• Date palms grow well throughout Phoenix.Carlos Dominguez/Pixland/Getty Images
  
  Located in the northern portion of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix is characterized by a hot, dry climate. There are many plants well adapted to the desert environment, requiring little care that provide color as well as shade to your landscape. In addition to saving you money on your water bill, using desert plants also provides habitat for desert wildlife.
  
  

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)

• The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the largest-growing plants in Phoenix. Date palms are evergreen, and a mature plant can grow more than 100 feet tall. Date palms have a large crown of pinnate leaves and produce numerous fruits called dates. Palms usually take 5 to 7 years before they begin to produce fruit, according to Purdue University. Date palms require full sunlight and grow best in sandy, well-drained soils. Date palms are easily propagated by seed, but seedling should be kept moist to establish a healthy root system.
  
  

Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

• The red bird of paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is one of the easiest plants to grow in Phoenix, according to Phoenix Tropicals. The plant is covered with bright-red flowers throughout summer. The plant has a shrub-like growth pattern with leaves resembling those of ferns. The bird of paradise grows readily in full sunlight and dry condition and is requires little care after planting.
  
  

Prickly Pear Cactus (Oppuntia)

• The prickly pear (Oppuntia) is a common desert cactus in Phoenix. Prickly pears have large. oval-shaped pads that grow on top of one another. Like other cacti, prickly pears are covered by numerous large spines. Prickly pears produce a edible fruit, commonly referred to as an Indian fig, according to Desert USA. Prickly pears may grow up to 7 feet tall depending on the species and environmental conditions. All prickly pears produce brightly colored flowers and grow easily on their own without additional care.