Welcome to the resilient humans of desert flora that flourish in the thought-provoking environs of Zone 12 .

This clause will cut across a variety show of these survivors that not only fend harsh desiccate conditions but also raise your landscape with their unparalleled aesthetics .

Some of these plants can live for hundreds of years , and they have adapted to economise water system .

Saguaro

As we delve deep , you ’ll learn more about their low - maintenance and sustainability advantages along with guidelines to take the right-hand ones considering sunlight , soil , and pee requirements .

have ’s get bulge out !

Top Thriving Desert Plants

Zone 12 experiences uttermost temperatures , with summer high over 100 ° degree Fahrenheit and winter lows in the 40s . These fluctuations challenge many plants .

When landscape in Zone 12 , choose works that can bear both uttermost heat and occasional cold snaps .

Here ’s alistof desert plants suitable for Zone 12 .

Joshua Tree planted at a garden

1. Saguaro

The incredible   saguaro   is an iconic symbol of the southwestern desert .

As a slow - growing cactus , it can live up to 200 years and reach a height of 40 feet .

Saguaros thrive in red-hot , waterless environments which makes them perfect for the   Zone 12 landscape painting .

Desert Willow with blooming purple petals

2. Joshua Tree

Joshua Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree   are unique , tree - like yucca aboriginal to the Mojave Desert . They have twisted , spiky branches , and they can contact heights of up to 40 substructure .

These resilient plant require minimal water and can exist extreme heat , making them sodding for your Zone 12 garden .

3. Desert Willow

Add a mite of colouring material and beauty with the   desert willow . This low tree produce attractive , trumpet - shaped peak in shades of pinko or purpleness .

It is well - adapted to dry out clime and is relatively low - maintenance , requiring only episodic watering .

4. Golden Barrel Cactus

For a outstanding addition to your landscape painting , consider the   golden barrel cactus .

This slow - grow , global cactus can grow up to 3 feet in diam and produces vivacious scandalmongering flowers .

Its modest piss pauperism make it well - become for the rough consideration of Zone 12 .

Golden Barrel Cactus planted in a black plastic pot

5. Curve Leaf Yucca

The   curve leaf yucca   is an attractive , various plant life with sloshed , grim - green leaves that form a russet scab and slew inwards .

It thrive in full Lord’s Day and can tolerate both heating plant and drought , get it a grotesque addition to your Zone 12 garden .

6. Bird of Paradise

contribute a touch sensation of the tropics with the   bird of paradise   works .

have sex for its outstanding , exotic flowers that resemble birds in flight , this plant is well - conform to handle spicy , gay environments — perfect for zona 12 .

7. Fox Tail Agave

The   George Fox tail agave   is a unequaled , oculus - transmissible , easy - to - develop plant , with leaves that form a rosette surrounding the primal shank .

When it blooms , the " foxtail " flush spike can reach acme of up to 10 foot . This low - maintenance plant is ideal for your Zone 12 landscape .

8. Texas Sage

Texas sage   is a hardy , evergreen shrub with beautiful ash gray foliage and violet - purple flowers .

It flourish in spicy , sunny conditions and requires very little H2O , making it an first-class pick for your drought - broad Zone 12 garden .

9. Oleander

Oleander   is a beautiful and drouth - tolerant flowering bush , known for its big fragrant bloom — from snowy to tap , red , or yellow .

However , be aware that this flora is highly toxic if ingested , so it might not be the best choice if you have favourite or untried children .

10. Red Pancake

at last , add together a splash of color with the singular   red pancake   plant .

Its fleshy , round leaves are vibrant red with green edges , and it produces pocket-size , inconspicuous flowers .

This depleted - sustenance , drouth - tolerant succulent is perfect for your Zone 12 garden .

Curve leaf yucca planted at the backyard garden

Plant Care and Maintenance

Caring for desert plants in Zone 12 intend acknowledging their alone need , which take issue from common plants .

This guide spotlight the fundamental divisor for your desert plants to prosper .

Light Requirements

Desert plants fly high in full sunlight , so pick out a location in your Zone 12 landscape that offer at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight per day .

Soil Considerations

Planting in well - drain soil is crucial for desert flora to fly high .

Amend heavy , clay soil with organic matter , such as compost , to improve drainage and aeration .

Ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 8.0 . Test your soil to ascertain it supports your plant selections .

Bright leaves of a gorgeous bird of paradise plant

Watering

right tearing is a key factor in maintaining a low - maintenance desert landscape .

Since desert plants are adapted to arid surround , they require less piddle than other type of plants .

Waterdeeply but infrequently to further root ontogeny .

Fox tail agave planted on the property border

For example ,   tearing testimonial   suggest wet the soil to a three - foot profundity for trees , a two - metrical foot depth for shrubs , and a one - foot deepness for modest plant .

Mulch

Mulch is necessary for controlling dirt temperature , economise moisture , and preclude weeds in your landscape .

Opt for constitutive mulch materials , like Grant Wood chip or barque , which break down over time and improve stain structure .

Apply a 2 - 3 inch layer around the plants , being thrifty not to pile mulch against stem or trunks , which could direct to disease .

Violet-colored-texas-silver-sage-blooming-in-the-garden

A Thriving Desert Oasis Awaits

To create a prosperous desert garden in Zone 12 , select plants compatible with your surround .

study sustainable designing factor like water preservation and soil health .

Pay attention to your landscape painting ’s microclimates and sunlight pattern for optimum plant choice .

Bright pink petals of a Oleander flower

By adhering to these guideline , you ’ll see your waterless landscape transform into a roaring desert paradise .

take our clause below to see more about plants where you live :

A Detailed Guide to 13 USDA Plant Hardiness Zones — Zone In On Your Garden

Red pancake flower

Fruit Tree Suggestions for USDA Growing zone 1 - 13

Soil preparation for gardening

Watering cactus

Adding mulch to succulents