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. Which is why you want to choose plants that can flourish in these weather conditions and not wilt away! 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 typically has red, yellow or orange flowers and can grow 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 by watering it every day. You can water it once a day during summer and once every two days in the winter.
PLUMERIA/FRANGIPANI
Plumeria, commonly known as frangipani, is one of the prettiest flowering plants which grows best in the UAE . 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!
To grow your frangipani, you can place it in direct sunlight. Unlike many other plants, it blooms in well-drained soil and full sun, with the ability to 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 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, look out for 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, in the UAE it is better to keep it in partial shade. Tropical hibiscus needs at least four to five hours of bright sunlight. After that duration, you can keep it in the shade. Ideally, you want to protect your hibiscus from harsh winds.
DATE PALMS
Date palms…need we say more? Date palms are prevalent across all cities of the UAE. They have long been a major part of the traditional Bedouin lifestyle and are one of the most popular plants that grow in the UAE! These scented trees make up to 6% of the global date production.
If you’re thinking of introducing 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 options for the best plants to grow in the UAE during the summer include:
- Yellow trumpet flower: It has bright golden yellow flowers in the shape of a trumpet, making it tolerant to droughts.
- Snake plant, or Mother-in-law’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 one of the flowering plants which grows best in the UAE. It does best in direct light and cool temperatures, which is why it’s better suited for winters.
Cyclamen is available in multiple shades but the most popular of them is pink. This is a petite, delicate flowering plant so make sure the soil is dry after your last watering before you water your plant. If you’re planting it in your garden, make sure to fertilise it with diluted liquid fertiliser after every month.
WITCH HAZEL
Want to grow plants that are pest-resistant and maintenance-free? Grow witch hazel. You can identify them with their spidery flowers and deciduous shrubs. They are not native to the UAE, but are winter-friendly and can be a pretty sight in your garden.
Once you’ve got your witch hazel seeds, make sure you place them in 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. You should also prune them regularly to ensure that they grow well.
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, with adequate shade to shield them from the sun. 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, subsequently growing dense 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.
- 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 is the best plant to grow in summer in the UAE?
Apart from the plants mentioned in this list, you can always grow succulents, as they require less maintenance and watering. Aloe veras and cactuses thrive in the summer.
What are the winter flowers in UAE?
Hellebore, snowdrop, zinnias, marigolds, cyclamen and winter jasmine are some of the winter flowers in the UAE.
WHAT PLANTS CAN BE GROWN ON A BALCONY IN DUBAI?
You can grow begonias, herbs and chrysanthemums on 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.
