Need some good ideas of plants to buy !?
Question:hi there, so i live in las vegas and it gets hot here i want to plant some stuff and need to know whats good for this type of climate! something that obviously likes heat and such i have 4 giant barrels i will also use ( they look like cut in half whiskey barrels) i like ( dont know how to spell it) bouchonvillia's do they do well??
Answers:
its Bougainvillea , As a profuse bloomer, Bougainvillea is most striking during the winter, when it is at its peak and few other plants are able to provide color. Although it is frost-sensitive and hardy in zones 9b and 10, Bougainvillea can be used as a houseplant or hanging basket in cooler climates. In the landscape, it makes an excellent hot season plant, and its drought tolerance makes Bougainvillea ideal for warm climates year-round. Native to the coasts of Brazil, Bougainvillea has a high salt tolerance, which makes it a natural choice for south Florida and other coastal regions
Nevertheless, hot deserts are home to some striking plants and a fragile and beautiful ecosystem. The following are a few of the most popular:
Agaves come in a variety of types, colors, and sizes. The larger plants are extremely beautiful and provide an architectural character. They like a well-drained soil and are suitable as a container plant. If planting in a landscape, plant in the transitional zone between desert and oasis. Most varieties do well where there is 3 or more inches of rain a year.
Bird of paradise is a South African native that has striking flowers and attractive leathery, paddle-shaped leaves. Planted on an east side out of the hottest sun and wind, it should do well. It's also grown in containers for patios or porches.
Mesquite is a fast growing tree which is both relatively undemanding and provides good shade on a minimal amount of water. Other than the fall litter of seed pods in the fall and invasive roots (avoid planting near water sources like plumbing lines) they are handsome and very characteristic of North American deserts.
Rosemary is a Mediterranean native, but adapts well to hot, dry climates. It comes in both shrub and creeping forms, has tiny, light blue flowers, and as an herb, can be used in cooking. It has a pungent scent.
Aloes are succulents that do well in a desert setting. They aren't natives, but they are durable, and come in many different varieties. Aloe vera provides a cool liquid that soothes the pain from minor burns, however some aloes are poisonous. They prefer a filtered light and often do well in pots on a protected patio or on the east side of buildings.
Ocotillo is spiny plant with a vertical habit of tall canes. It has interesting bright red inflorescences at the end of each cane when it blooms from spring through early summer. It leafs out after rainstorms, but is otherwise leafless.
Creosote bush may be grown from seed. It's a tough plant and especially well adapted to the hot desert. It's unprepossessing shape and form don't particularly endear it to many people, but it has a wonderful smell that is characteristic of the desert after a rainstorm. If you love the desert, you probably love the scent this plant emits.
Desert willow is another native with an upright habit that grows quickly and has long, pointed, grey-green leaves and pretty lavender flowers, which resemble orchids that bloom almost all summer.
Cacti come in many distinctive types and sizes from the little hedgehog to the saguaro. One way or another, cacti have spines and you probably won't pick them for a bouquet, when they bloom they have remarkable flowers that are very beautiful. There are so many different types of cacti that whole books are devoted them. Many homeowners cultivate cactus gardens.
Desert spoon is a neat plant that has a wonderful shape. It has long, thin serrated leaves that spiral out from a tight center.
Yuccas, like many desert plants, come in a variety of sizes and shapes including the Joshua trees of the Mohave. To discourage poaching, some yuccas and saguaro cactus require plant tags to prove that they were legally acquired. Yuccas are tolerant and easy to grow as long as they have good drainage.
You will have to decide things like amount of sun, shade, available water, etc...
Try your local nursery. Generally, you can get just about anything to grow, someplace, it just depends on the amount of work you want to put into the project, short term, and long term.
Go around your neighborhood, and see what else is growing in your neighbors yards, and note sun/shade exposure, flowering plants, etc...
I suggest purple and white vinca (periwinkle) and shade flowers . and if that does not work I would try cactis they work great in heat if dessert cactis
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