Desert Landscape Plants

(I know… the image is a bit much, but it does spark the imagination, doesn’t it?)

Living in a dry and arid climate definitely has its challenges. Desert landscaping takes a little more planning, and a revised garden vision… none of which should limit the serious gardner or landscape designer.

Realistic desert landscape designs include only plants and trees that can survive with much less water, and tolerate more heat. It makes no sense to buy plants that can’t survive in your garden. Just a bit of due diligence will keep you on track when you visit nurseries and building supply stores. Remember, just because they offer a plant, doesn’t mean it will survive in your community. A little research will save you money and physical effort!

Fortunately, most drought and heat tolerant plants can also thrive in poor soil. By the way, limiting yourself to these plants will in no way deprive you of color. You will see for yourself as you research for varieties ideal to your location.

Here are two plants that not only survive in desert landscaping, they thrive in it:

Longwood Bluebeard… This is a deciduous shrub. It will grow back each and every spring, healthy and happy. It isn’t a tiny shrub, reaching anywhere between 3 and 4 feet high with a width of about 2 feet. This is a lovely plant to use in your desert landscaping - it has pretty blue flower clusters and silver foliage. It’s also very fragrant.

Autumn Joy… This is a wonderful perennial for desert landscaping. Its leaves grow in whorls, and can be any number of different colors. It can also readily grow in rock gardens. Its small flowers grow in clusters, and vary in colors and shades of yellow and orange, and red and pink.

By the way, these desert landscape plants attract butterflies like crazy!