Deserts plants are considered low-maintenance species capable of handling harsh weather conditions with little care. While this is true, setting up a desert garden requires you to choose plants that thrive in the area.
Contrary to many people’s beliefs, some of these desert plants have different colors, features, and textures to make your garden attractive.
If you want to cultivate a garden on desert land, here are some plants to consider.
- Texas Sade (Leucophyllum Frutescens)
The Texas Sade plant is a drought-tolerant shrub capable of withstanding high heat and low winter temperatures of about 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Its rounded, soft leaves and thin branches give it a dainty appearance, but it prevents soil erosion due to its extensive root system.
Texas Sage is a perfect plant for filling spaces in your desert garden as it grows up to five feet in height and width. The leaves are purple with white stems that turn pale green during summer, thriving through fall.
- Pencil Plant
The pencil plant is naturally green but turns to a yellowish or coral shade when the plant is under environmental stress, such as cooler temperature and limited water supply. It has smooth and round branches and can grow up to 30 feet. Pencil plants planted on high ground can give a beautiful landscape appearance.
- Zebra Cactus
Zebra Cactus has an eye-catching appearance that can add pattern to your garden. Its appearance is similar to Aloe Vera, with the striking difference being an oddball coloring that resembles zebra strips.
The leaves are dark green with stripes that give a striking appearance to a desert landscape. The Zebra Cactus plant is generally small, about five inches in height. They grow slowly, so they are ideal for your desert garden.
- Desert Marigold
Desert Marigold is great for a desert garden with a neutral tone. The plant can add color to your garden and grow up to two feet tall. They thrive in spring and throughout the summer.
In an area with frequent rainfalls, the yellow flowers will bloom more. Desert Marigold is a perennial plant that grows year after year, adding more color as younger seedlings erupt.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is common in desert gardens. Different varieties of Aloe Vera are available with a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures. This offers you a better chance to find a suitable one for your desert garden.
Aloe Vera size ranges from two feet to above a 70-foot plant. It has long, spiny and triangular leaves that face outwards and upwards as they grow. Aloe Vera is mostly green with a few yellow variants or flowers with red or orange.
Aloe Vera is excellent for any desert garden, particularly gardens with sandy soil and higher exposure to the sun.
- Paddle Plant
Paddle Plant is becoming more popular in desert gardens. The plant is heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, requiring minimal care. It has bright red colors along the sides of the green leaves. It can add more color to your desert garden and is perfect for landscaping. The Paddle Plant grows to about six inches. In summer, the mature Paddle Plant can grow sweet-smelling yellow flowers.