Best Plants to Grow in Each Season for a Thriving Desert Garden
Plants to Grow in Each Season. Designing a garden in a desert climate doesn’t mean sacrificing color or beauty. With the right seasonal selections, you can enjoy blooms, textures, and even edible harvests year-round—all while conserving water. Whether you’re in Las Cruces, NM, Southern Arizona, or El Paso, TX, use this guide to plant at the right time and help roots establish before extreme temperatures hit.
- Less plant stress
- Less water needed
- More blooms and color
- Better survival rates
Spring (February–May)
Spring is the #1 planting season—warm soil and mild temps equal thriving roots.
Top Blooming Plants
- Firecracker Penstemon
- Globe Mallow
- Desert Marigold
- Types of Salvia
- Red Yucca
Trees & Shrubs
- Types of Desert Willow Trees
- Texas Mountain Laurel (grape-scented blooms)
- Vitex (Chaste Tree)
- Texas Sage
- Fruitless Olive
Edibles
- Tomatoes (Solar Fire, Heatmaster)
- Peppers & Chiles
- Basil, Oregano, Thyme
Spring Tip: Add 2–3 inches of gravel mulch to help soil retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Summer (June–August)
Choose heat warriors that love sun and won’t faint in triple-digit temps.
Color All Summer
- Lantana (New Gold, Dallas Red)
- Mexican Bird of Paradise
- Yellow Bells (Tecoma)
- Blackfoot Daisy
- Purple Heart
Cacti & Succulents
- Blue Glow Agave
- Spineless Prickly Pear
- Golden Barrel
- Ocotillo
Heat-Tolerant Edibles
- Armenian Cucumber
- Sweet Potatoes
- Chiles
Summer Tip: Plant at first light or wait for monsoon moisture; shade new transplants for a week.
Fall (September–November)
Cool nights trigger massive root growth—your second prime planting window.
Shrubs & Perennials
- Damianita
- Honeysuckle
- Autumn Sage (reblooms)
- Chrysanthemums (quick seasonal color)
Trees
- Chinese Pistache
- Afghan Pine
- Palo Verde
- Mesquite
Cool-Season Veggies
- Kale & Spinach
- Carrots & Radishes
- Lettuce mixes
Fall Tip: Use a root stimulator at planting; water deeply to charge the soil heading into winter.
Winter (December–January)
Growth slows, but structure, fragrance, and color can shine.
Cold-Hardy Choices
Edible Winter Winners
- Onions
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Citrus (protected microclimates)
Winter Tip: Plant on the warm side of walls—especially south- and west-facing ones—to take advantage of radiant heat that protects root systems during cold snaps. Stucco, brick, and even large rocks absorb warmth throughout the day and release it slowly overnight, creating a microclimate that can make several degrees of difference. For tender plants like citrus, bougainvillea, or young desert shrubs, be ready to cover them on hard-freeze nights using frost cloth or an old sheet (avoid plastic directly on foliage). Water deeply before a freeze, too—moist soil holds heat better than dry soil. A little prep goes a long way in helping your desert plants stay healthy and bounce back strong in spring.
Watering Smart: Hydrozoning 101
Group plants by water needs, not looks. This reduces irrigation costs and keeps plants healthier.
| Zone | Watering Level | Best Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Oasis (near patios/entry) | Moderate | Lantana, Mexican Honeysuckle, Culinary Herbs |
| Transition | Low | Autumn Sage, Desert Willow |
| Desert Zone | Very Low | Agaves, Cacti, Yuccas |
Plants That Look Good All Year
- Blue Glow Agave
- Red Tip Yucca
- Texas Mountain Laurel
- Palo Verde
- Rosemary Health Benefits
- Dwarf Yaupon Holly
Get Local Help Choosing Plants
Guzman’s Greenhouse in Las Cruces—we specialize in desert-adapted, water-wise plants that thrive in our local soils and climate. Sign up for our free gardening Newsletter.
Locations: 540 N. Telshor Blvd · 655 N. Valley Dr, Las Cruces, NM
