Arizona Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Annual Rainfall
3-13 inches annually (varies by elevation)
Frost Window
December-February (low desert); longer at elevation
Water Notes
Extreme drought; xeriscaping essential; strict water conservation
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Arizona's unique climate and landscape
Water-wise design showcasing native cacti and succulents
Key Features:
- •Saguaro, prickly pear, and barrel cacti
- •Decomposed granite and rock mulch
- •Native desert shrubs
- •Minimal turf areas
Native plant communities creating ecological desert landscape
Key Features:
- •Saguaro and palo verde trees
- •Ocotillo and agave specimens
- •Desert wildflower meadows
- •Natural boulder arrangements
Shaded outdoor living space with cooling elements
Key Features:
- •Ramada or pergola shade structures
- •Misting systems
- •Container gardens
- •Water-efficient accent plants
Contemporary design with sculptural plants and clean lines
Key Features:
- •Geometric planting beds
- •Architectural agaves and cacti
- •Colored gravel and concrete
- •Minimalist plant palette
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Arizona's climate
Saguaro Cactus
Carnegiea gigantea
Iconic tall cactus with white flowers; slow-growing
Palo Verde
Parkinsonia florida
State tree with green bark; yellow spring flowers
Ocotillo
Fouquieria splendens
Tall spiny stems with red tubular flowers
Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa
Silver foliage with yellow daisy flowers
Red Yucca
Hesperaloe parviflora
Grass-like foliage; coral-pink flower spikes
Desert Marigold
Baileya multiradiata
Cheerful yellow flowers nearly year-round
Mexican Honeysuckle
Justicia spicigera
Orange tubular flowers; hummingbird magnet
Texas Ranger
Leucophyllum frutescens
Silver foliage with purple blooms after rain
Baja Fairy Duster
Calliandra californica
Red pompom flowers attract hummingbirds
Desert Marigold
Baileya multiradiata
Bright yellow daisy flowers on gray foliage
Penstemon
Penstemon parryi
Pink tubular flowers on tall spikes
Mexican Gold Poppy
Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana
Golden orange flowers in spring
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Arizona garden
Plant container-grown natives
Plant winter vegetables and cool-season flowers
Prune frost-damaged plants
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to conserve water
Reduce watering for established natives
Watch for and treat pests during monsoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Arizona
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