A Guide to Easy Desert Plants for Your Yard

Are you looking to add a touch of the desert into your yard but live in a temperate climate? Not to worry! There are plenty of desert plants that can thrive in a variety of landscapes, including the Northeast. Whether you’re interested in unique foliage or stunning flowers, there are many options to choose from. In this guide, we will explore 21 easy-to-grow desert plants that can give your yard that distinctive “desert” look.

Table of Contents

Bringing the Desert to Your Yard

You may be surprised to learn that many desert plants can thrive outside of their native environment. From prickly pear cacti to Peruvian apple cacti and everything in between, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some popular choices for adding a touch of the desert to your yard:

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia compressa)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 4 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus peruvianus)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 8 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Autumn Joy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium telephium ‘Herbstfreude’)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 3 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Autumn Charm Stonecrop (Hylotelephium ‘Autumn Charm’)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 3 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Dragon’s Blood Stonecrop (Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 3 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Black Rose Tree Houseleek (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 4 and up
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Height: Varies
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Adam’s Needle (Yucca filamentosa)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 5 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 6 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Century Plant (Agave americana)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 9 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Wax Agave (Echeveria agavoides)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 3 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Aloe Vera

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Rainbow Bitterroot (Lewisia cotyledon ‘Rainbow’)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 4 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Angelina Stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 3 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Annual
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Candelabra Cactus (Myrtillocactus cochal)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 9 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Pink Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Column Cactus (Pilosocereus royenii)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus or Ferocactus)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Cooper’s Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 5 and up
Color Varieties: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Benefits of Growing Desert Plants

Growing desert plants in your yard offers a range of benefits:

Low maintenance: Desert plants are typically low maintenance and require minimal watering.
Drought tolerance: Many desert plants are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for dry climates or water-restricted areas.
Unique aesthetics: Desert plants add a unique and striking look to your yard, with their interesting foliage and colorful flowers.
Wildlife attraction: Many desert plants attract pollinators and other wildlife to your yard, creating a vibrant ecosystem.

Tips for Growing Desert Plants

Here are some tips to help you successfully grow desert plants in your yard:

Choose the right plant for your climate: Make sure to select plants that are suitable for your USDA hardiness zone to ensure they thrive in your yard.
Provide adequate sunlight: Most desert plants require full sun to grow successfully, so make sure they receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
Use well-draining soil: Desert plants prefer soil that drains well to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Water sparingly: While desert plants are drought-tolerant, they still need some water to survive. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Protect from frost: If you live in a colder climate, consider growing desert plants in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter months.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving desert garden in your yard.

Conclusion

Adding desert plants to your yard is a great way to create a unique and visually appealing landscape. With a wide variety of options to choose from, you can easily find plants that suit your climate and preferences. Whether you’re looking for striking foliage, colorful flowers, or low-maintenance options, desert plants offer something for everyone. Consider incorporating some of these easy-to-grow desert plants into your yard to enjoy their beauty and benefits all year round.