Long Lasting Types of Desert Landscaping Plants

Desert Landscaping Plants Are Easy to Grow

Some believe that you can only have types of desert landscaping plants if you live in the warm and dry southwestern part of the U.S.  But they can also thrive in the high deserts of the Pacific Northwest and in most humid tropical areas.

The various varieties of the cacti, with their sharp thorns, have been used as a fence to ward off predatory animals and other uninvited guests.  They can also be used to protect a vegetable from animals that enjoy stealing your prized tomatoes.  The short and stout "Barrel Cactus" would be very uninviting.

Desert landscaping plants are perfect for an area that gets direct sun all day.  Commonly the north side of your home is in the shade most of the day.  Landscape shade plants will do will in this part of the yard and add some variety to your landscape plans.  Shade plants can produce some beautiful flowers as well.

There are numerous desert landscaping plants to pick from.  We have provided names and descriptions of just a few of the many desert landscaping and landscape shade plants.  You can ask your local nursery for advice of what does exceptionally well in your area.

Agave Americana: The interesting form and the plant's high tolerance to heat, drought, cold, sun, and even poor soils makes this an ideal all-around plant.  The Agave Americana will grow anywhere from one to six feet tall, developing into unique styles of leafs and beautiful colors.

Desert Spoon: This particular plant does best in arid climates and was at one time, used for fiber and food by Native Americans.  The plant will grow between five and eight feet high and depending on the exact species, some will produce a bloom topped with red, long plumes that complement the gray green foliage.

The Agave, also known as the "century plant," because of the legendary flower stalk that is said to only bloom every one hundred years. The truth is that it produces the flower stalk at the end of its life, which can be as long as twenty to thirty five years. They have been grown for fiber for ropes, some for tequila, and some are said to have a delicious meat inside that is very good baked.

Desert Landscape Shade Plants

Astilbes: These plants have wonderful, plume like flowers of red, pink, and white that will bloom for a long time.  As a perennial, the flower will grow back year after year while growing perfectly in a shaded area.

Hosta: This is a perfect choice for landscape shade plants, growing about 12 to 18 inches high with a nice spread.  The leaves are dense and if grown close together, they create a wonderful border.

Liriope Spicata: Another excellent shade plant, this one appears like grass, which is why it is more often referred to as border grass.  The flowers are spiked in shape and while in bloom the color changes from white to purple then in the fall, a dark berry grows.

Often labeled a day lily the Foxglove is extremely versatile and grows equally as well in the sun as it does it the shade.  The flowers produced by this plant are striking and vary in color depending on the species.  It is however a poisonous plant and should not be exposed to children and pets.

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