Desert fivespot is one of the most unique flowers in the desert. Desert sage can thrive in high heat, nutrient-poor soil, and require little watering. Gardens in areas where cold air is trapped may experience earlier or later frost than locations a … However, ocotillo’s stems are actually semi-succulents, with shapes that look like corals. They appear as long cluster with bright red color. This makes native plants and flowers perfect for high-desert gardens and landscapes, since they typically require little water and adjust to extremes in temperatures more easily than non-native plants. During the cool season, some options for vegetables that grow in the desert may include: 1. Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): This intensely aromatic plant grows to shrubby proportions (3-4 feet high and wide) and in spring is covered in whorls of showy dark blue to purple flowers. The small, yellow flowers have cup-like forms, pollinated by butterflies. Over and over I would run across a plant I thought was hardy that would grow in zones 2 or 3-9, or 4-9 and 12-20 etc., leaving out zone 1 (your basic tundra zone) and zones 10 and 11 (the high deserts). The outer side of the “cups” have a purple, pink, or white color. Bees also favor honey mesquite, creating a fragrant honey from the creamy white flowers that bloom in May. When the animals move to other places, the pods are crushed open, and the seeds get dispersed. The deep blue globe-like flowers are held high above the attactive thistle-like foliage. Its flowers are small and easily missed, with the main emphasis of this tree being on its foliage. Lilly of the Nile, Agapanthus Colorful, delicate globes of blue or white flowers adorn the evergreen plant in summer and fall. I would like to give her about six trees to start her landscaping. Used in dry flower arrangements, ricegrass is particularly attractive when it is flowering. Required fields are marked *. The flowers’ colors range from orange to red. Your email address will not be published. Notch-leaved phacelia attracts bees, and the flowers have a subtle sweet aroma. Does well in containers, allow to become root-bound to encourage flowering. This lonely flower was growing out in the desert in a flat area. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! The Sorbet Peony is also great for the High Desert. If you are interested in bedding and basket flowers and ornamentals for your region, you might also read our list for the high desert. The plant grows in shrubs with succulent leaves. Their colors are bright, ranging from pink to purple and yellow. The best types of berries to grow in the desert are Blackberries. Perfect for sandy areas, ricegrass easily reseeds itself, especially in wet years. Bright and cheerful, desert marigold blooms into aster-like yellow flowers with wide “eyes.”. Desert may be a harsh environment, but it does not mean that flowers cannot grow there. Find them at your local nursery, Farmer’s Market or order them online. The flowers can be red, orange, or yellow. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. They can grow on rocky or sandy slopes. Zones 2-7. These African plants are often found in wild flower mixes and have become naturalized here in the desert. In the desert Southwest, it does best in the shade. At this time of the year (May) it is full of yellow flowers. Agave. Nancy Wagner is a marketing strategist and speaker who started writing in 1998. The plant grows to a height of 20 feet and features smooth, brown bark. Does best in full sun.