Last updated on May 9th, 2026 at 08:15 am
Desert Plants names and pictures.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance, low-water landscape, these plants are excellent choices. Once established, they require very little attention compared to traditional landscape plants. They are well adapted to dry conditions and can handle the intense sun and heat we experience here in the Southwest, which makes them ideal for homeowners who want a landscape that looks good without constant watering or upkeep.
All of these plants prefer full sun, although most of them can tolerate some partial shade. For best growth and appearance, they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In locations with less sun, they may still grow, but they often become thinner, produce fewer flowers, or lose the compact shape that makes them attractive in the landscape
Do desert plants need a water drip system installed?
No, desert plants do not require a drip irrigation system to survive. Many established desert plants can do quite well with natural rainfall and occasional deep watering. However, in hot Southwest climates like Las Cruces and El Paso, a drip system can help plants stay healthier, especially during long periods of heat and drought.
Many landscapers and beginning desert gardeners install irrigation systems for their desert landscapes, and that is perfectly fine. The important thing is not to overwater. Desert plants generally need much less water than traditional landscape plants.
If you decide to install a drip system, it is best to place desert plants on a separate watering zone from lawns, tropical plants, or high-water-use shrubs. Most desert plants only need a deep watering about twice per month during warmer months, usually around 10–15 minutes, depending on the type of drip emitters, soil, and plant variety.
Keep in mind that water needs will vary. A cactus will usually need less water than a desert willow, red bird of paradise, or Texas sage. Newly planted desert plants will also require more frequent watering until they become established.
Turn off the system once late fall and winter arrive, and be sure not to attach the water system to other plants that need more water. It is best to use two watering stations, one for regular water plants and one for the true desert plants.
Watering Desert Plants by Hand
Only water once weekly by hand, at about 2-4 gallons each time. Stop watering about the second or third month.
True cactus plants should only be watered at initial planting. Do not install a water sprinkler system on cactus plants, period! What are “True Cactus Plants”? Purple cactus, Paddle Cactus, Bunny ear cactus, Cactus barrel, and Cholla plants.
They all tolerate sandy or poor soil. However, planting them in a good cactus mix or soil is best to help them get going.
Desert Plants Names with a Picture of each plant
- The Ocotillo Plant – Drought-tolerant, easy care. Produces a bright orange bloom in mid-spring. USDA Zones 8-11
- Large Saguaro – Slow-growing cactus that does not like temperatures below 20°. USDA Zones 8a to 11b.
- Red Tip Yucca – Easy care low water plant for any type of Xeriscaping design. Zones 5 – 7.
- Parry’s Agave Plant – Nice looking Agave USDA planting zone 5-11
- Paddle Cactus – Also Called the Bunny Ears Cactus. USDA zones 9-11
- Golden Barrel Cactus – USDA zone 9-11. Height is 3 ft. tall and wide. Yellow and or red flowers in early summer
- Spanish Bayonet – USDA zones 7-11. Grows up to 6 ft. tall. It will produce a large plume.
- Purple Cactus – USDA zone 8-11. Height 3-4 ft. tall and wide. They will produce a red or yellow flower.
- Purple Salvia – USDA zone 7-11. Needs more water than other cactus and or agave plants. Once a week will do.
- Common Sotol – USDA 7-11. Grows up to 5 ft. tall with a plume up to 3 ft. tall.
- Variegated Agave – USDA 8-11. Height at maturity 5-6 ft.
- Ball Cactus – USDA 8-11. Height at maturity 3 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide.
Desert Landscaping Plants
Desert Plants Names and Pictures
Thompson’s Yucca – Planting zone 8-11. Up to 10ft. in height.
Teddy Bear Cholla – Zones 8-11 will grow up to 6 ft. in height.
Variegated Agave Zones 7-11, maximum height is about 6 ft. tall.
Red Echeveria – Zone 9-11 can grow up to 7 in height.
Mescal Agave – Zone 5 – 11. Mature height is 6 ft. tall.
Hedge Euphorbia – Zone 9- 11 grows up to 4 ft. tall.
Pamilia Yucca Rigida – Zone 7 – 10 grows up to 7 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide.
Cow Tongue Prickly Pear Cactus – Zone 8-11. Height 6-7 tall and wide.
Century Plant Agave Victoriae – Zone 9 – 11. Mature height 3-4 ft. tall. This variety is the shorter type.
Arizona Hedgehog – Zone 9 – 11. Height 3-4 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide.
Claret Cup Cactus – Planting zone 5 – 10, mature height 1-2 ft. tall and wide, sometimes larger if placed in the right area. Produces a bright orange, almost red flower.
Where to place these types of plants?
Plant them in the full blazing hot sun. Pick the hottest part of your landscape, and they will thrive and are disease and insect-resistant. The biggest problem is the Javelina (wild peccary – looks like a pig), as they love to eat the root system or part of the plant itself.
Do insects and diseases attack desert plants?
Yes, they do! Mealybugs and cochineal are the main culprits when it comes to attacking cactus-type plants, particularly prickly-pear varieties that many people love. These are scale insects that are infamous for destroying 0ptunia plants. If you’re looking for an organic solution to get rid of them, one effective method is to spray the plant with a strong stream of water. Using a good nozzle can really help dislodge those pesky bugs and keep your cactus healthy and thriving!
Insecticidal soaps will also work, but they will normally take several applications before they start to work effectively. Here is a post on how to Use Insecticidal Soaps.
Learn more about removing mealybugs and other insects from your plants here. Disease and Insects ln Plants.
Need information on the Argentine Saguaro Cactus Care.
Learn about the Cholla Cactus – Growing Cholla Cactus
Click on the image to learn more.
The Variegated Spanish Dagger
A Handsome Yucca for those looking to add colorful desert plants, and water about once per month during the mid-summer southwest heat.
Can you remove Desert Plants?
If you’re thinking about taking a cactus or any other desert plant from public land, don’t. It’s illegal. This rule applies across state and national parks, as well as on other public lands. Why? These plants are protected because they play a critical role in desert ecosystems.
Removing them harms the environment and disrupts wildlife. Plus, you could face heavy fines or even criminal charges. Instead, leave the plants as they are and enjoy them in their natural setting. If you want to grow desert plants, buy them from licensed nurseries that sell legally sourced ones.
Desert Plants’ Names and Pictures
Southwest Gardening Made Simple
Want more help choosing the right plants for our hot, dry Southwest climate? Check out my Southwest Gardening Made Simple eBook.
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Love this place!
Thanks for the compliment.