Why July Planting Matters in the Phoenix Valley
July is one of the hottest and driest months in the Scottsdale-Phoenix area, but that doesn’t mean you need to press pause on your landscaping plans. In fact, with proper planning and the right plant selection, you can create a vibrant, thriving yard even in the height of summer. The key lies in choosing plants that are naturally adapted to desert climates, using smart planting practices, and caring for them diligently during their establishment period.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to successfully plant in July—from choosing the right time of day, to managing the rocky, clay-heavy soils found in much of Arizona, to preparing your landscape using decorative rock. We’ll also spotlight 10 to 15 of our top-selling, heat-loving plants available from the Three Timbers Shop, ensuring your landscape looks sharp and stays healthy all season long.
The Best Plants to Plant in July in Scottsdale-Phoenix
Heat tolerance and drought resistance are your best friends when it comes to mid-summer planting. When selecting plants for your Arizona landscape in July, look for species that are native or desert-adapted. These plants have evolved to withstand extreme heat, poor soil, and minimal rainfall.
Some of the most reliable and eye-catching options include:
- Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) – With striking red flower spikes that attract hummingbirds, this is a low-maintenance, architectural beauty.
- Lantana (Various Colors) – One of the most colorful groundcovers you can plant. Lantana handles heat like a champ and blooms almost nonstop.
- Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) – A true Arizona native, this plant provides bright yellow blooms and needs minimal water.
- Agave (Multiple Varieties) – Agaves come in different shapes and sizes, all of which thrive in the desert heat with virtually no maintenance.
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) – This small tree features orchid-like flowers and can handle poor soil and extreme temperatures.
- Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla) – A compact shrub with unique, powder-puff pink flowers that draw pollinators.
- Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.) – An iconic desert cactus with showy flowers and edible fruit.
- Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) – This gray-green shrub explodes with purple blooms after monsoon rains.
- Palo Verde Tree (Parkinsonia spp.) – Arizona’s state tree, with green bark and yellow spring flowers. Provides light, filtered shade.
- Chuparosa (Justicia californica) – Great for xeriscaping, this plant adds red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds.
- Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) – A small shrub with daisy-like yellow flowers and fragrant foliage.
- Trailing Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’) – Not only aromatic but also drought-tolerant and evergreen.
- Bougainvillea (Dwarf Varieties) – Hardy flowering shrub with dramatic color.
- Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) – Adds texture and bold form to dry landscapes.
- Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota) – A native tree that provides beauty and shade.
All these plants are available through the Three Timbers Shop and have been chosen not only for their ability to thrive in Arizona’s unique conditions but also for their visual impact and ease of maintenance.
Soil Preparation in Arizona Yards
Much of the soil in Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix Valley is a combination of clay, sand, and caliche (a hardened calcium carbonate layer). This can present a challenge for planting unless you prepare properly.
To begin, it's crucial to break through any caliche layer, which can be accomplished using a pickaxe, digging bar, or by renting a jackhammer or auger from a local rental center. Once you’ve broken through the hardpan, amend the planting area by blending compost or organic matter into the hole. Be careful not to overdo it—a 20% compost blend is usually enough to improve drainage and nutrient content without shocking desert-adapted plants.
Forming a soil basin or berm around the plant will help water soak directly into the root zone, rather than running off. Pre-soaking the planting hole a day in advance can also give roots a much easier environment to settle into. This is especially helpful in compacted or sunbaked soils.
Using Decorative Rock as Mulch
In Arizona, bark mulch tends to break down too quickly and doesn’t fare well under the sun. That’s why most Scottsdale and Phoenix homeowners use decorative rock. It serves the same function as mulch—suppressing weeds, preserving moisture, and regulating soil temperature—while adding durability and visual appeal.
When using rock as mulch, make sure to keep it a few inches away from the plant’s base to prevent the sun-heated stones from scorching the plant stems. Landscape fabric should be laid beneath the rock to reduce weed intrusion and keep the rock in place during monsoon rains. Choose a rock size of 3/8" to 1/2" for most applications, and pick a color that complements your home or soil tones for aesthetic harmony. In sloped areas or zones that receive runoff, consider incorporating riprap or larger rock to stabilize the soil and guide water flow.
Planting Times and Tips for July
Timing is everything when planting during the hottest time of year. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal for both you and your plants. Temperatures are lower, which reduces transplant stress and makes the work more manageable.
We recommend planting between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM or between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. After planting, it’s essential to water the plant deeply to help it establish. Use a hose on a slow trickle for about 20-30 minutes or run a drip system long enough to fully soak the root zone. For newly planted trees, especially in monsoon season, ensure they are securely staked. The support should allow some movement, which encourages the tree to establish strong roots.
For more sensitive plants, providing temporary shade with cloth or planting near buildings can give them the protection they need until established. And of course, remember to hydrate yourself and take breaks if you're working in the heat.
Watering Schedule for New Plants
Even drought-tolerant plants need regular watering during the initial establishment period. Their watering requirements will taper off as they mature, but the early days are critical for setting deep roots.
For trees, aim to water every 1–2 days for the first two weeks. Shrubs should be watered every other day, and cacti or agaves can be watered every three to four days. Adjust your frequency based on your soil type and how quickly it dries out.
Most desert-adapted trees are considered established after about six to nine months, while shrubs take three to six months. Cacti and agaves establish even faster, often within two to three months. Once established, trees typically require water every 10 to 14 days, shrubs every 7 to 10 days, and cacti every 2 to 3 weeks in the summer.
Always water in the early morning when temperatures are lower and evaporation is minimal. During monsoon season, adjust based on rainfall and watch for signs of plant stress like wilting or leaf discoloration.
Post-Planting Seasonal Maintenance
After the hard work of planting is done, regular maintenance ensures your plants continue to thrive. Fertilizing is best done with a slow-release product applied in early fall and again in late winter. Avoid fertilizing during the peak of summer, as this can stress heat-sensitive plants.
Pruning should be strategic. Wait until flowering shrubs have finished blooming before trimming them. You can lightly prune throughout the year to remove dead or overgrown branches and shape the plant as needed. Be careful not to prune too much during the hottest months, as this can expose inner foliage to sunburn.
Weeds can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Use pre-emergents in early spring and fall to reduce germination and manually pull or spot-spray any that appear. During monsoon season, check staked trees to make sure they’re secure and upright. Examine your drip irrigation system for damage, and ensure storm runoff isn’t causing erosion or standing water near plants.
Tools, Resources, and Support from Three Timbers
At Three Timbers, we don’t just sell plants—we’re here to walk alongside you in the entire process. That starts with curating a plant selection specifically chosen for the Scottsdale and Phoenix climates. Every plant on our site is well-suited to the heat and low-water conditions of the desert Southwest.
We offer fast, reliable plant delivery across the Valley and back it up with real customer support. Whether you’re wondering about your watering schedule, trying to identify a pest, or looking to troubleshoot soil problems, you can reach out to our team anytime. We also provide detailed planting and watering guides for every plant in our shop.
And as a bonus, if you're already a landscaping or maintenance client, you're eligible for 50% off plants through the Three Timbers Shop. It’s our way of saying thanks and helping you create a thriving landscape.
Make Your Landscape Thrive in July
Landscaping in July may seem daunting in the Scottsdale-Phoenix area, but with the right strategy, it’s a great time to establish lasting beauty in your yard. Selecting plants that love the heat, preparing your soil properly, planting at the right time, and caring for your new additions diligently can result in a landscape that’s both low-maintenance and full of color.
By choosing Three Timbers Shop, you're getting high-quality plants delivered straight to your door, along with the expert guidance and resources to make your installation a success. We’re here to help every step of the way—from the first shovel in the ground to the day your plants are fully thriving.
Visit Three Timbers Shop today to get started. Let’s make your desert landscape thrive—even in July.