Prime home garden planting time extends into mid-November. Nurseries are loaded with fresh plants in containers, flats, and pots. New plants can develop roots when the soil is still warm before cooler air temps in late fall and winter slow plant growth.
Need ideas?
Desert Horticultural Society has developed a series of handy charts that list common plants found in the Coachella Valley.
Here are samples:
Low water needs
Trees: Acacia, Mesquite, Palo Verde
Shrubs: Brittlebush, Cassia, Coral Fountain
Cactus & Succulents: Agave, Desert Spoon, Paddle Cactus
Medium water needs
Trees: Olive, Palms, Pepper Tree,
Shrubs: Bougainvillea, Bird of Paradise, Lantana
Perennials: African Daisy, Lily of the Nile, Sage
High Water Plants
Trees & Shrubs: Crape Myrtle, Indian Laurel, Pink Powder Puff
Annuals: Geranium, Petunia, Zinnia
Fruit trees & Vegetables: Citrus, Grapes, Tomato
For the complete lists: Click on Desert Gardening Resources at
deserthorticultralsociety.org.
For more plant choices: Try “Lush and Efficient: Desert-Friendly Landscaping in the Coachella Valley.” It lists more than 300 plants with over 800 photos. You can search by several dozen categories. You can pick up a copy of the 160-page book at CVWD’s Coachella office at 50-501 Tyler St., or CVWD’s Palm Desert office at 75-525 Hovley Lane East (same building where you pay your bill). You can also find the book at CVWD.org/conservation for PDF download.