New Mexico Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a
Annual Rainfall
8-20 inches annually
Frost Window
April-October
Water Notes
Low rainfall; arid conditions
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to New Mexico's unique climate and landscape
Arid-adapted xeriscape
Key Features:
- •Succulents
- •Gravel mulch
- •Drought tolerance
- •Rock features
River valley landscapes
Key Features:
- •Trees
- •Vegetables
- •Cottonwoods
- •Rich soil
Alpine and conifer plants
Key Features:
- •Evergreens
- •Wildflowers
- •Cold hardiness
- •Stone features
Traditional Southwest style
Key Features:
- •Container plants
- •Walls
- •Desert plants
- •Sheltered spaces
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in New Mexico's climate
Yucca Flower
Yucca spp.
State flower; white blooms
Piñon Pine
Pinus edulis
State tree; drought-tolerant
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Short prairie grass
Cholla Cactus
Cylindropuntia spp.
Desert cactus
Agave
Agave spp.
Succulent rosettes
Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis
Tree-like shrub
Texas Sage
Leucophyllum frutescens
Purple-flowering shrub
Creosote Bush
Larrea tridentata
Iconic desert shrub
Peony
Paeonia spp.
Spring flowering
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Summer bloomers
Hostas
Hosta spp.
Shade-loving plants
Siberian Iris
Iris sibirica
Cold-hardy iris
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful New Mexico garden
Plant desert trees and shrubs
Winter protection for tender plants
Start seeds indoors
Plant cool-season crops
Plant warm-season vegetables
Water efficiently
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in New Mexico
Ready to Design Your New Mexico Garden?
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