10 Non-Native Plants for Southwest NM. If you’ve gardened in Southwest New Mexico for any length of time, you already know this isn’t Ohio.
We deal with blazing summer heat, alkaline soil, wind that doesn’t quit, and long dry stretches with very little rain. That’s why plant selection matters so much here.
Native plants are always a safe bet. But here’s something many gardeners don’t realize — plenty of non-native plants grow beautifully in our desert climate, too.
The trick isn’t whether a plant is native or not.
The real question is:
Can it handle our conditions?
Many non-native plants that perform well here come from places with climates similar to ours — dry regions of South Africa, Australia, the Mediterranean, and parts of Central and South America. These plants are already built for heat, sun, and lean soil.
1. Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’)
Dwarf Yaupon Holly is native to the southeastern United States but performs surprisingly well in Southwest New Mexico when planted in well-drained soil. It is evergreen, dense, and excellent for low hedges or formal foundation plantings.
Best use: Low hedges, foundation plantings, formal borders
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate during establishment, then low
Internal link: Read our complete Dwarf Yaupon Holly care and landscaping guide.
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is Mediterranean, not native to New Mexico—but it thrives here when drainage is excellent. It’s ideal for water-wise landscapes and adds fragrance, color, and pollinator appeal.
Best use: Borders, pathways, herb gardens, containers
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Internal link: Learn how to grow lavender successfully in Southwest New Mexico.
3. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary handles heat, sun, and wind well, and many varieties can be shaped into neat mounds or low hedges. It thrives in gravel mulch and raised beds.
Best use: Herb beds, foundation plantings, containers
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Internal link: See our full guide on growing rosemary in hot desert climates.
4. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana loves New Mexico heat and produces nonstop color through the warm season. It’s one of the best plants for difficult, sunny areas.
Best use: Pollinator gardens, borders, containers
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Internal link: Discover the best lantana varieties for Southwest landscapes.
5. Russian Sage (Salvia yangii)
Russian sage is a staple in xeriscape gardens. Silvery foliage and airy purple blooms make it a strong background plant in desert landscapes.
Best use: Mixed borders, xeriscape beds
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Internal link: Learn how to grow Russian sage in alkaline soils.
6. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is a tough evergreen shrub commonly used for privacy screens and hedges. It tolerates heat, reflected light, and poor soil conditions.
Important: Oleander is toxic if ingested.
Best use: Screens, hedges
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Internal link: Read our full Oleander planting and safety guide.
7. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Bougainvillea thrives in protected microclimates such as courtyards or against south-facing walls. It produces vibrant color throughout the warm season. Native to Mediterreanean Basin.
Best use: Patio containers, trellises, warm walls
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Internal link: See how to grow a bougainvillea flowering plant in Southern New Mexico.
8. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are easy summer annuals that love heat. They bloom continuously and are excellent for cut flowers.
Best use: Flower beds, pollinator gardens
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Internal link: Explore the best zinnias for hot Southwest summers.
9. Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
These common container plants are not true hardy geraniums but perform well in Southwest New Mexico when given afternoon shade.
Best use: Containers, patios
Light: Morning sun, afternoon shade
Water: Moderate
Internal link: Learn more about geranium care in high-heat regions.
10. Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
Not Native to Southwest New Mexico. But native to Texas and northern Mexico, the Chihuahuan Desert. It adapts beautifully to the landscapes of Southwest New Mexico and the surrounding Southwest. It’s one of the most dependable drought-tolerant plants available.
Best use: Xeriscape beds, accents
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Internal link: Read about red yucca care and hummingbird benefits.
10 Non-Native Plants for Southwest NM
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