The most reliable drought-tolerant plants for Phoenix are desert natives and desert-adapted plants rated low or very low water use: palo verde, desert willow, Texas sage, hop bush, red yucca, agave and brittlebush, plus the 16 others below. Every plant on this list is in the AMWUA desert plant guide, and once established most get by on a deep watering every 2 to 4 weeks for much of the year.
Drought-tolerant trees for Phoenix
| Plant | Water use | Size (H x W) | Bloom | Cold hardy to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Museum palo verde | Very low | 25 x 25 ft | Spring to summer, yellow | 15 F |
| Desert willow | Low | 25 x 20 ft | Spring to fall | 0 F |
| Sweet acacia | Low | 20 x 20 ft | Late winter to spring | 10 F |
| Texas ebony | Very low | 20 x 15 ft | Late spring to early summer | 20 F |
Drought-tolerant shrubs for Phoenix
| Plant | Water use | Size (H x W) | Bloom | Cold hardy to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas sage | Very low | 6 x 6 ft | Summer to fall | 10 F |
| Hop bush | Low | 10 x 8 ft | Spring | 15 F |
| Arizona rosewood | Low | 10 x 8 ft | Early summer, white | 15 F |
| Yellow bells | Low | 6 x 6 ft | Spring to fall | 25 F |
| Yellow bird of paradise | Low | 6 x 5 ft | Spring to fall | 5 F |
| Red bird of paradise | Moderate | 6 x 6 ft | Late spring to fall | 30 F, regrows |
| Baja fairy duster | Moderate | 5 x 5 ft | Spring to fall | 20 F |
| Chuparosa | Low | 4 x 4 ft | Winter to spring | 25 F |
| Brittlebush | Very low | 3 x 4 ft | Winter to spring | 25 F |
| Cape honeysuckle | Moderate | 6 x 5 ft | Most of the year | 28 F |
| Firebush | Moderate | 4 x 4 ft | Summer | 25 F |
Drought-tolerant groundcovers for Phoenix
| Plant | Water use | Size (H x W) | Bloom | Cold hardy to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damianita | Low | 2 x 2 ft | Spring and fall | 0 F |
| Trailing rosemary | Low | 2 x 4 ft | Winter to spring | 15 F |
| Trailing lantana | Moderate | 1 x 4 ft | Most of the year | 25 F |
| Katie ruellia | Moderate | 1 x 2 ft | Spring to fall | 28 F |
Drought-tolerant accents for Phoenix
| Plant | Water use | Size (H x W) | Bloom | Cold hardy to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red yucca | Very low | 3 x 5 ft | Spring to summer | 10 F |
| Desert spoon | Low | 4 x 4 ft | Late spring to summer | 0 F |
| Parry's agave | Very low | 2 x 2 ft | Summer | 15 F |
| Desert milkweed | Very low | 4 x 4 ft | Spring to fall | 20 F |
Water use and sizes are from AMWUA's Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert. Very low and low plants also qualify toward most city grass removal rebates, which require plants from the ADWR Phoenix AMA list.
How to water drought-tolerant plants
"Drought tolerant" means after establishment. New plants need regular water for the first year (shrubs) to three years (trees).
| Weeks after planting | Summer | Fall through spring |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Every 1 to 2 days | Every 3 to 4 days |
| 3 to 4 | Every 3 to 4 days | Every 6 to 7 days |
| 5 to 6 | Every 4 to 6 days | Every 7 to 10 days |
| 7 to 8 | Every 7 days | Every 10 to 14 days |
After week 8, keep stretching the interval and move emitters out to the edge of the root zone. Established desert shrubs typically need water every 7 to 14 days in summer and every 30 to 45 days in winter, soaked 18 to 24 inches deep. Cactus need even less. Our watering guide covers trees in detail.
Designing with drought-tolerant plants
- Group plants by water use so each drip valve runs on the right schedule.
- Mix evergreen structure (hopseed, rosewood, Texas sage) with seasonal color (yellow bells, bird of paradise, fairy duster) and a few bold accents (agave, red yucca).
- Give plants their mature size. A Texas sage planted 2 feet from a walkway will be sheared into a box within a year.
- Plant in fall for the best start before summer heat.
Planning a full yard? See our xeriscape design service and what a Phoenix xeriscape costs. Shop every low-water plant or our summer survivors.
Ready to plant? Order at threetimbersshop.com and add planting at checkout. Delivery is free across the Valley on orders over $150. Our delivery team drops the plants off, our crew plants them the next day, and you don't need to be home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most drought-tolerant shrub for Phoenix?
Texas sage and brittlebush are rated very low water use by AMWUA and handle full, reflected sun. Hop bush and Arizona rosewood are the best low-water evergreens for screening.
What are the best drought-tolerant trees for Phoenix?
Desert Museum palo verde and Texas ebony are very low water use. Desert willow and sweet acacia are low water use and add flowers.
Do drought-tolerant plants need drip irrigation?
Yes, at least for the first 1 to 3 years while they establish. Many stay on drip long term with long gaps between waterings.
When should I plant drought-tolerant plants in Phoenix?
Fall is best. Plants set in October get months of root growth before 105 F days arrive in May.
Are drought-tolerant plants safe for pets?
Many are, but not all. Check our pet-friendly collection, and note that oleander and Texas mountain laurel seeds are poisonous.
Sources
- AMWUA, Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert
- ADWR Phoenix AMA Low-Water-Use Plant List
- City of Tempe, New tree care guidelines
- City of Chandler and AMWUA watering guide
- Water Use It Wisely, Fall is the new spring for planting
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