Cactus can give that authentic touch of native dignity that seems to legitimize and complement Arizona desert landscapes. They make excellent specimen plants or striking accents. The Cactus family numbers over 2000 species. Typically cactus are devoid of leaves and have swollen stems, spines or scales. All cacti are native to the New World and are found from North America to the southern tip of South America. Transplanting is usually necessary since cacti seldom occur naturally in desired landscape locations. Although they can be transplanted year-round in southern Arizona’s lower elevations, quicker reestablishment can be expected from March through October. Warmer temperatures favor active root growth and, consequently, quicker establishment of the transplant.
Agaves are one of several types of “succulent” (high moisture content) plants. They typically have thick fleshy leaves and depending on the species may have numerous spines on the tips or margins of the leaves. Some may have no spines at all. The “century plant” is the most commonly grown in local landscapes; however, there are numerous other agaves equally appropriate and often more desirable for specific desert landscape use. Actually considerable variety in size, color and form are available within this interesting family of desert tolerant succulents. Many varieties of agave die soon after flowering, however, some varieties will produce offsets around the base of the original plant which will develop and replace the original plant. Some varieties such as Octopus agave (Agave vilmoriniana) produce small plants (bulbils) on the flower stalk; that can be removed and easily rooted.
Yuccas are also naturals for any Southwest desert scene. Their characteristic profiles offer aesthetic contrast when appropriately displayed in desert landscapes. Yuccas, unlike agaves will bloom year after year and the plant will not die after blooming. Many yuccas have sword-like leaves, and at maturity may either be small trunkless plants or have large stems or trunks. Here too, there is more variety than the average gardener would expect. Growth of yuccas occur at top and center of the plant. As their older leaves mature and hang downward, the plant depicts a rustic shaggy appearance
Ocotillo is another unique native desert plant that lends striking accent with its low-branching, leafy, whiplike canes topped with bright orange-red flowers. Ocotillos can grow to 15 feet in height and as wide. They are typically leafless most of the year, but profuse leafing of the canes follows periods of sufficient soil moisture. During periods of drought, these curious plants shed their leaves to reduce evaporative loss and conserve plant moisture. Widely adaptable to landscape use, ocotillos are right at home in the desert Southwest.
Transplanting of these desert plants can also be done year around with knowledgeable care, but greatest success is achieved during March through May. Transplant to the original growing depth and, as with cacti, in their original directional orientation. The original south side of the plant, which has become more heat and sunlight-resistant, should again face the hotter southern direction. Well drained sandy or gravelly loam soils with light to moderate amounts of organic content favor root development of these desert plants. To help prevent the newly transplanted ocotillo from falling over or blowing down in a storm, large stones may be placed over the root area (2-4 inches from the trunk). Sunny, open, unrestricted locations and those where surface water does not collect are best. Some degree of growth set-back is to be expected. Properly transplanted, however, natural desert plants reestablish themselves fairly successfully.