How do you know if a particular outdoor plant would be a good option for your climate?
What should you look for in your outdoor potted plants?
Which are the best outdoor potted plants in Arizona?
If you’re looking for potted plants you can grow outdoors in Arizona, it’s important to look for those that work well for your climate. These plants may include drought-tolerant options, plants that like full sunlight, and plants that grow well in high temperatures.
In the article below, you’ll find plenty of recommendations to help you get started. Read on to learn more!
1. Agave
Scientific name: Agave spp.
Agave plants come in many sizes and shapes, but are usually gray-green or blue in color with large, serrated spikes. They require gritty soil and full sunlight for best results.
Pros
- Grows well in unglazed pots, especially clay
- Tolerant of several growing conditions
Cons
- Easy to overwater
2. Aloe Vera
Scientific name: Aloe vera
Aloe vera is dark green and covered in small white raised bumps. It likes bright but indirect light and can grow well in indoor lighting as well.
Pros
- Propagates easily
- Can be used to treat minor cuts and burns
Cons
- Cannot handle high temperatures
3. Barrel Cactus
Scientific name: Echinocactus grusonii
Barrel cactus grows short and round. It is dark green and covered in yellow to white spikes. This cactus needs loose, well-draining soil and lots of bright, hot sunlight.
Pros
- Excellent choice for beginners
- Grows well in containers
Cons
- Easy to overwater
4. Blue Flax Flower
Scientific name: Linum lewisii
This flower has long, thin stalks topped with delicate purple-blue flowers. It needs sandy soil and plenty of sunlight to grow and bloom.
Pros
- Drought-tolerant
- Easy to propagate
Cons
- Requires frequent watering
5. Bonanza Peach
Scientific name: Prunus persica ‘Bonanza’
This is a small version of a peach tree that stays short. It produces fruit and has drooping green leaves. It needs six hours of full sunlight every day.
Pros
- Grows perfectly in large containers
- Produces fruit easily
Cons
- Requires acidic soil
6. Bottle Brush Plant
Scientific name: Callistemon spp.
This plant grows unique flowers that look like bottle brushes. These flowers are usually bright red. The plant likes bright, full sunlight and needs well-draining soil for best results.
Pros
- Easy to grow
- Stunning aesthetic addition to a garden
Cons
- May outgrow pots quickly
7. Bougainvillea
Scientific name: Bougainvillea
This plant grows heavy with blooms in the right condition, and it can vine up a building. Its flowers have three petals. It needs full sunlight and prefers slightly acidic soil.
Pros
- Excellent for desert climates
- Blooms well with fertilizer
Cons
- Requires annual pruning
8. Boxwood
Scientific name: Buxus spp.
Boxwood is a shrub with bright green to yellow-green leaves. It can be shaped into topiaries easily. It is known for being able to grow just about anywhere.
Pros
- Tolerant of any lighting conditions
- Somewhat drought tolerant when established
Cons
- May become leggy
9. Dwarf Citrus Trees
Scientific name: Citrus sinensis
These small trees remain short and compact, but can produce citrus fruit. They may grow one fruit only or may include both a lemon and a lime tree grafted together. They prefer at least four hours of sunlight per day.
Pros
- Easy to grow
- Simple container requirements
Cons
- May not fruit without ideal sunlight
10.Geranium
Scientific name: Pelargonium spp.
Geraniums have colorful, open floral blooms on the ends of stalks with bright green foliage. They need bright, full sunlight, but they can handle a little bit of shade in hotter areas.
Pros
- Easy to grow
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Need frequent watering
11. Hibiscus
Scientific name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Hibiscus plants can grow as bushes or be shaped into small trees. They grow large flowers with wide, open petals and long stamens in the centers. They prefer full sunlight and warm temperatures.
Pros
- Blooms easily once established
- Ideal for subtropical climates
Cons
- Requires frequent watering
12. Lantana
Scientific name: Lantana camara
Lantana has delicate flowers which are made up of clusters of petals. It also features dark green leaves. This plant needs full sun and slightly acidic soil.
Pros
- Cold-tolerant
- Drought-tolerant
Cons
- Needs enough light or it won’t bloom
13. Marigold
Scientific name: Tagetes spp.
Marigolds are flowers that grow with large, heavy blooms. These blooms are usually round and made up of clusters of tiny petals. The plant needs full sun and likes hot weather.
Pros
- Handles reflected heat well
- Handles partial shade too
Cons
- Needs frequent watering
14. Mint
Scientific name: Mentha spp.
Mint is bright green to yellow-green. It has oval-shaped leaves and also has a distinct smell when mature. It grows best in well-draining soil.
Pros
- Handles full sun and partial shade
- Edible
Cons
- Requires frequent watering
15. Prickly Pear Cactus
Scientific name: Opuntia basilaris P.
Prickly pear cactus grows large paddle-shaped sections on top of each other. These sections are green and covered in spines, and may form flowers on top as well. This plant needs well-draining soil and bright sunlight.
Pros
- Tolerant of poor soil
- Tolerant of drought
Cons
- Easily overwatered
16. Princess Flower
Scientific name: Tibouchina urvilleana
This plant grows as a shrub that can form delicate flowers with vibrant colors. It may also sometimes be shaped into a tree. It needs full sunlight to partial shade.
Pros
- Flowers well in the right conditions
- Beautiful aesthetic appeal
Cons
- Requires frequent watering
17.Purple Coneflower
Scientific name: Echinacea angustifolia
Also called echinacea, this flower has a large center similar to a sunflower’s and long, thin petals. It needs full sun and enjoy warmer temperatures.
Pros
- Grow best in poor quality soil
- Flower easily
Cons
- Cannot handle fertilizer
18. Salvia
Scientific name: Salvia spp.
Salvia grows in low shrubs with vibrant green leaves. It forms purple clusters of flowers that stand out well against this backdrop. It needs full sunlight and well-draining soil.
Pros
- Flower easily
- Spread quickly
Cons
- Will not flower in shade
19. Totem Pole Cactus
Scientific name: Pachycereus schottii
Totem pole cactus may be light green to gray-green. It forms lumpy growths that resemble the faces of a totem pole. It needs full sunlight and loose soil for optimal growth.
Pros
- Handles most soil well
- Drought tolerant
Cons
- May be overwatered easily
20. Vinca
Scientific name: Vinca spp.
Vinca has dark green foliage and grows delicate flowers with five petals. These flowers are often purple with white centers, but they may come in other colors. They are also called periwinkles and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Pros
- Heat tolerant
- Drought tolerant
Cons
- May become leggy
21. Zinnia
Scientific name: Zinnia spp.
Zinnia grows thick, heavy blooms that are rounded and full. These flowers are comprised of multiple petals clustered together. They require bright, full sunlight.
Pros
- Can grow full with lots of flowers
- Easy to trim
Cons
- Will not bloom in shade
Conclusion
Here are some additional tips for choosing the right spot for your outdoor plants in Arizona:
- Place your plant in a location where it gets the right amount of sunlight. Most on this list need full sunlight all day, but some like a little shade.
- Do not place your plant in a location where it may get too much rain, unless it needs a lot of water.
- Container choice matters. Plants that need well-draining soil prefer unglazed clay, and it’s also a good idea to think about the container size.