Big lots, mountain views, desert plants
Paradise Valley is almost entirely residential, and many homes sit on lots of an acre or more. Camelback Mountain rises along the south side of town and Mummy Mountain sits near the middle, so a lot of yards have mountain backdrops worth framing rather than blocking. On properties this size, the difference between a yard that feels designed and one that feels unfinished often comes down to scale: plants big enough to hold their own against the house and the hillside.
Local conditions and what grows well
Homes near the mountain slopes tend to have rockier ground, while flatter parts of town may have deeper soil over caliche. Either way, drainage at the planting hole is what keeps desert plants healthy. Plants that suit Paradise Valley properties include:
- Specimen trees: Desert Museum palo verde, ironwood and mesquite to shade drives, courtyards and patios.
- Sculptural plants: Large agaves, golden barrel groupings, totem pole cactus, ocotillo and Mexican fence post cactus.
- Screening: Hop bush, Texas mountain laurel and Texas ranger along property lines. See our guide to privacy hedges in Arizona.
- Soft layers: Deer grass, regal mist muhly, damianita and desert marigold to soften rock and hardscape.
Many Paradise Valley yards also have mature citrus and older plantings that were set up for heavier watering. Mixing new desert plants into those yards works best when they are put on their own drip lines instead of sharing a schedule with lawn or citrus. Our drip irrigation page explains why.
Planting around the house
Large lots often have very different conditions on each side of the home. North-facing courtyards can stay shaded and cool, while west-facing pool decks reflect intense afternoon heat. Matching each plant to its exposure, instead of using one palette everywhere, is what keeps a big property looking healthy year round. Fall and spring are the easiest planting seasons, and specimen cactus and agaves settle in best when the soil is warm.
Water and rebates in Paradise Valley
The Town of Paradise Valley does not run its own grass removal rebate that we could find. Some homes are served by private water companies with their own programs, so check with your water provider before you plan around a rebate.
Planting notes for Paradise Valley
Large lots between Camelback and Mummy Mountain mean long runs of wall to screen, big entry drives and views worth framing rather than blocking. Boulders and native accents tie a yard to the mountains behind it.
Plants we recommend in Paradise Valley
- Texas ebony and Desert Museum palo verde for sculptural shade
- Arizona rosewood and Texas mountain laurel for long screening runs
- desert spoon and Parry's agave as accents among boulders
- Baja fairy duster for hummingbirds
Helpful guides: privacy tree guide, Phoenix xeriscape cost guide, drought-tolerant plant list.
How it works in Paradise Valley
Choose your plants at threetimbersshop.com. Add planting and the plant survival warranty at checkout if you want us to handle the install and back it up. Delivery anywhere in the Valley is free on orders over $150.
We work in two visits. The delivery team drops plants on day one, and nobody has to be home. The planting crew follows on day two. Plenty of Paradise Valley homes have private gates or sit inside gated enclaves, so please send the gate code (and any notes about where to stage plants on a large lot) before delivery day.
Xeriscape design and installation, booking now
For a bigger change, our xeriscape design and install service is booking now. It starts with a consultation and design, then installation, and can include native plants, weed fabric, landscape rock, dry riverbeds and boulders. We also offer advice on making your existing irrigation more efficient.
Start with a conversation
Shop plants and planting at threetimbersshop.com, or call (612) 214-1955 to talk about your Paradise Valley property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a grass removal rebate in Paradise Valley?
We could not find a Town program. Some Paradise Valley homes are served by private water companies with their own rebates, so ask your provider.
What privacy plants suit large Paradise Valley lots?
Arizona rosewood and Texas mountain laurel make tidy, low-water screens along long walls, and Texas ebony adds evergreen shade.
Do you plant large trees in Paradise Valley?
Yes. We deliver and plant trees from our shop, and boxed trees can be part of a xeriscape design.
