Choosing the right plants creates vibrant, water-efficient landscapes

A year ago, the newest edition of Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert was released—and it has become a go-to guide for homeowners, landscapers, and green industry professionals alike. Whether you’re choosing the perfect shade tree or designing a low-water yard makeover, this guide helps Arizonans bring beauty and sustainability to their landscapes. On its first anniversary, we decided it's the perfect time to raise awareness about it, especially as many start planning for fall planting.

What You’ll Find in This Edition

The refreshed book features more than 215 drought-tolerant plants, making it easier than ever to design a vibrant, low-water yard. Plants are grouped into helpful categories so you can quickly find what fits your style:

• Trees
• Shrubs
• Groundcovers
• Vines
• Cacti, succulents, and accents
• Grasses
• Perennials and annuals

Each listing includes practical details such as sunlight and water needs, growth rate, size, and unique features, like whether the plant attracts pollinators or is native to the Southwest. Whether you’re new to desert gardening or an experienced plant lover, you’ll find plenty of inspiration.

Why Your Plant Choices Matter

Here in the Valley, most household water is used outdoors. By choosing desert-appropriate plants, you can significantly reduce your water use while still enjoying a beautiful yard. Blending the desert’s rich palette of colors, forms, and textures not only saves water but also creates resilient landscapes that can thrive for years to come. In short, the right plants make your yard healthier, more attractive, and more sustainable.

Backed by Experts

Plants featured in the 2024 edition align with the Arizona Department of Water Resources' Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List which means each option has been carefully selected to handle our unique climate while using minimal water.

The 90-page guide is easy to navigate and filled with valuable tips, making it a trusted tool for both beginners and long-time desert gardeners.

A Resource with Deep Roots

This guide has a long history of helping Arizonans design water-wise yards. The first edition, Xeriscape Gardens: Plants for the Desert Southwest, was released in 1990. By the early 2000s, it became known as Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert, but its nickname, “The Pink Book,” has stuck ever since. Over the years, more than two million copies have been distributed, making it one of the most widely used gardening resources in the state.

Now’s the Time to Start Planning

Fall is the best time to add new plants to your landscape. With the updated guide in hand, you can start planning a yard that saves time, water, and money, while contributing to a more sustainable future for Arizona.

Get Your Copy

• Free printed copies are available through your local water conservation office .
• Alternatively, you can download the full digital version at www.amwua.org/plants .

For 56 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities’ ability to provide their communities with assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies. For more water information, visit www.amwua.org .