Desert Plants
Are you searching for “desert plants” for sale near me? At Desert Foothills Gardens & Nursery located in Cave Creek Arizona, we have an enormous inventory of desert plants. There are many types of desert plants that can be grown in the hot Sonoran desert. Some of these desert plants we like to have to beautify our landscaping, both front and back yards. Whether you want a yucca or the larger Boojum trees, a little explanation of some of the types will help you choose which type of desert plant is right for your yard.
Different Types Of Desert Plants
Although there are many types of desert plants out there, we are going to cover some that are sold by Desert Foothills Gardens Nursery.
Ocotillo Plants
Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) are one of simplest plants to identify in the Sonoran desert. They are a larger shrub with elongated cane like un-branched spiky stems that grow from its short trunk. Small 2 inch leaves grow from its stems when there is enough moisture around. Thick clusters of red tube-like flowers grow from the end of its stems from March through June.
Boojum Trees
Boojum trees are a large stem succulent plant that can grow up to 54 feet high with a gently narrowing trunk, very much like that of a tall candle, up to 1-1/2 feet wide at its base. The trunk has a number of pencil-like branches with temporal leaves. On older boojum trees, its main trunk divides into two or more stems near the top of the tree which looks like the arms of an octopus. The creamy yellowish tube like flowers, bloom from July to August.
Moroccan Mound
The Moroccan mound is one of the simplest and care-free Euphorbias to grow, both in pots and in the ground in areas with a cool climate, and can even be grown indoors. They grow nicely in a particularly draining mineral substrate, but they are not that finicky about soil. During the summer they appreciate average watering and feeding. When inactive the plants are somewhat cold tolerant. They will quickly mound, branch and spread out. These are highly flexible, and are able to take on plenty of sun that helps them keep their compressed growth-form. This succulent grows to only about 2 feet tall but sometimes as wide as 6 feet.
Ice Plant
These low-growing succulents are all identified as ice plants. Delosperma species, most of which come from South Africa, are the best ice plants for the South (they do especially well in the Sonoran desert). They usually don’t grow more than a few inches high but spread to form low growing mats ideal for covering an embankment or slope. Small daisy-like flowers, ranging purples and pinks to yellows (about 2 inches across) appear above its small, succulent leaves, which may be flat or cylindrical.
Bougainvillea
The Bougainvillea comes in many different variations. Bougainvillea loves the heat and sun and is a remarkably drought tolerant plant once rooted and stable. They bloom throughout the spring and fall seasons. While exceedingly hardy in the Sonoran desert heat, the bougainvillea can be marred by a strong frost and should be properly covered from the cold. With a plethora of colors, sizes and shapes make it a very popular landscaping plant.
Yuccas
The yucca is a resilient, appealing, and an easily maintained plant, it’s favored by gardeners of all skill levels. The yucca acclimates, and even thrives, in many types of surroundings, making it among the most favorable house plants. Yucca can flourish in your desert landscape, in a container on the porch or as a houseplant. Yucca plants can grow to be relatively tall and wide under the right surroundings. When it comes time, its height and width can be easily managed with pruning and separating the yucca.
Crested Euphorbia
A coral cactus (euphorbia lactea crest) is clearly not a real cactus. It is actually a euphorbia plant that has a rare deviation, which causes it to grow with a crest-type appearance. Because this fascinating mutation is rare, the coral cactus is a very sought-after plant. This interesting plant closely looks like an ocean coral. It is extremely tough and needs almost no maintenance to survive. Its green and pinkish color makes it a popular choice in many landscapes, even though it can also be used to improve the appeal of the atmosphere indoors. It is a smaller plant that doesn’t grow more than 25 inches in height.
Sago and Other Palm Trees
The sago palm may resemble a tiny palm tree with its shiny, rigorous fronds; however it is not a palm tree whatsoever. Sago palms are a type of cycad, one of the most ancient of palms that has been around before recorded history. Be very cautious because the sago palm is also poisonous, especially to dogs.
Desert Plants For Sale Cave Creek, Arizona
If you are interested in increasing the beauty of your landscape by buying desert plants, stop by our convenient location at 33840 N. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek. For customers interested in our landscaping services, give us a call at (480) 488-9455 to schedule a visit to your home.