What are some good outside plants for the desert area?

I live in the middle of the desert in California and I'm getting ready to start planting flowers and all that jazz because my yard is quite boring. What are some good flowers and plants I can plant outside that are able to withstand the heat (it gets up to around 120 in the summer). It's very dry here also. I want flowers and greenery. I was thinking of planting honeysuckle too. My dad has always been able to grow beautiful roses however I have a black thumb and no matter how hard I try I can't get things to grow. Anything that is pretty, can withstand the heat, and is pretty tolerant would be great. Thanks

What are some good outside plants for the desert area?
Desert plant #1: Oleander


Desert plant #2: Purple Sage


Desert plant #3: Bougainvillea


Desert plant #4: Lantana


Desert plant #5: Pampas Grass


Desert plant #6: Fairy Duster


Desert plant #7: Red Bird of Paradise
Reply:Try looking at a local nursery (not a big box but privately owned) they will be able to point you in the right direction. Also check our High Country Gardens on-line and see if they have anything that will work for you. You may also try planting a few trees first to create some shade so it is not so hot in the summer.
Reply:cactus
Reply:Cactus
Reply:All the succulents are good, you can find some of them very beautiful, colorful and some of them blossom amazing flowers in spring.
Reply:What you are looking for are draught resistant plants. There is a grwoing movemonet to more "greener" cultivation of plants, in that people are trying to promote more eco friendly backyards.





There are numerous sources you can try. The type of plant depends on your microclimate of the yard. A couple of times a year put a few white sheets of paper in different areas and every few hours measure the percentage of sun on those papers. This will tell you what parts of your yard are sunny, shady etc.





Look for temperature variances too. Areas near a wall can be colder due to shade and wind effect. Opposite suncatching walls can be warmer. These temperature diffrences can mean a difference between survival and death of more delicate plants.





Look for native occuring species. Wild species of plants are naturally ahrdier and have proven track record of living in that environment. Plus they are cheaper to get as well. Many can be plucked during a hike, just make sure your hike is at a relatevely same elevation as your house. elevation makes a big difference in teamperature tolerance of plants.





Ofcourse you have to also check the soil composition (clay, sandy, loamy etc) and acidity of your yard as well. The easy way is to send a soil sample to local lab or unviversity botany department for advice. A cheaper method is to call your dad, and have him take a look and give you some advice.





Once you have the basic anatomy of the yard figured out, start looking at plants you find esthetically pleasing. Search Xeroscaping websites for ideas and advice.





And remember, have fun. If they die... thats justa lesson in how to make the next one survive. Experiment and "grow" with your plants!
Reply:I lived in Arizona, and I loved the way the Blue Agave plant looked.
Reply:Your're best bet would be to go to the nearest nursery and look around, I don't think you're going to find honeysuckle. Also, you may want to refer to the "Sunset Garden" book put out by the Sunset Magazine editors. There are many colorful flower-blooming succulents and cacti to choose from. Happy Gardening!
Reply:I can't recommend any plants, but I would recommend using a soil amendment that will hold water in the soil and then release it back to the plant. There is a great product out called "Pozzolan" or "LasseniteATS" that will do the trick. It is all natural, conserves water, improves the percolation rate of sandy soil and helps prevent runoff. Use one part Pozzolan to 5 parts soil and work it into the ground at root level (about 6 inches).





It will hold up to 104% of it's weight in water PLUS it will release the water back to the plant as needed. Best of all this is a ONE time application.





Go to the websites I have listed below for more information. The company TechnoGreen Corp calls this Aqua-feed. They have been using this in the desert to grow grass in the middle east.





Good luck!
Reply:Iris's come back every year and bloom in the spring. (Plant in front and around the below)





Mexican bird of paradise thrive when everything is wilting away during the hottest part of the summer. And start to green up as the iris blooms fade.They attract humming birds to. But have to be cut back in the winter.





Hibucus does well dispite the heat and can stay green all winter if its not to cold.





Aspargus ferns do well in the shade (but tend to be pokey and mesquitos like them so plant with marigolds around them).





Trumpet vines will thrive all the summer.





You are right roses are hard.





Queen palms are a tree but they add beauty to your yard year round and do well in the heat.





California poppies, african daisies, reseed themselves and come back year after year.





Check with your local grower nursery (not a national chain just sending out flowers) they will know what works best in your area.

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