritize morning watering – Water early to reduce evaporation loss from daytime heat.
- Add mulch – Spread a 2-3 inch layer of gravel, decomposed granite, or wood chips to help retain soil moisture.
- Fertilize lightly – Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once or twice a year.
- Prune selectively – Reshape succulents and trim back overgrown plants when needed.
- Provide shade – Add shade structures, sails, or shade cloth to protect from extreme mid-day sun.
- Check drainage – Make sure soil drains well to prevent root rot.
With proper siting, soil preparation, and care you can enjoy a thriving desert garden.
Desert Garden Design Tips
Follow these basic principles to design a stunning, water-wise desert garden:
- Stick with a desert theme throughout, using rocks, gravel, cacti, and indigenous plants.
- Create focal points with striking succulents or specimen cacti.
- Mass plantings of the same variety make a bolder statement.
- Repeat some plants for visual cohesion.
- Combine plants with different textures and forms for interest.
- Use hardscaping like pathways, benches, and fountains to add structure.
- Incorporate elevation changes and garden beds to contour the landscape.
- Strategically place trees and large plants to provide shade.
- Limit high maintenance lawns and thirsty plants.
- Add accent features like garden art, wind chimes, and brightly glazed pots.
Let your imagination run wild in designing a desert landscape that showcases hardy, beautiful plants.
Unique Desert Garden Ideas
Take your desert garden to the next level by incorporating some of these creative themes and features:
Cactus Garden
Highlight incredible cacti and succulents against a backdrop of gravel and stone. Plant specimens close together for dramatic effect.
Contemporary Garden
Use modern, geometric lines along with architectural plants like agave and aloe. Add sleek hardscapes.
Xeriscape Garden
Xeriscape gardens conserve water with attractive, drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation.
Southwestern Garden
Fill your garden with yucca, ocotillo, turquoise accents, and rustic desert elements.
Mediterranean Garden
This desert style combines succulents with herbs, grasses, fruit trees, and vines over gravel paths.
Mid-Century Garden
Capture mid-century modern style with cacti, agave, and minimalist, geometric designs.
Spa Garden
Create a relaxing retreat with flowing fountains, hammocks, fire pits, and spa elements.
Edible Garden
Grow heat-loving vegetables like peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, beans, and herbs.
Native Plants Garden
Showcase low-water native plants from your region for an authentic desert garden.
Rock Garden
Design a naturalistic desertscape with cacti, succulents, wildflowers, grasses, and artfully arranged rocks.
The possibilities are endless for crafting a desert oasis! Play with shapes, textures, colors and themes to reflect your personal style.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Region
The best plants for your desert garden depend on your specific region’s climate. Here are some top picks for popular desert locations:
Southwestern United States
- Agave
- Ocotillo
- Prickly pear cactus
- Yucca
- Penstemon
- Desert willow
- Creosote bush
Middle East
- Date palm
- Oleander
- Bougainvillea
- Jasmine
- Carob tree
- Pomegranate
- Fig
South Africa
- Spekboom
- Aloe
- Crassula
- Kalanchoe
- Carpobrotus
- Pelargonium
- Gazania
Australia
- Banksia
- Eucalyptus
- Grevillea
- Acacia
- Kangaroo paw
- Bottlebrush
- Correa
Consult local nurseries, landscape professionals, or university extension services to learn the best desert plants for your specific geographic area.
Conclusion
Creating a desert garden requires careful plant selection, smart landscape design, and proper care techniques. But the rewards are well worth the effort. Desert gardens provide stunning visual interest while conserving water and showcasing plants adapted to thrive in arid conditions.
From sculptural cacti to vibrant wildflowers, you can transform even the barest landscape into a thriving desert oasis. Embrace plants that relish heat and sunshine to grow a beautiful, water-wise garden that brings the rugged beauty of the desert to your own backyard.