Arizona’s hot, dry climate and intense sunlight can pose challenges for gardening in any outdoor space—including patios. In fact, the materials used for patios can sometimes concentrate heat, creating a slightly different environment than the rest of a yard and making it even harder to care for plants properly.
However, by selecting the right potted plants, you can add plenty of greenery to your patio. The “right” plants are typically resilient species that can withstand the desert’s high temperatures, limited water, and bright sun. Here are some of our favorite potted plants for an Arizona patio.
Succulents
Succulents are practically synonymous with desert gardening. Their ability to store water in their thick, fleshy leaves makes them perfect for Arizona’s arid conditions (and makes them a low-maintenance option for your yard). Plus, they are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so they add brightness and texture to any patio. Some favorite varieties are:
- Aloe vera: Known for its medicinal properties, aloe vera thrives in the heat and requires minimal water. Its spiky, green leaves add a unique visual element to a patio space.
- Echeveria: This rosette-forming succulent comes in pastel shades of green, purple, and pink. It’s ideal for small pots and can tolerate direct sunlight.
- Agave: Agave plants are larger succulents that can make a bold statement. They are drought-tolerant and enjoy even in the most intense Arizona sun.
Cacti
Cacti are quintessential desert plants that do well in the harsh conditions of Arizona. They are perfect for potted environments because they require little care, can bring some height variety to your patio, and are visually interesting. Keep in mind that real cacti may pose a hazard to children and pets, so choose your placement wisely.
- Golden barrel cactus: This spherical cactus, with its vibrant yellow spines, is both eye-catching and hardy. It grows slowly and needs only occasional watering.
- Prickly pear: Known for its paddle-like pads and edible fruit, the prickly pear cactus adds a southwestern touch to your patio. It can handle full sun and occasional watering.
- Saguaro (small varieties): While saguaros can grow massive in the wild, small potted varieties are available that add an iconic Arizona feel to your patio without taking up too much space.
Desert-adapted flowering plants
If you want to introduce some brighter colors to your outdoor space, there are many desert-adapted flowering plants that can handle the heat of an Arizona patio.
- Bougainvillea: This distinct blooming vine can be grown in a pot with a trellis, and features paper-like flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, red, and orange. Bougainvillea is drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering once in a while.
- Lantana: Lantana is a tough, heat-tolerant plant that produces clusters of small, colorful flowers in shades of orange, yellow, pink, and red. It’s a popular choice for all types of desert landscaping, as it can withstand full sun and dry conditions.
- Desert marigold: This bright yellow flowering plant is native to the desert , so it can handle poor soil, extreme heat, and full sun. It blooms throughout the year and adds a cheerful touch to patio containers.
Herbs
Herbs are another good option for your patio. Not only do they look and smell beautiful, but they’re also useful for cooking. Mediterranean herbs are particularly well-suited to hot, dry climates.
- Rosemary: This fragrant herb does best in dry, sunny conditions. It also doubles as a natural mosquito repellent, making your patio a more enjoyable place to spend time.
- Lavender: Known for its soothing scent and delicate purple flowers, lavender loves arid heat and bright sun. It grows well in pots and requires minimal water once established.
- Thyme: This low-growing herb can cascade over the sides of containers, adding visual interest to your patio. Thyme thrives in the heat and requires very little water.
Ornamental grasses
Many varieties of ornamental grass are well-suited for Arizona’s hot climate. They are a great way to add vertical interest and movement to your outdoor space.
- Mexican feather grass: With wispy, flowing blades, Mexican Feather Grass creates a sense of motion even in the slightest breeze.
- Purple fountain grass: This grass will add a dramatic flair to your patio, with its purple-tinged foliage and feathery plumes. It does best in large containers.
Drought-tolerant trees for pots
Looking to make a statement on your patio? A potted tree can add height, variety, and even a little shade to your space.
- Dwarf citrus trees: Varieties like lemon, lime, and orange thrive in the Arizona heat and provide fragrant blossoms and fruit. They require regular watering but appreciate full sun.
- Olive trees (dwarf varieties): Olive trees are highly drought-tolerant and do best in hot, dry climates. Dwarf varieties can be grown in pots, making them a convenient addition to a patio.
- Palo verde: This iconic desert tree, with its green bark and yellow flowers, can be grown in a large pot. It requires minimal water once established, making it a beautiful, low maintenance option.
The right plant selection can make all the difference when it comes to bringing plant life to your patio. Choose plants like the ones mentioned above and you can turn your patio into a lush green space, year round. Happy planting!
For more questions or to discuss custom landscape design services, contact Rustic Creek Landscaping today to speak with one of our expert designers.
