Great Plants And Flowers That Love Water Scarce Areas

Even if you live in an area that is short on water supply, certain types of plants will still grow. That is one positive aspect of living in a desert area.

Types of Desert Plants

Several main types of plants can be grown in water-scarce areas, especially in places that receive quite a bit of sunshine. These include plants from the following groups:

l Cacti: One of the prettiest of this type of cactus is the Saguaro Cactus. It products unique blossoms of white bell-shaped flowers with a touch of peach in the stamen area. It is one of the most cherished of all plants of this type, especially in places such as Arizona.

l Evergreens: Among this type the Bougainvillea are among the most popular. This plant usually has reddish-pink flowers. However, it also has been seen with pinkish-purple flowers. This type of evergreen blooms in desert areas several times of the year. Other popular water-scare evergreens include the following:

Oleander Shrub It produces clusters of flowers during the months of May and October. They are found in white, pink, salmon, and red colors.

Purple Sage This flower is seen in several different varieties, such as the Green Cloud (rich green leaves, bright purple flowers), Texas (lighter-colored purple flower), and Thundercloud (silvery-green leaves).

Lantana This is an evergreen vining shrub. It spills over nicely so it looks great in hanging plant containers. It also has been used in the past as ground cover or bed trim. It is very versatile and decorative.

l Grasses: Pampas Grass is one that grows most often in hot, dry climates where very little water is available. It grows very fast into long stalks of plumes.

It works well in corners, and it also makes a great barrier plant as it spreads quite a bit. It is a grass, but also is considered an evergreen plant. It spreads quickly so it needs to be trimmed once in awhile. Other grasses found in desert climates include the following:

l Winter Rye Grass is another one that grows in desert climate. This version of grass is planted in October and grows throughout the winter months.

l Bermuda Grass: This is a type that usually is grown in the summer. In hot climates such as Arizona the Winter Rye is grown right on top of the Bermuda.

l Flowers and deciduous plants: Yellow Alyssum is one of the most popular in hot-dry areas. This is one of the low-growing, mat-forming varieties of plants. It works will as a ground cover or as a base for a rock garden.

Other varieties of flowers found in warmer, more water-scarce climates include the following:

Snow-in-Summer This particular flower is characterized by its white, mystical-looking flower blossoms. The snow-white blossoms of this hot climate plant are accompanied by silvery foliage.

Lamb's Ear The leaves of this plant are most memorable, as they have a soft-velvety touch to them. These plants stand up well in warm, water-scarce climates. They also are very deer-resistant.

Hens and Chicks This variety of plant offers a very farmyard type of look. It is very popular in the Southwest, but is now grown more often in the North.

Stonecroft One variety of this is “Autumn Joy� which usually blooms around September. It is perfect for people who want to follow a specific seasonal decoration theme.

Shasta Daisies This is a plant that is usually very characteristic of warm, sunny areas. Therefore, it will not need as much water as others. It is very noticeable by its narrow white petals and yellow center. This is also known as the “she (or he) loves me, she (or he) loves me not� flower, and is drought-tolerance once it takes root.

So now you know what type of flowers can be grown in warmer, drier climates. These flowers are often migrated to other areas besides the USDA 5 through 10 planting zones. However, usually in other areas they may be planted indoors or later in the year (or earlier the next year).