Which plants to grow in your garden in UAE summers and winters
It’s no secret that the UAE has a tropical climate characterised by hot, scorching summers and pleasantly sunny winters. That being the case, you need to choose plants that can flourish in these weather conditions and not those which will swiftly head to the big garden up there in the sky! So, if you’re thinking of sprucing up your garden, balcony or patio, our list of the best UAE garden plants for summer and winter has got you covered.
BEST PLANTS TO GROW IN YOUR GARDEN IN UAE SUMMERS
FLAME TREE
Want to add a pop of colour to your garden? Pick the flame tree. It comes with sprouting red, yellow or orange flowers and is usually grown in hot temperatures. There are no limitations to growing these plants in your garden, as they can be easily cultivated in various types of soils whether it’s loamy or sandy.
Once the sapling grows, it turns into a lush, dense tree with beautiful foliage. Standing at a height of up to 12 metres, it makes for the perfect shade. Make sure to take good care of it at the end of the summer as it usually loses its foliage in winter. If you want to propagate this plant, soak its seeds in hot water and continue planting.
PLUMERIA/FRANGIPANI
Another tree that you can easily grow in the UAE garden is plumeria (known as frangipani). With its dark-green leaves and stunning white and yellow flowers, it adds a touch of elegance to your beautiful garden. Plumeria also has a sweet fragrance!
Growing it is pretty easy. All you need to do is plant it in a place where it receives direct sunlight. Unlike many other plants, it blooms in well-drained soil and full sun. It can withstand drought. You can ensure its propagation from germinated seeds (aseptically) and large, elongated stems.
TROPICAL HIBISCUS
Do you know tropical hibiscus can grow in sand? Well, that’s what makes it an ideal addition to your garden! You can grow it in either as a shrub in the open or in a pot. If you’re planting it in a pot, make sure to prune its roots after every three years. Also, keep an eye out for pesky pests like spider mites and thrips as they can cause a bud drop preceded by the yellowing of flowers.
You must also note that while the hibiscus is easily grown in full sun, it is better to keep it in partial shade amid hot and dry climates. Tropical hibiscus needs at least four to five hours of bright sunlight. After that duration, you can keep it in the shade. Make sure to protect it from strong winds.
DATE PALMS
Date palms…need we say more? Date palms are prevalent across all cities of the UAE. You can’t imagine the UAE without date palms – they have long been a major part of the traditional Bedouin lifestyle in the country! These scented trees make up to 6% of the global date production.
If you’re thinking to introduce date palms into your garden, analyse your space. They need A LOT of room as a single palm can spread across four to six metres! You can cultivate them individually like the majority of other plants or by clumping their stems together.
BOUGAINVILLAEA/PAPERFLOWER
Bougainvillaea are perfect for adding colour to your verdant garden. Characterised by brightly coloured bracts in pink, white, orange and red, they can quickly grow up to 12 metres tall.
They are most suited for the UAE gardens as they can flourish in dry soil and direct sunlight, with little water. Their tenacity for growth depends upon the variety. Bougainvillaea can easily spread with tip cuttings.
Other good UAE summer plants include:
- Yellow trumpet flower: It has bright golden yellow flowers in the shape of a trumpet, making it tolerant to droughts.
- Mother’s tongue: It has pale yellow flowers with large pods, comprising up to 12 seeds. It can grow up to 30-metres tall.
- Damas tree: It sheds flowers, leaves and seeds so proceed with care.
If you’re growing plants in the summer, here are some gardening tips that might come in handy while planting in the UAE’s hot weather.
BEST PLANTS TO GROW IN YOUR GARDEN IN WINTERS
CYCLAMEN
With a sweet scent and small blooms, cyclamen is a garden-friendly plant. It does best with indirect light and cool temperatures. You can think of growing it in your garden right after the summer.
Cyclamen is available in multiple shades but the most popular of them is purple. This is a petite, delicate flowering plant. If you’re planting it in your garden, make sure to water it properly and fertilise it after every month.
WITCH HAZEL
Want to grow plants that are pest-resistant and maintenance-free? Grow witch hazel. With colourful, scented flowers and deciduous shrubs, witch hazel is a winter-friendly plant that ensures your garden is a pretty sight to behold in the cold season.
They grow well either full sun and partial shade. Witch hazels don’t require too much work, just water them regularly and use acidifying fertilisers as they can be sensitive to droughts.
HELLEBORE
Hellebore, fondly known as ‘Christmas rose’, is the star of winter. They will grow through winter in rich, well-drained soil, amidst the partial shade of sunlight and add a cheerful burst of colour to your gardens.
With hellebore, you need to be particularly careful not to over-water them. Water them only during the dry periods. Make sure to mulch their leaves and chip barks to ensure the longevity of the plant.
CAMELLIA
Camellia is another plant that can spruce up the look of your garden. It symbolises love and affection with its delicate white, pink and red flowers!
Camellias are evergreen and should be planted in rich soil. Their roots are shallow and need to be watered properly during the first few years to prevent drying.
SNOWDROP
The last entry on our list of UAE garden plants for summer and winter is the snowdrop. As the name suggests, snowdrops grow in cold weather conditions. They comprise small bulbs that dry out easily. The best way to go about growing snowdrops is to plant them the moment you purchase them.
Snowdrops don’t require too much care and attention as they are pest-free. They multiply by new bulbs getting attached to the mother bulb and subsequently growing densely as time passes.
Looking for more options? Grow these winter-friendly plants to grow in the UAE:
- Alyssum: It is a low-growing plant with white flowers and a sweet fragrance.
- Hollyhocks/Holly: This grows on rigid, towering spines.
- Petunia*: They are perennials that come in multiple colours. They’re bright and airy…quite unlike Harry Potter’s aunt! (Pun intended).
*There are quite a few types of petunia.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF PERENNIALS?
Most perennials are adaptable; however, there are a few things that you must take care of when growing plants in your garden.
- Ensure plants receive optimum sunlight.
- Don’t clump them together. Spread and add them close to the seasonal plants.
- Cultivate plants with similar requirements together.
- Fast-growing creepers such as rangoon must be placed near a hard surface, like a trellis, fence or wall.
- Water and fertilise perennials when they become dormant.
- Prune plants six weeks before the flowering season, not during the season.
- Grow shoots during late March.
- Take extra care of your perennials during cold weather. Here are a few dos and don’ts of winter gardening in Dubai.
- A pro tip: Make a list of the UAE garden plants for summer and winter so you are aware of the specific requirements of each.
FAQs ABOUT PLANTS TO GROW IN YOUR GARDEN IN UAE SUMMERS AND WINTERS AND MORE
WHAT PLANTS CAN BE GROWN ON A BALCONY IN DUBAI?
You can grow begonias, herbs and chrysanthemums in your balcony in Dubai.
WHERE TO BUY OUTDOOR PLANTS IN THE UAE/DUBAI FOR SUMMER AND WINTER?
There are several plant nurseries in Dubai, including Dubai Garden Centre and Wahat Al Sahraa Nursery. From common varieties of plants to exotic blooms, you can find several types of foliage here. If you want to shop without stepping out of your home, try these online places to buy plants in Dubai.
That brings an end to our guide on the best UAE garden plants for summer and winter. If you’re fond of plants, you can also think of growing a vegetable garden in your home. These tips on growing a vegetable garden in Dubai might come in handy.
Do you have plants on your balcony? If not, plant some fresh herbs on your balcony.
For more updates and tips about gardening and beyond, stay tuned to MyBayut.