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July Gardening In The Low Desert 1999

© Pat Kolb

Here it is July again, hot, humid, typical low desert weather. Not what we want to work outside in. Expect monsoon weather, which means a chance of much-needed rain but usually dust storms and 'teaser' rain. This is a good time to plan for fall planting. It's good to stay inside during July in the desert.

With the popularity of xeriscape (low water use) landscaping, and the obvious advantage in our environment, we all might consider using it in all or part of our landscaping. There are many native plants and trees for this use available to us. As with all types of landscaping it is important to know and understand plant performance. 1. Size and width at maturity, especially in relation to where it will be planted. 2. Rate of growth: slow, moderate, rapid. 3. Flowering habit: when and how long it blooms, and foliage type. 4. Water requirements; roots invasive in certain situations. 5. Nutrient needs and susceptibility to salt build-up common in the desert. 6. Soil type and drainage requirements. 7. Sun/shade requirements. 8. Hardiness to cold, heat, wind. 9. Ideal planting season.

Some of the more common, tried and true trees are: Acacias Silk Tree. Dense, spreading 15 - 80 ft. wide. Orchid trees, bauhinia species. Umbrella shape, in white or orchid colors. Mexican blue fan palm Pindo palm Dwarf fan palm California fan palm Carob tree Chitalpa. Fast growing to 20 - 30 '. Clusters of frilly trumpet shape flowers, available in pink or white. Desert willow. One of my favorites. Choose in bloom as it comes in several colors from pale pink to fuchsia. Floss silk tree Eucalyptus. Many varieties from which to choose in many sizes and types of flowers. Most commonly used may be the 'silver dollar'. Jacaranda. Bright blue flowers Ironwood tree. Semi-deciduous. Develops heavy multi-trunks. Thorny, needs pruning of lower branches. Texas ebony. Picturesque, thorny. Mesquites of various kinds. Pepper trees. California and Brazilian.

Shrubs: Bougainvillea. Various types including low growing types and various colors. Very thorny, need pruning to keep in shape but masses of blooms make it very tropical looking. Texas olive. Hardy to 15 degrees; leaves freeze but plants recover. White flowers with yellow throats in clusters April - May and my bloom again in autumn. Fairy duster. Pink and red, evergreen. Indigo bush. Evergreen, form solid intertwining growth. Lantana. Several colors, can be invasive so needs pruning. Ruellia. Blue and pink types. Spreads. Sages. Red salvia. Evergreen, 2'. Mexican blue sage, Chaparral sage, Cheery Red sage, Mealy-Cup sage, Autumn sage, Mexican bush sage. Arizona rosewood. Large shrub or small tree, grow as substitute for oleander hedge.

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