There are certain requirements that your plants should meet, especially in regards to the changing climate and unique terrain of the state. For example, the arid climate and unique terrain of the state will place a strong demand on the plants, making plants with resilience and drought-tolerance thrive better in the specific environmental conditions of Arizona.

Well, fortunately, there are a variety of beautiful plants out there that meet the climate requirement. In this blog, we will be showing you 5 different types of plants you should consider including as part of your own landscape plant design.

Join us as we unpack!

Key Highlights

• You need to choose a landscape design that fits the local climate here in Arizona.
• By choosing the right plants, such as Blue Palo Verde, Ocotillo. Bursage, Agave, Red Yucca, and Buffalograss, you can create a stunning and unique landscape design.
• These plants offer a variety of benefits, including adding texture and interest, providing vibrant and colorful blooms, and being drought-tolerant and low maintenance.
• Using native plants in your landscape design not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor space but also benefits the environment and supports local wildlife. This can further increase property value and curb appeal.

Top 5 Plants for Enhancing Your Arizona Landscape

When selecting your plants for the Arizona landscape, consider the following factors: climate, water availability, and maintenance requirements. But regardless, there are some plants we have on our list that are most likely to fit into the Arizona climate and have a reasonable maintenance requirement. These plants are suitable for both residential backyard or commercial outdoor areas. Here are the top 5 on our list.

1. Blue Palo Verde – Vibrant and Hardy

Image source: Wikipedia

This is a native tree to the Southwest. It is popular for its beautiful yellow flowers and green bark. Here are some things you should know about the Blue Palo Verde:

• It can tolerate drought conditions and can bear minimum irrigation once established.
• It’s a good choice for providing shade in outdoor spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens.
• It requires minimum maintenance and adds a pop of color to your landscape design.

2. Bursage – The Perfect Groundcover

Image source: Wikipedia

Bursages are short shrubs that’s usually used as a groundcover in Arizona landscapes. It si popular for its silver-gray foliage and small yellow flowers. Here are some key points about Bursage:

• It’s a good choice to cover a large area of bare floor. It is also used to reduce erosion.
• Once it is established, it can tolerate drought. It needs little water to grow.
• If you are keen on adding coloring options to your landscape design, bursage is a good ground option.
• Bursage is a good alternative to traditional mulch. It provides low maintenance, yet a visually appealing option.

3. Agave – Sculptural Beauty for Any Garden

Image source: Britannica

Agaves are a group of succulent plants known for their sculptural beauty. They are also a drought tolerant plant. Agave comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors. This makes them a popular option for any garden. Here are some points you should know about Agave:

• Once established, agave plants require just a little water and minimum maintenance.
• They can be used to mark borders in your landscape design.
• Since the plant itself has an appealing drag, they are a good option to improve the curb appeal of your outdoor space.
• Agave, being known for its architectural shape, adds a unique and sculptural element to your landscape.

4. Red Yucca – Low Maintenance and Colorful Blooms

Image source: Wikipedia

The Red Yucca is another useful but low-maintenance plant. It is a perennial plant known for its vibrant and colorful blooms. If you want to produce a really colorful setting, then choose a red yucca plant. Here are some key points about the Red Yucca:

• Red Yuccas, once established, can go a reasonable period without water.
• Their tall flower spikes with red colored tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, improving the overall beauty of your space.
• They are a low maintenance plant that can withstand harsh climate conditions while providing year-round blooms.

5. Buffalograss – Drought-Tolerant Turf Alternative

Buffalograss can withstand the extreme temperatures of the Arizona climate. When compared to other turfgrass, it requires less water and maintenance. This makes it a popular choice amongst homeowners and business owners. Here are some key points about Buffalograss:

• It is a good alternative to the traditional turf grasses.
• It can withstand less water and requires less time in maintenance or watering.
• Buffalograss is a great option for areas where water conservation is a priority.
• Buffalograss can be combined with some other plants to create a visually appealing and yet sustainable design.

Designing with Native Plants

There are reasons why native professional designers love planting native plants. Designing your landscape with native plants brings a whole lot of advantages to the Arizona environment. Apart from the fact that they are in tune with the local environment and require less water, fertilizers, and maintenance when compared with exotic or non-native plants, they also provide a perfect sync and habitat for local birds and other cute insects. By incorporating these native plants, you enjoy the following benefits:

Benefits of Using Native Plants in Your Landscape

• Native plants already consider Arizona as their home, so you wouldn’t have to do much to make them feel at home.
• They provide a natural home for local birds and insects, supporting biodiversity and creating a balanced ecosystem.
• Native plants are less susceptible to pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and chemicals.
• Opting for our beautiful native plants sends a signal to potential buyers that you are local friendly, giving you or your business a good name.
• Native plants aren’t only beautiful but also create a sustainable landscape design that supports the overall well-being of the environment.

How Do I Protect My Plants from Extreme Heat?

Although these plants have an in-built mechanism in shielding themselves from Arizona’s extreme heat, you still have a role to play. Consider the following tips:

• Some plants are naturally sensitive to sunlight and its heat, you should provide shade or use shade cloth to protect such plants.
• Mulch around plants to regulate soil temperature.
• Make sure to consult affordable landscape designers for personalized recommendations and solutions.

A Word From Us

When it comes to transforming your outdoor space, a landscape professional is the key to achieve that. They have the in-depth architectural and floriculture knowledge to transform any outdoor space, displaying the beauty to passersby. They know the best plants, flowers, and structures to incorporate into your backyard or front yard to produce a tailored garden design that also takes into consideration proper drainage and the use of pavers for driveways and walkways.

If you are searching for the best landscapers near me, Diamond Cut Landscaping, which is a top landscaping company in Arizona, is your preferred landscape contractor near you. We are a family owned business that has been producing beautiful landscapes (both hardscape and softscape) for the good people of Phoenix for over 8 years. We walk you through our design process as we complete the entire scope of the project from sketching the design on our graph paper to the final landscape construction. Let’s include you to our long list of happy customers. Reach out to us now.