Desert/Xeriscape Garden Ideas for Albuquerque, New Mexico
Native plants from the Colorado Plateau shrublands (Zone 7b)
USDA Zone 7b
Hardiness zone for Albuquerque
Colorado Plateau shrublands
Native ecoregionWhy Desert/Xeriscape Gardens in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque, NM's arid climate makes xeriscaping not just a style choice, but a practical necessity. Desert gardens in Zone 7b showcase the dramatic beauty of succulents, cacti, and other drought-adapted plants that thrive with minimal irrigation.
Featured Trees & Shrubs for Desert/Xeriscape Gardens
See all 25 plants
Apache Plume
Fallugia paradoxa
Native shrub that grows to 6 feet, white blooms in summer. Attracts butterflies.
Cliff Fendlerbush
Fendlera rupicola
Native shrub that grows to 5 feet, white blooms in spring. Pollinator-friendly.
Cliffrose
Purshia mexicana
Native shrub that reaches 8 feet tall, yellow blooms in spring. Attracts butterflies.
New Mexico Privet
Forestiera neomexicana
Native shrub that reaches 10 feet tall, green blooms in spring. Pollinator-friendly.
Featured Grasses & Groundcovers for Desert/Xeriscape Gardens
Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon
This turfgrass compact and green blooms in summer. Drought-tolerant.
St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum
This turfgrass compact and green blooms in summer. Brown fall color.
Featured Flowers & Perennials for Desert/Xeriscape Gardens
Banana Yucca
Yucca baccata
Native flower that compact, white blooms in spring. Attracts hummingbirds.
Beargrass
Nolina microcarpa
Native flower that compact, white blooms in summer. Drought-tolerant.
Water Fern
Azolla filiculoides
This aquatic compact and blooms in none. Deer-resistant.
Ghost Plant
Graptopetalum paraguayense
This succulent compact and yellow,white blooms in spring. Attracts hummingbirds.
Bloom Calendar for Albuquerque
spring
Banana Yucca, Cliff Fendlerbush, Cliffrosesummer
Beargrass, Apache Plume, Bananafall
Rubber Rabbitbrushwinter
Limited bloomsDesign Tips for Zone 7b
- Choose plants rated for Zone 7b or colder to ensure winter survival
- Group plants with similar water needs for efficient irrigation
- Include native plants from the Colorado Plateau shrublands for best results
Desert/Xeriscape Design Gallery for Albuquerque
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