Echinocactus grusonii :
Even cactus may get burnt, so be mindful! The cacti family, on the other hand, can provide enticing options if you tend to leave the nation during the summer or like exceptionally minimal maintenance plants. With little flowers blooming within the spikes, these thorny plants can nevertheless be attractive. The golden barrel cactus is native to the deserts of southwestern North America and can be found in abundance in the United Arab Emirates. It has a circular shape with noticeable "ribs" that are surrounded by long yellow spines. It can grow up to one meter in diameter. Bright yellow or orange blooms bloom on the top of the cactus in April, but only after a few years — they can survive for over a century, so you'll get to watch multiple cycles during their lives. They also produce small pineapple-shaped fruits that aren't really tasty – they're dry and bitter, and best left to the birds. The golden barrel cactus (also known as Mexican barrel cactus) is particularly appealing when planted in groups, lending a spiky punch to a rockery.
TO BUY : Echinocactus grusonii
Hibiscus :
Hibiscus, which are known for their enormous, beautiful blooms, will give a touch of tropical flavor to your garden. Buy or plant one in a pot to enjoy all year and move it around to its optimal place as the seasons change. Hibiscus prefers warm, humid weather with at least six hours of direct sunlight. For optimal blooms, water frequently and apply a high potassium fertilizer in the summer. Water only when the soil is dry in cooler weather. This one is said to bloom for years and requires very little upkeep.
TO BUY : Hibiscus
Plumeria :
This tree, together with a palm, should be a must-have in any Gulf garden. It grows well in direct sunlight, tolerates drought and poor soil conditions, and is simple to cultivate from stem cuttings or aseptically germinated seeds. Simply plant a cut branch in soil, and it will grow quickly once rooted - you may need to prune it down after a few years, and you may replant or give the cuttings to a neighbor. Frangipani is a fragrant white, yellow, or pink flowering shrub or small tree that blooms largely in the winter.
TO BUY : Plumeria
Portulacaria afra :
The elephant bush, which is native to South Africa, prefers arid, rocky outcrops, and its drought resistance makes it a great plant for UAE gardens. This robust shrub will thrive in the desert heat and light once established. The elephant bush is a shrub or tree that grows to a height of 2.5 to 4.5 meters, with robust branches that produce a dense tangle of leaves that give useful shade. Propagate from cuttings, which root quickly in pots, and transplant to a bed or a larger pot once the plant has grown.
TO BUY : Portulacaria afra
Tradescantia pallida :
The purple heart, which is native to Mexico, thrives in hot, dry weather. However, it is a delicate perennial, so keep an eye on it during the hottest months; you may need to provide some shade or bring pots inside for a bit. Its deep purple color contrasts beautifully with other plants and is commonly used as groundcover and edging for borders and rockeries, while its downward trailing stems lend themselves well to hanging baskets; stems can trail up to 18 inches. Because the purple heart plant may become weedy, containers are a fantastic way to keep it from spreading and to provide a splash of color to a balcony. Cuttings are an easy way to reproduce this plant.
TO BUY : Tradescantia pallida
Tecoma stans :
This perennial shrub's vivid yellow trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in clusters throughout the winter. Its leaves will stay sprightly in the summer because it is a sun-loving plant with moderate resistance to salt and drought. It's a sturdy shrub that doesn't mind being planted in direct sunshine or near dusty roadsides in front of a house in a busy residential neighborhood. The yellow trumpet, also known as the yellow trumpetbush, yellow bells, yellow elder, or ginger-Thomas, can grow as a big shrub or a small tree with numerous stems to five meters tall. Instead of seeds from its bean-like pods, reproduce from cuttings for speedier results.
TO BUY : Tecoma stans
