When it comes to creating a landscape that thrives under Arizona’s blazing sun, the right plant choices make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for best flowering plants for Arizona heat, low water plants for desert landscaping, or simply easy care desert plants, homeowners can count on these selections that stand out for their beauty, resilience, and low maintenance.

1. Lantana

Lantana is one of the best flowering plants for Arizona heat, thriving in full sun and scorching temperatures. It boasts exceptional heat and drought tolerance, producing colorful blooms that bring a cheerful feel to your yard. With minimal upkeep, no deadheading required, it can be pruned heavily in winter and will bounce back robustly in spring. Often evergreen in mild winters, this is a great choice for evergreen plants for Arizona gardens.

2. Coral Fountain

Perfect for Arizona plants for full sun, Coral Fountain thrives in reflected heat from walls and pavement. Once established, it’s extremely drought tolerant, ideal for low water plants for desert landscaping. From spring through fall, its tubular coral-red flowers attract pollinators, making it one of the top plants that attract hummingbirds in Arizona.

3. Alexandrina Bougainvillea

This heat-loving, thornless variety produces vivid pink-to-fuchsia bracts nearly year-round in warm climates. It’s both a showstopper and a practical option for colorful drought tolerant plants Arizona homeowners love. Whether grown as a vine, shrub, or ground cover, it delivers high-impact beauty with low water needs.

4. Giant Hespero

Add dramatic architectural flair with the Giant Hespero. This desert accent plant is among the most heat and drought resistant shrubs you can find. Low-maintenance and striking, it works perfectly as a focal point in low water desert landscaping.

5. Red Push

The Red Push is an excellent shade tree that provides dense canopy coverage with a non-invasive root system, safe near sidewalks and patios. As one of the more easy care desert plants Gilbert AZ residents can grow, it delivers cooling shade without constant maintenance.

6. Sissoo (Indian Rosewood)

A fast-growing shade tree with a majestic canopy, Sissoo handles Arizona plants for full sun conditions with ease. Although deciduous, it keeps a good amount of foliage for much of the year, adding greenery to evergreen plants for Arizona gardens designs.

7. Arizona Yellow Bell (Tecoma stans)

This cheerful yellow-blooming plant is a favorite among plants that attract hummingbirds in Arizona. Once established, it needs very little water, making it one of the most colorful drought tolerant plants Arizona landscapers recommend.

8. Hopseed Bush

Perfect for privacy screens, Hopseed Bush is a heat and drought resistant shrub with dense foliage. It’s also a reliable choice for rabbit resistant plants Arizona homeowners can use in hedging without constant replanting.

9. Dwarf Bottlebrush

This compact variety is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies thanks to its bright, brush-like blooms. Great for small gardens or containers, it fits the bill for plants that attract hummingbirds in Arizona and thrives with minimal water.

10. Elephant Food (Portulacaria afra)

A hardy succulent also known as dwarf jade, Elephant Food is one of the best rabbit resistant plants Arizona gardeners can plant. Its lush green leaves bring texture to low water desert landscaping, and it’s as low-maintenance as they come.

Final Tip: For long-lasting curb appeal in the Arizona Valley, combine evergreen plants for Arizona gardens with colorful drought tolerant plants to ensure beauty all year long, while conserving water and cutting down on maintenance.