Hardy trees and shrubs still plant well in December. They grow roots through the mild winter before summer. Bare-root trees start showing up at nurseries late in the month. A freeze can come any night from now until about Valentine's Day. Spring is the ideal time for frost-tender plants like bougainvillea and lantana. If you plant one now, cover it on freeze nights. Cactus and agave root slowly in cold soil, so spring suits them better. New plants need much less water now. Water every 3 to 4 days for the first two weeks, then stretch it to every week or two as roots grow.
In December
- Cover frost-tender plants before sundown on freeze nights, and take the cover off once it warms up.
- Cap the tips of tender column cactus with foam cups or paper bags when a freeze is forecast.
- Leave frost-burned growth on until spring. Pruning now pushes new growth the next frost can hit.
- Turn the drip way down, or off after a good winter rain.
Best choices to plant in December
Most plants can go in the ground in most months with the right care. These are the ones that do best when planted in December. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Trees for December planting
- Fruitless Olive Tree
- Southern Live Oak
- Texas Mountain Laurel
- Evergreen Elm
- Mastic Tree
- Native Mesquite
- Italian Cypress
- Chitalpa
- Bubbalicious Desert Willow
Shrubs for December planting
Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for December planting
Perennials and groundcovers for December planting
Ornamental grasses for December planting
Vines for December planting
Fruit and citrus trees for December planting
Can you plant in December in Phoenix?
Yes, hardy trees and shrubs plant well, and bare-root trees arrive late in the month. Spring suits frost-tender plants and cactus better.
What plants need frost protection in Phoenix?
Young and potted plants first, then frost-tender shrubs like bougainvillea, lantana and yellow bells, plus lemon and lime trees.
How do I cover plants for frost?
Use frost cloth, old sheets or burlap, never plastic. Drape it to the ground before sundown and take it off the next morning.
Sedona, the Verde Valley and Globe (about 3,000 to 4,500 feet)
December is still a good month to plant hardy trees and shrubs, and to move dormant trees. Water new plants about once a week to every 2 weeks if there has been no rain or snow. Rooted trees and shrubs need about one deep watering a month, and cactus stay dry.
Best choices to plant in December
These plants we carry do well planted in December at this elevation. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Trees for December planting
Shrubs for December planting
Perennials and groundcovers for December planting
Vines for December planting
Ornamental grasses for December planting
Prescott, Chino Valley and Payson (about 4,500 to 6,000 feet)
Go easy on planting in December, since the ground can freeze by January. Trees that drop their leaves can still be moved while they are bare. In a dry winter, water evergreens about every 2 weeks and other trees and shrubs about once a month.
Flagstaff and Show Low (6,000 feet and up)
Mountain yards are done planting for the year. In dry spells with no snow, water rooted trees and shrubs about once a month, and never go longer than 4 to 6 weeks. Water early in the day so it soaks in before the night freeze.
Higher and cooler parts of Arizona this month
Towns above the Valley get colder winters, so planting times shift. Here is what changes this month.
Sedona, the Verde Valley and Globe (about 3,000 to 4,500 feet)
December is still a good month to plant hardy trees and shrubs, and to move dormant trees. Water new plants about once a week to every 2 weeks if there has been no rain or snow. Rooted trees and shrubs need about one deep watering a month, and cactus stay dry.
Prescott, Chino Valley and Payson (about 4,500 to 6,000 feet)
Go easy on planting in December, since the ground can freeze by January. Trees that drop their leaves can still be moved while they are bare. In a dry winter, water evergreens about every 2 weeks and other trees and shrubs about once a month.
Flagstaff and Show Low (6,000 feet and up)
Mountain yards are done planting for the year. In dry spells with no snow, water rooted trees and shrubs about once a month, and never go longer than 4 to 6 weeks. Water early in the day so it soaks in before the night freeze.
Planning ahead or catching up? See what to plant in November and what to plant in January.
Just planted? See how to water new plants in Phoenix.
Cold night coming? See frost protection for Valley yards: which plants need covering, how to cover them and what to do after a freeze.