Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert
Grasses
Ornamental grasses add a softening element and motion to your landscape, especially when planted next to boulders or other hard surfaces. The color and form of grasses change through the year, creating seasonal interest, and birds are attracted to seed-laden spikes after the bloom period. Many types of ornamental grass are excellent for revegetation; however, some can reseed in landscapes. Watering with drip irrigation will generally eliminate or minimize reseeding. Ornamental grasses should be watered, as you would groundcovers, not grass lawns. Rejuvenate their growth by cutting them back close to the ground every one to three years.