Evergreen Gardening In Phoenix AZ
Evergreen Gardening In Phoenix
Evergreen gardening is a great way to introduce plants, shrubs, and trees into your landscape design project that retain their foliage all year round. Your landscape designer may suggest opting for heat-tolerant plants with low water needs that can survive in Phoenix, based on the Plant Hardiness Map. Selecting plants that can tolerate the extreme heat in the Arizona desert is your first challenge.
There are various evergreen options your landscape designer can opt for. Non native evergreen plants and trees may require more specialized care than native options. Lastly, when planting new trees, aim for planting during the fall season to allow for the root systems to be properly established before the hot summer months come around.
What Is The Difference Between Evergreen And Native Plants?
There are a fair few differences between evergreen plants and native plants. The first difference is that native plants are only found in one specific region. That plant is native to that area. Evergreen plants are defined as plants that retain their foliage all year round.
It is worth noting that the evergreen plants can also be native to a certain area, making them native plants. However, not all native plants are evergreen.
The Key Differences Between Native Plants And Evergreen Plants
| Characteristic | Native Plants | Evergreen Plants |
| Primary Definition | Defined by their geographic origin. | Defined by their foliage retention. |
| Geographic Scope | Specific to a local region or ecosystem. | Found all over the world, in many different climates. |
| Foliage Type | It can be either evergreen or deciduous. | Always retain foliage year-round. |
| Ecological Role | Supports local ecosystems by co-evolving with native insects and animals. | Can support ecosystems if native, but non-native evergreens may not. |
| Relationship | A plant’s “nativeness” is independent of whether it’s an evergreen. | A plant’s “evergreen” status is independent of whether it’s native. |
Understanding Evergreen Gardening in the Desert
Evergreen gardening in the context of landscape design in Phoenix, AZ, doesn’t mean lush bushes and trees. All Evergreen refers to in this context is plants and trees that retain their foliage all year round. These plants and trees may be various trees and shrubs that are suited to the hot environment, or plants like succulents, more commonly found in hot, dry climates.
There are many benefits to having an evergreen garden; these are as follows:
- Evergreen plants have year-round color and visual appeal—the opposite of plants that shed their leaves in the fall.
- Evergreen trees offer shade and cooling when sitting outdoors.
- Evergreen trees also serve as a windbreak from heavy wind gusts.
- Evergreen gardens are low-maintenance once established.
Best Evergreen Plants for Phoenix Gardens
In a previous post, we touched on drought-tolerant native plant species in Arizona. This is a breakdown of the evergreen options clients in Phoenix opt for. Some of the plants are also native and drought-tolerant, but as mentioned, evergreen isn’t considered the same as native plants.
Trees
- Desert Museum Palo Verde: The Desert Museum Palo Verde is a semi-deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves, only for a short period, or as old leaves fall off as new ones grow back. They are not “exactly” evergreen but are close. They are drought-tolerant, like full sun, and grow quickly during the first few years when watered adequately. They have vibrant green bark and seasonal yellow blooms.
- Indian Laurel (Ficus nitida): The Indian Laurel is an evergreen, meaning it keeps its foliage all year round. This fast-growing tree maintains lush, dense foliage throughout the year. This makes it a great choice for hedges and shade in your yard. The tree itself can reach heights of between 40-60 feet. The tree is set to be grown in the hardiness zone of between 10 and 11.
- Live Oak (Quercus virginiana): The Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is also known as the Southern Live Oak. The Southern Live Oak is an evergreen tree, but it has more in common with the Desert Museum Palo Verde in that the leaves shed similarly. They are not true evergreen trees. The Live Oak is a classic canopy tree and is heat-tolerant once established.
Shrubs
- Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens): The Texas Sage or Leucophyllum frutescens is an Evergreen shrub in the figwort family. It is native to Texas and a few Mexican states. This shrub is drought-tolerant and attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The shrub can grow to a height of 8 feet and have a span of 6 feet. They have silvery foliage and purple flowers after rainfall.
- Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa): The Hop Bush or Dodonaea viscosa is a hardy evergreen shrub with deep burgundy/ purple leaves. The Hop Bush is part of the Scapberry family of shrubs. This specific species is a flowering plant. The Hop Bush can be found distributed in tropical, subtropical, and warm areas of Africa, the Americas, South Asia, and Australasia. The Hop bush is a hardy hedge option with year-round color.
- Oleander (Nerium oleander): The Oleander or Nerium Oleander is an evergreen shrub more commonly known as Rosebay. The Oleander is an ornamental and landscaping plant that requires water regularly until it becomes established and then becomes drought-tolerant. The oleander can grow to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. This drought-resistant shrub has wonderfully colorful blooms.
Ground Covers & Perennials
- Lantana: The Lantana is a member of the Verbena family of plants, consisting of about 150 different species. The Lantana is grown as an annual in northern regions, but interestingly, the broadleaf plant is an evergreen shrub or ground cover in frost-free climates. The Lantana is tolerant of most soil types. Once the plant has been established, it becomes drought-tolerant. The colorful, heat-loving ground cover can grow to a height of 2-6ft and 3-10ft wide.
- Trailing Rosemary: The Trailing Rosemary is a low-growing and spreading Evergreen shrub. The upright version makes for great hedges and shrubs. Trailing Rosemary is the best and toughest choice for ground cover in arid regions. It tolerates heat and the sun’s rays well. This excellent xeriscaping plant has dark green leaves, smells like pine, and flowers range from pale blue to white. This drought-tolerant ground cover is great for edging and slopes.
- Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora): The Red Yucca, also known as Hesperaloe parviflora or Redflower False Yucca. This evergreen, succulent plant is in the Asparagaceae family. This low-maintenance perennial plant blooms in July to August with beautiful red/ pink flowers. The Red Yucca is drought-tolerant and thrives in xeriscaping landscapes.
Succulents & Cacti
- Agave species: The Agave species are succulents, native to the Americas. There are approximately 200 species of Agave succulents. These plants are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
- Aloe Vera: The Aloe Vera plant is a succulent plant. It is widely distributed and considered an invasive species. This evergreen perennial plant grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates.
- Golden Barrel Cactus: The Golden Barrel Cactus is an endangered species of plant. Its flower season is in Spring, and you can water it once per month during the dry season. It does prefer fall shade.
Why You Should Choose An Evergreen Garden For Your Landscape Design Project
Choosing an evergreen garden when undertaking your landscape design project is a smart choice for Phoenix residents. Evergreen gardens stay green and appealing year-round. Choosing evergreen plants that are well-suited to the region’s heat and low rainfall would be a key criterion to providing your yard with lasting color and minimal ongoing maintenance.
Once established, many evergreens such as the Texas Sage, Hop Bush, or Palo Verde require little water, making them great water-wise options. Evergreen plants and trees help cool outdoor spaces with shade, reduce dust, and provide habitat for local wildlife. By choosing evergreen plants, you can enjoy a beautiful, sustainable garden that remains vibrant through every season in Phoenix.
Conclusion
Evergreen gardening is a great way to introduce plants, shrubs, and trees into your landscape design project that retain their foliage all year round. Choosing plants, shrubs, and trees that remain green and appealing year-round for your yard is a great idea. What do you think about incorporating evergreen gardening into your project?
If you need landscape design and construction in the Phoenix area, please contact us today.
