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Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert Online Home | Plant Index | Glossary | Advanced Search | Trees | Shrubs | Groundcovers | Vines | Grasses | Cacti | Succulents | Perennials | Annuals

LOW-WATER ANNUALS (WILDFLOWERS AND MORE)

Wildflowers announce the arrival of spring in Arizona's deserts, and many show off their bright colors at other times of year as well. They are "icing on the cake" in the landscape and are ideal for filling in before permanent plants become established. Most wildflowers are grown from seeds sown in fall, although some species can be found as plants in containers at nurseries in spring. In addition, a few of the selections recommended here are cultivated annuals, not true wildflowers. Avoid "instant" meadow mixes, and instead look for quality, locally grown or collected seed. It is not necessary to sow a large meadow to enjoy wildflowers. Start by seeding small areas to gain experience and to see what you like. Select several wildflower species that will bloom at the same time, and experiment with color combinations, such as the yellow-gold of Mexican gold poppy with purple owl's clover. Over the years a wildflower garden will take on its own character as plants reseed, spread, and mature.
Planting-Choose a sunny location that receives about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. Rake to loosen the soil or decomposed granite to a depth of an inch or so. To help distribute tiny seeds more evenly, mix wildflower seeds with sand, fine soil, or fine organic mulch before sowing. Use two or more cups for each teaspoon of seed. Scatter seed mix and lightly rake to ensure that seeds make contact with the soil. Sowing too deeply can discourage seeds from germinating. Spring-blooming wildflowers will need the help of fall and winter rains to germinate. If rainfall is insufficient, water several times a week until seedlings are established to ensure a colorful display in spring. When seedlings are a few inches tall, water as necessary when plants show signs of stress. After wildflowers have put on their show, they will set seeds. Letting the plants dry out and the seeds fall to the ground will set the stage for another display next spring. Seeds can also be collected and used for planting next season. Dried plants can simply be pulled or cut to the ground. Keep in mind that some communities may have restrictions on wildflowers or guidelines for cleanup. Spring-blooming wildflowers are best planted in the fall from mid-September through mid-November. Summer bloomers are best planted in early spring.

Click the photo or [more info] link to get detailed information about each plant.

Common Name: Southwestern Cosmos
Botanical Name: Cosmos bippinnatus

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 3' H X 3' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: White, pink, or purple
Flower Season: summer to fall
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Wildlife: butterflies
Native to:
Other Features: Attracts butterflies.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Golden Dyssodia
Botanical Name: Dyssodia pentachaeta

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1/2' H X 1/2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Yellow daisylike
Flower Season: late spring to fall
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Wildlife: butterflies
May be sold as Thymophylla pentachaeta
Native to:
Other Features: Attracts butterflies.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Spreading Fleabane
Botanical Name: Erigeron divergens

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1-1/2' H X 2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: White to pink daisylike
Flower Season: spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Wildlife: butterflies
Native to:
Other Features: Attracts butterflies.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Mexican Gold Poppy
Botanical Name: Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1' H X 1' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Yellow to gold
Flower Season: late winter to spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Other Features: Reseeds readily.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Blanket Flower
Botanical Name: Gaillardia pulchella

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1-1/2' H X 1 1/2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Yellow and maroon-red
Flower Season: late spring to fall
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Other Features: Summer bloomer.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Maximilian Sunflower
Botanical Name: Helianthus maximiliani

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 10' H X 2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color: bright green
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Yellow daisylike
Flower Season: fall
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Wildlife: birds
Native to:
Other Features: Birds love to eat the seeds.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Arizona Poppy
Botanical Name: Kallstroemia grandiflora

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1' H X 3' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color: dark green
Foliage Texture: fine
Flower Color: Orange with dark orange center
Flower Season: summer rainy season
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Other Features: Summer bloomer.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Red Flax
Botanical Name: Linum grandiflora 'Rubrum'

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 2' H X 2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Bright red
Flower Season: spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Other Features: Sow seeds annually.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Blue Flax
Botanical Name: Linum lewisii

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun: partial sun
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 2' H X 2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Bright blue
Flower Season: spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Other Features: Reseeds readily. Needs partial shade.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Arroyo Lupine
Botanical Name: Lupinus succulentus

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 3' H X 3' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Violet-blue spikes
Flower Season: spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Also try L arizonicus.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Five Spot
Botanical Name: Nemophila maculata

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: <1' H X <1' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: White petals with purple spot
Flower Season: spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Other Features: Unusual flowers.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Owl's Clover
Botanical Name: Orthocarpus purpurascens

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1/2' H X 1/2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Rose-pink to purple spikes
Flower Season: early spring to late spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
May be sold as Castilleja exserta
Native to:
Other Features: Charming wildflower.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Shirley Poppy
Botanical Name: Papaver rhoeas

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 2' H X 1' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Red, pink, or white cup-shaped
Flower Season: spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Other Features: Vibrant flower colors.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Desert Bluebell
Botanical Name: Phacelia campanularia

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1' H X 1' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Brilliant blue bell-shaped
Flower Season: spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic: yes, may irritate skin
Native to:
Other Features: Leaves can irritate skin.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Moss Rose
Botanical Name: Portulaca grandiflora

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1/2' H X 1 1/2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Rose, red, yellow or white
Flower Season: summer to fall
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Other Features: Good summer bloomer.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Cherry Red Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia coccinea

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1-1/2' H X 1 1/2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Deep scarlet spikes
Flower Season: spring to summer
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Native to:
Other Features: Attracts hummingbirds.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Chia
Botanical Name: Salvia columbariae

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1' H X 1' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Blue clusters
Flower Season: spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Native to:
Other Features: Fragrant foliage.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Mexican Sunflower
Botanical Name: Tithonia rotundifolia

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 4' H X 3' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Yellow or orange
Flower Season: midsummer to fall
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Wildlife: butterflies
Native to:
Other Features: Attracts butterflies.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Goodding's Verbena
Botanical Name: Verbena gooddingii

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1' H X 3' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Lavender to pink clusters
Flower Season: spring
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Wildlife: butterflies
Native to:
Other Features: Attracts butterflies.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Zinnia 'Profusion' Series
Botanical Name: Zinnia elegans x angustifolia

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: °F
Sun:
Water:
Growth Rate:
Mature Size: 1 1/2' H X 2' W
Form:
E/D: 		Foliage Color:
Foliage Texture:
Flower Color: Red, orange, or white
Flower Season: summer
Litter:
Thorns:
Allergenic:
Wildlife: butterflies
Native to:
Other Features: Attracts butterflies.
[More information about this plant.]



Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert Online Home | Plant Index | Glossary | Advanced Search
Trees | Shrubs | Groundcovers | Vines | Grasses | Cacti | Succulents | Perennials

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ARIZONA MUNICIPAL WATER USERS ASSOCIATION
4041 N. CENTRAL AVE. SUITE 900, PHOENIX, AZ 85012
602-248-8482 • 602-248-8423 FAX
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The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) is a voluntary, non-profit corporation established by municipalities in Maricopa County for the development of urban water resources policy.