What are the best type of outdoor plant for the desert? (Besides cactus!!) I live in the High Desert, CA?

Question

We've been trying all types of plants for our front yard, but they all keep dying. We water, feed, all that... I'm thinking we are just not choosing the right type of plant for our area.. Any recommendations?

Answer 1

We have a friend that lives in Redding, Calif. and she says that it has been so hot the last two years that it is next to impossible to have flower gardens. Perhaps this is your problem too.

We live in the desert southwest. Dry and hot. There are many beautiful flowers that grow here, but I will only list the following for now. You can do a Google search for 'high desert flowers of California'.

'Bright Lights' cosmos are bred for the southwestern climate. Plant in the sun. Water as soil becomes a little dry and water deeply. Do not fertilize. Cut off flowers as they fad so that they will keep putting out new blooms all summer long into fall. They are annuals, very bright and pretty. Here is a picture:

http://www.parkseed.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10101&catalogId=10101&langId=-1&mainPage=prod2working&ItemId=0607&PrevMainPage=textsearchresults&scChannel=Text%20Search&SearchText=Bright%20Lights%20cosmos&OfferCode=TH1

Cannas and dwarf cannas. Keep moist, water deeply. We use time-release fertilizer in the spring. Liquid fertilizer once per month. Will return each year. Here are a few pictures:

http://www.parkseed.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10101&catalogId=10101&langId=-1&SearchText=dwarf+cannas&mainPage=textsearchresults&RequestType=NewRequest&go.x=9&go.y=12

Answer 2

good book on this is Low Water Use Plants by Carol Shuler, Landscape Architect. This book is specifically for California and the desert southwest.
One of my favorites is Lavender. Grows very well. I live in the high desert of Nevada and you see Lavender everywhere.
Really though, if you want trees, shrubs, flowering plants etc, that will do well, read the book. You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot in the DIY area near the front door. That is where I got my copy.
Good luck

Answer 3

Yes. Desert Saltgrass, Green-Joint Fir, Nut Pine, Sigo Lily, Tumbleweed, Joshua Trees, Palm Trees, Acacia, Agave, etc.

Answer 4

High desert.......like Palm Springs or up higher in elevation? If higher, try www.Plantsofthesouthwest.com or www.highcountrygardens.com

Granted that is HIGH desert in New Mexico but there are plants there that will work for you.

Also contact your Cooperative Extension Service for your country to see if they have a Master Gardener program. Talke to an MG, they are a wealth of info for your area.

Answer 5

I live in the TX desert. I have Rose of Sharon, Hybiscus, Golden Enonamas, 4 O'Clocks for bushes. Trees Mesquite, Pine, Fruitless Mullberry, Memosa, Yucca, for trees. Flowers, Impatients, Dianthus, Begonia, & too many to mention.

Answer 6

Red Yucca, Red Hot Pokers, Sage, Salvia, Plumbago, Spanish Broom, Lavender, Hens and Chicks, Butterfly Bush, Lambs Ear, Silver Lace, Polis Castle,... these are just a few......... I live in the desert SW where it gets very hot and dry... Pampas grass....

Answer 7

Try an herbal garden. Most herbs don't require water and do well in sandy well drained soil with maximum sunlight. Succulents are also a great choice. Like a variety of aloe. They come in many color and height choices..

Answer 8

You will be shocked when you see how beautiful roses become in the desert. Mine are like weeds. BEAUTIFUL. I live in the high desert in NV. Go for it as well as the other advice you have received. Good luck.

Answer 9

Sedum... (Autumn Joy) a wonderful drought tolerant plant that can be propagated by breaking the stems and placing in the ground without rooting.

Answer 10

Get the home and garden plant book and find your zone and take it from there, you'll get a selection for your area.