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Perennial Herbs and Ground Covers for Your Southwest Garden

agriscaping-herbs-designing elegant edible landscapes

Are you ready to take your garden to the next level this fall with perennial herbs and ground covers? These plants are the perfect choices for most Arizona or Desert Southwest Gardens. In this post, we’ll explore several herb and ground cover options that thrive in the heat and handle dry conditions well. We’ll also give you tips on growing strawberries, so you can enjoy fresh fruit from your garden this season.

Perennial herbs and ground covers in a garden

Why Perennial Herbs and Ground Covers?

Perennial herbs and ground covers are perfect for desert gardening. They are low-maintenance and, once established, come back year after year. With water being a precious resource in Arizona, these plants can thrive without constant attention. Many perennial herbs also offer benefits beyond beauty, such as culinary uses or attracting pollinators.

Great Perennial Herbs for Desert Gardens

You want herbs that can survive hot summers and cold winters. Here are some of the best options for the desert Southwest:

1. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary is a hardy, aromatic herb that loves the heat. It needs little water and can handle full sun. Plant it in well-draining soil, and it will thrive year after year. Rosemary is perfect for cooking. Add it to meats, potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a savory twist.

bi-colored thyme plant

2. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is another excellent herb for your garden. It grows well in hot, dry conditions and spreads as a low-growing ground cover. Thyme needs well-drained soil and full sun. You can use thyme in soups, stews, and marinades. It also makes a great garnish for fish or chicken dishes.

3. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

lavender with a bee

Oregano is a flavorful herb that loves desert conditions. It’s a hardy perennial that needs little water and thrives in the heat. It grows as a small, bushy plant and is perfect for adding to Mediterranean dishes like pizza, pasta, and sauces.

4. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is known for its lovely fragrance and beautiful flowers. It’s a drought-tolerant herb that does well in Arizona gardens. Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can use lavender flowers to make essential oils, add to tea, or infuse into bath products for a relaxing experience.

5. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is a versatile herb with both culinary and medicinal uses. It’s drought-tolerant and loves full sun. Sage pairs well with poultry dishes and can be used in stuffings and soups. It also has beautiful gray-green leaves that add texture to your garden.

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Great Ground Covers for Arizona Gardens

Ground covers not only fill in spaces but also help with erosion control, moisture retention, and weed suppression. These low-growing plants can handle the hot and dry climate of the desert Southwest.

1. Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)

Desert Marigold is a cheerful, drought-tolerant plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom almost year-round. It thrives in the intense heat and full sun of the Southwest. Once established, Desert Marigold requires very little water, making it a great choice for low-water landscapes. Its vibrant blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Perennial Herbs and Ground Covers rosemary

2. Creeping Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’)

Creeping rosemary is a spreading variety of rosemary that makes a great ground cover. Like its upright cousin, it thrives in the heat and requires little water. This plant is perfect for covering slopes or cascading over walls. It works great in containers. Plus, you can still harvest it for culinary use!

3. Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis)

This trailing variety of lantana grows close to the ground and produces purple or white flowers. It’s ideal for hot, sunny areas in your garden. Trailing lantana is drought-tolerant and blooms throughout the year. It’s great for planting along borders or in containers.

Perennial Herbs and Ground Covers delosperma

4. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)

Ice plant is a succulent ground cover with bright, daisy-like flowers. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and requires very little water. The plant spreads quickly, making it an excellent choice for ground cover. The unique texture and bright blooms make ice plant a standout in any garden.

5. Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae)

Dymondia is a low-growing, silver-green ground cover that works well in hot, dry climates. It can handle full sun and poor soil, making it a great choice for Arizona gardens. Dymondia also tolerates light foot traffic, so it’s perfect for filling in between stepping stones or garden paths.

Perennial Herbs and Ground Covers strawberry plants

Perennial Herbs and Ground Covers: Strawberries Work Well

You might think strawberries don’t belong in the desert. But with the right care, you can grow them successfully in Arizona. Here are a few tips to get started this fall:

Choose the Right Variety

Look for everbearing varieties, which produce fruit throughout the growing season. Some good options for Arizona include Albion and Seascape. These varieties tolerate heat and can keep producing fruit even as temperatures rise.

Plant in Containers or Raised Beds

Perennial Herbs and Ground Covers strawberry plant

Strawberries need well-drained soil. Planting them in containers or raised beds can help control soil conditions. Make sure the soil is rich in organic matter, like compost or manure, to provide the nutrients strawberries need.

Water Regularly, but Don’t Overwater

Strawberries like consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water deeply, but let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Mulch around your strawberry plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Provide Afternoon Shade

Arizona’s sun can be intense. To protect your strawberry plants, give them a spot where they’ll get afternoon shade. This will help prevent sunburn on the leaves and fruit.

Perennial Herbs and Ground Covers Make Great Garden Plants

Perennial herbs and ground covers are a smart choice for any Arizona garden. With the right plants, you can create a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape that adds beauty and function to your outdoor space. Whether you’re growing herbs for cooking or ground covers to fill in bare spots, these plants will thrive in the desert. Don’t forget to sign up for the October 26 workshop to get even more tips and advice!

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