Low-Water-Use Shrubs for Arizona Landscapes
Creating a beautiful landscape in the greater Phoenix area doesn’t require excessive watering. By choosing shrubs adapted to our desert climate, you can enjoy vibrant blooms, striking foliage, and pollinator activity while conserving water.
These low-water-use shrubs thrive in Arizona landscapes once established. During their establishment period, regular irrigation is important. After roots are well developed, watering can be reduced significantly.
Arizona Rosewood (Vauquelinia californica)
A dense evergreen shrub or small tree ideal for screening and hedges.
- Size: 10–15 feet tall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Features: Glossy green foliage; low maintenance
Blue Bells (Eremophila hygrophana)
A compact evergreen shrub with soft silvery foliage and blue-violet blooms.
- Size: 2 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Highly drought tolerant
- Best For: Rock gardens and xeriscapes
Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa)
A native desert shrub with silver-gray foliage and bright yellow flowers.
- Size: 2–5 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Extremely drought tolerant
- Bonus: Attracts pollinators
Chihuahuan Rain Sage (Leucophyllum varieties)
A compact shrub with silvery foliage and purple blooms triggered by humidity.
- Size: 3–5 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Drought tolerant; deep, infrequent watering
- Best For: Classic desert landscapes
Chuparosa (Justicia californica)
A hummingbird favorite with red-orange tubular flowers.
- Size: Up to 4 feet tall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Low water needs
- Bonus: Native desert plant
Coral Fountain / Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)
A cascading shrub covered in red tubular blooms.
- Size: 3–5 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun to light shade
- Water: Low water once established; blooms best with occasional deep watering
- Best For: Containers, slopes, softening walls
Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata)
An iconic desert evergreen known for its resilience.
- Size: Up to 8 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Extremely drought resistant
- Bonus: Signature desert fragrance after rain
Desert Milkweed (Asclepias subulata)
A native milkweed with upright stems and creamy blooms.
- Size: 3–4 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Very low water use
- Bonus: Monarch host plant
Green Feathery Senna (Senna artemisioides)
A fast-growing shrub with feathery foliage and yellow flowers.
- Size: Up to 6 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Drought tolerant
- Best For: Adding soft texture
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)
A tough evergreen shrub valued for its durability.
- Size: Up to 6 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Minimal once established
- Bonus: Extremely desert hardy
Little Leaf Cordia (Cordia parvifolia)
An evergreen shrub with silvery leaves and white trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Size: 5 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Extremely drought tolerant
- Bonus: Blooms heavily in spring
Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana)
A large shrub or small tree with bright yellow blooms.
- Size: Up to 10 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Moderate to low once established
- Bonus: Long bloom season
Mexican Honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera)
A soft-textured shrub with bright orange flowers.
- Size: 3–4 feet tall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Low water once established; appreciates light summer irrigation
- Bonus: Excellent for hummingbirds
Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
A bold, heat-loving shrub with red, orange, and yellow blooms.
- Size: Up to 6 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Bonus: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)
A slow-growing shrub or small tree with fragrant purple flowers.
- Size: Up to 15 feet tall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Bonus: Highly ornamental and desert hardy
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)
A classic desert shrub with silver foliage and purple blooms.
- Size: Up to 5 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Very drought tolerant
- Bonus: Blooms after humidity and rain
Turpentine Bush (Ericameria laricifolia)
A compact shrub with fine foliage and bright yellow flowers.
- Size: About 3 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Extremely drought resistant
- Bonus: Late-season color
Grow Beautifully — Use Water Wisely
Low-water-use shrubs allow you to create a landscape that works with our Arizona climate, not against it. Once established, these plants require significantly less irrigation while still delivering color, texture, and year-round interest.
Visit your local SummerWinds Nursery to explore water-wise shrubs perfectly suited for desert living. Our Trusted Garden Advisors are happy to help you choose the right plants for your space.
