24 Jul Native Plants for a Southwest Garden

When you look around at the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert, there is a surprising amount of green that pops out from the sand. While the desert climate of southern Arizona is not often associated with successful gardening, the natural surroundings of the region prove that there is amazing diversity in native plant life. As you consider which plants may be best for your garden, consider these drought- and heat-resistant choices native to hot climates.

Yellow Columbine

With elegant small yellow flowers that may bloom continually with the right maintenance techniques, yellow columbine is a great choice for any garden where you want to see more butterflies and hummingbirds. These robust plants grow to about 3 feet tall and do best in full sun.

Bunny Ears Cactus

Cactus is an easy choice for a desert home, and the rarely spiny bunny ears cactus is a beautiful option with bright yellow flowers that arrive in spring and summer.

California Poppy

The California Poppy may offer an abundance of color to your garden with shades of yellow, orange, and pink that last all through summer. Annual poppies can tolerate full sun and may grow to about 18 inches in height.

Indian Paintbrush

If you want to see hummingbirds feeding in your garden, Indian Paintbrush is a drought-tolerant perennial that will do the trick. Its bright red flowers show up in spring and stick around until winter.

Green-Flowered Hedgehog Cactus

Even dry soil may offer some plant choices such as the green-flowered hedgehog cactus, which only grows to about 9 inches tall in full sun. These globe-shaped cacti produce vibrant green flowers early in the spring.
Santa Rita Landscaping has decades of expertise in desert landscaping, and we can help you create the garden of your dreams in your southern Arizona home. To explore all of your choices for renovating the landscape of your Tucson home or business, call us at 520-623-0421 today.