Little John's Lawns

In Arizona's arid and sun-kissed landscapes, homeowners are turning to the transformative power of plants to add a touch of natural allure to their lawns. With a commitment to sustainable gardening and a keen eye for drought-resistant flora, Arizona residents are discovering that creating a picturesque and beautiful lawn is well within reach.

From the striking blooms of desert-adapted cacti and succulents to the vibrant colors of native wildflowers, the infusion of greenery not only enhances the visual appeal of their properties but also fosters a deep connection to the unique and diverse ecosystem of the region. As homeowners embrace the opportunity to embrace nature's resilience, their yards are blossoming into captivating oases that stand as a testament to the beauty and ingenuity of Arizona's plant life.

Below is a list of these striking desert blooms that can bring life to your lawn, creating a relaxing and picturesque oasis.

Agave

Agave is a genus of succulent plants native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. They are characterized by their thick, fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosette. Agave plants can grow very large, with some species reaching heights of over 30 feet, making them a striking addition to your lawn. Agave plants are also known for their long lifespans. Some species can live for hundreds of years, and when an agave plant reaches the end of its life, it will bloom once and then die. The bloom is a large, showy flower that lasts several months.

Like most succulents, agave is fairly easy to grow and care for, making them a low-maintenance choice for your yard.

Water: Agave plants are drought-tolerant and do not need to be watered often. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common causes of agave plant death. Water your agave plant deeply once a month or when the soil is dry to the touch.
Soil: Agave plants prefer well-draining soil. If you are planting your agave plant in a pot, use a cactus potting mix. If you plant your agave in the ground, amend the soil with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Sunlight: Agave plants need full sun to thrive. If you live in a hot climate, you may need to protect your agave plant from the hot afternoon sun.
Fertilizer: Agave plants do not need to be fertilized very often. Fertilize your agave plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer once a year.
Pests and diseases: Agave plants are relatively pest- and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. If you see any pests on your agave plant, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Acacia

One of the most popular plants in Arizona and other desert regions is the Acacia plant, which can grow to trees or shrubs. Acacia is an important part of the desert ecosystem, providing wildlife food and shelter and helping prevent soil erosion. These trees are all drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions. Acacia's striking beauty and ability to provide shade from the scorching sun make it a popular lawn addition.

Several species of Acacia make an excellent choice for your lawn, and though the needs of each species vary slightly, it is still a low-maintenance plant that thrives on basic care.

Plant in full sun. Acacias need full sun to thrive.
Provide well-draining soil. Acacias do not like wet feet, so make sure the soil they are planted in drains well.
Water regularly during the first year. Once established, acacias are drought-tolerant and can go for long periods of time without water. However, young trees need to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize once a year. Acacias do not need a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer once a year will help them thrive.
Prune as needed. Most species of Acacias can be pruned to maintain their shape or to remove dead or diseased branches. However, be careful not to prune too much, as this can weaken the tree.

Below are a few of the species of Acacia found in Arizona and some of the specific needs of those species.

Catclaw Acacia (Acacia greggii)

This species is drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions. It is also relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, it does not tolerate cold weather well and may need to be protected from frost in winter.

Sweet Acacia (Acacia farnesiana)

This species is also drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions. It is also relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, it is not as cold-hardy as Catclaw Acacia and may need to be protected from frost in winter.

Willow Acacia (Acacia salicina)

This species is not as drought-tolerant as other acacias, but it is still relatively easy to care for. It does not tolerate cold weather well and may need to be protected from frost in winter.

Bird Of Paradise

If you’re looking for an eye-catching and striking plant to make your lawn stand out, look no further than the Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia). These colorful plants are a work of art in your yard, adding a tropical touch to the dry desert landscape. When planting them, choosing a location that gets full sun and has well-draining soil is important. You must also water them regularly, especially during the hot summer months.

With proper care, bird of paradise plants can grow 6-10 feet tall in Arizona. They will bloom in the spring and summer, and their flowers can last several weeks.

Here are some specific tips for growing bird of paradise plants in Arizona:

Choose a location that gets full sun. Bird of Paradise plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Use well-draining soil. Bird of Paradise plants are susceptible to root rot, so it is important to use well-draining soil. A cactus or potting mix specifically designed for tropical plants would be a good choice.
Water regularly. Bird of Paradise plants need to be kept moist but not soggy. Water them when the top inch of the soil is dry.
Fertilize once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is diluted to half-strength.

Justicia

Like Acacia plants, Justicia plants have a lot of subspecies that all vary in appearance but share the common trait of being low maintenance and relatively easy to care for in the dry desert climate in Arizona. They prefer full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. They should be watered regularly but are susceptible to root rot, so it is important not to overwater them.

Justicia plants are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. They can be grown as groundcovers, borders, or container plants. They are also attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Below is a list of a few Justicia plants that can help turn your lawn into a beautiful garden oasis.

Justicia californica (Chuparosa)

This species is native to southern California, Arizona, and northern Mexico deserts. It has arching branches clad with sparse gray-green, succulent leaves. It is summer deciduous but will retain most of its foliage if irrigated.

Justicia spicigera (Mexican honeysuckle)

This species is native to Mexico and Central America. It has orange flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. It is a drought-tolerant plant grown in full sun or partial shade.

Justicia carnea (coralbush)

This species is native to Mexico and Central America. It has bright red flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a drought-tolerant plant grown in full sun or partial shade.

Justicia brandegeeana (shrimp plant)

This species is native to Mexico and Central America. It has bright orange flowers that resemble shrimp. It is a drought-tolerant plant grown in full sun or partial shade.

Salvia

Salvia (Lamiaceae) plants are a great choice for gardens in Arizona because they are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions. A member of the mint family, they are hardy plant that are beautiful to look at and known to attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

When choosing a salvia plant for your Arizona garden, it is important to consider the climate and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Some salvias, such as autumn sage and Mexican bush sage, prefer full sun, while others, such as pineapple sage and daisy bush sage, prefer partial shade.

Salvia plants can thrive in Arizona gardens for many years with proper care. Below is a list of some types of Salvia plants that can make your lawn the jewel of the neighborhood.

Autumn sage (Salvia greggii)

This species is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has bright red, orange, or yellow flowers that bloom in the fall.

Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha)

This species is native to Mexico. It has velvety purple flowers that bloom in the summer.

Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens)

This species is native to Brazil. It has bright red flowers that bloom in the summer.

Pineapple sage (Salvia rutilans)

This species is native to Mexico. It has pineapple-scented leaves and bright red flowers that bloom in the summer.

Daisy bush sage (Salvia microphylla)

This species is native to Mexico. It has small, white flowers that bloom in the summer.

Calliandra

Calliandra plants are a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae, in the mimosoid clade of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. It contains about 140 species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and is a great choice for gardens in Arizona because they are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions. They are also a plant that’s attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.

When choosing a calliandra plant for your Arizona garden, it is important to consider the climate and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Some calliandra plants, such as powder puff tree and red fairy duster, prefer full sun, while others, such as dwarf fairy duster, prefer partial shade.

Calliandra plants can thrive in Arizona gardens with proper care for many years.

Here are some tips for caring for calliandra plants in Arizona:

Plant in full sun. Calliandra plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Provide well-draining soil. Calliandra plants are susceptible to root rot, so it is important to use well-draining soil.
Water regularly during the first year. Once established, calliandra plants are drought-tolerant and can go for long periods without water. However, young plants must be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize once a year. Calliandra plants do not need a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer once a year will help them thrive.
Prune as needed. Calliandra plants can be pruned to maintain their shape or to remove dead or diseased branches. However, be careful not to prune too much, as this can weaken the plant.

Calliandra plants are a great addition to any garden, and they are sure to add a touch of beauty and color. Here are some popular calliandra plants to bring that pop of color to your lawn.