The desert is a harsh environment where plants face challenges like intense sunlight, heat, aridity, and poor soils. However, some plants are well-adapted to survive and even thrive in desert conditions. Choosing the right drought-resistant plants can create an oasis of vegetation and color.
Which plants can survive in the desert?
Certain plants have adapted through evolutionary processes to store water, reduce water loss, and withstand high temperatures and solar radiation. Some factors that allow plants to thrive in arid desert environments include:
| Water storage in fleshy leaves, stems, or roots | Aloe, agave, prickly pear cactus |
| Waxy coating or hairy leaf texture to reduce water loss | Sagebrush, creosote bush |
| Deep roots to tap moisture from a large area | Mesquite, ironwood |
| Ability to remain dormant during droughts | Wildflowers, cacti |
| Light-colored leaves to reflect sunlight | Yucca, saltbush |
| Small or reduced leaves to limit water loss | Brittlebush, cliffrose |
With special adaptations like these, certain plants can not only survive but thrive under the harsh desert conditions that would kill less specialized plants.
Best desert plants for landscaping
When selecting plants for a desert garden or xeriscape landscape, focus on these drought-tolerant species well-suited to minimal water and soil amendments:
Cacti
Cacti are the most iconic desert plants, designed to conserve moisture. Varieties like prickly pear, cholla, and barrel cactus thrive on natural rainfall in warm deserts. Smaller cacti species work well in rock gardens and container gardens.
Succulents
Succulents like agave and aloe vera store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. Their striking shapes and textures make them popular xeriscape plants. Other desert-adapted succulents include yucca, sedum, jade plant, and hen and chicks.
Trees
For shade and vertical interest, incorporate desert trees like palo verde, mesquite, ironwood, smoke tree, and desert willow. These trees withstand heat and drought through deep root systems, water-efficient leaves, and inactivity during the driest periods.
Shrubs
Shrubs lend color and groundcover while requiring very little water. Try varieties like sage, Mormon tea, creosote bush, jojoba, and turpentine bush. Native desert shrubs blend seamlessly into southwestern landscapes.
Grasses
Ornamental grasses add texture with their spiky leaves and swaying forms. For desert gardens, opt for grasses like purple three awn, sacaton, and desert spoon grass. Avoid water-hungry lawn grass.
Groundcovers
Replace thirsty turf grass with rugged groundcover plants like sedum, ice plants, and creeping wire vine. These spreading plants control erosion, survive on natural rainfall, and don’t need mowing.
Vines
Vining plants provide vertical interest without much water. Desert-hardy vines include passionflower, black-eyed Susan vine, crossvine, and coral honeysuckle. Train them up arbors, trellises, or fences.
Wildflowers
Take advantage of colorful wildflower species adapted to the arid environment. Poppies, sagebrush, desert marigold, agave, and evening primrose add vibrant blooms that thrive on natural rainfall.
Edible plants
Consider drip-irrigating edible and herbal plants like aloe vera, prickly pear, chili peppers, garlic, oregano, rosemary, lemon grass, lavender, thyme, sage, and olives. Avoid water-intensive vegetables like tomatoes or carrots.
5 Best desert plants for containers
While in-ground desert landscaping has its place, container gardening enables maximum flexibility in moving plants into shade or sun as conditions warrant. Try these plants well-suited to potted culture:
Agave
With striking architectural forms, agaves make dramatic container specimens. Choose a dwarf variety like ‘Blue Glow’ or ‘Sunspot’ for potted gardens. Ensure containers have drainage holes; overwatering leads to root rot.
Aloe
Succulent aloe thrives in sunny container gardens. Regular pruning keeps the plants bushy and compact. Aloes may bloom if given ample sunlight. Their gel soothes minor burns and cuts.
Hens and chicks
Also called sempervivum, hens and chicks spreads quickly to form a dense mat in containers. The cobweb-like hairs on its leaves trap moisture. Hen and chick plants bloom in summer but require excellent drainage.
Lavender
Known for its relaxing fragrance, lavender grows well in hot, sunny patio containers. Prune plants after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Protect plants from excessive winter moisture.
Yucca
With sword-like leaves and curving stalks, yucca is an eye-catching focal point plant. Plant it alone in a decorative pot. Varieties like ‘Bright Star’ stay compact enough for container culture. Ensure sharp drainage.
Best practices for growing desert plants
Follow these tips to help desert plants thrive in landscapes and containers:
– Amend soil with sand or gravel to improve drainage
– Use drought-tolerant species native to arid regions
– Water deeply but infrequently, allow soil to dry between waterings
– Rely on rainfall instead of irrigation once plants are established
– Apply 2-4 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
– Prune any dead leaves or branches to prevent disease
– Shield plants from excessive afternoon sun and wind
– Plant in fall through early spring to avoid summer heat
– Grow in raised beds if the soil is compacted clay
– Group plants according to light and irrigation needs
– Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses rather than sprinklers
– Incorporate organic compost into soil before planting
– Space plants appropriately to allow for mature size
Conclusion
Creating a desert-friendly landscape requires patience, planning, and well-adapted plant choices. Look to hardy native species of cacti, succulents, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Allow plants to establish deep root systems, then withdraw supplemental watering. Group plants by sun exposure and irrigation needs. With smart practices, you can enjoy a vibrant, water-wise landscape that withstands challenging desert environments. The visual interest and wildlife habitat provided by desert-native plants makes xeriscaping a rewarding alternative to thirsty lawns and exotic species.