Maintaining a yard is difficult in the best of circumstances. Add in an arid desert climate, and you’re up for a real challenge. While some Arizona residents decide to skip greenery in their yards altogether, opting for the incredibly low maintenance “all rock” look, a lot of Arizonans prefer to add at least a little greenery to their yards, which begs the question: how do you find low maintenance plants that will look great and survive the harsh Arizona climate?
Truth be told, there is a lot that goes into answering this question, and your best bet for finding something that works perfectly for your yard is to have a consultation with a landscape designer or local nursery expert. That said, we’re listing a couple low maintenance plant ideas here to get your project started.
Cacti and succulents
If you appreciate the beauty of the desert that Arizona is famous for, adding cacti and/or succulents to your yard is a great option. These plants add greenery and local desert flair to Arizona yards, and they are ridiculously low maintenance. There are also plenty of varieties, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content. Some of the most popular options for yards include:
- Agave
- Aloe
- Saguaro
- Prickly pear
- Golden barrel
- Organ pipe
- Yucca
Trees and bushes
If you want to create a look that is less desert-y, there are still plenty of low maintenance options that will work for your yard. Trees and bushes add lush greenery to your yard, and most desert options don’t require much upkeep—especially if proper watering systems are installed up front. Good options in this category include:
- Ash tree varieties, including Arizona, Bonita, and Shamel
- Desert Willow tree
- Elm tree
- Dwarf Myrtle (shrub)
- Japanese Boxwood or Boxwood Beauty (shrub)
- Asparagus fern (shrub)
Color (flowers and shrubs)
Adding color to your yard is always a good idea. Flowers or flowering shrubs are a great way to add variety and brightness to your yard. The trick is finding options that will thrive in the desert heat. Here are a few tried and true options, many of which come in a variety of colors:
- Lantana
- Bougainvillea
- Dwarf Oleander
- Katie Ruellia
- Green Cloud Sage
- Desert Honeysuckle
Any of these low maintenance plant ideas would be great for your Arizona yard. Use these as a springboard to get your plans going, and get ready to enjoy a yard that delivers maximum beauty with minimal effort!
