What to Plant in February in Phoenix

Spring planting starts in February. Local nurseries use Valentine's Day as the safe start, since the frost risk usually ends around mid-month. From the 15th on, it is a good time to plant frost-tender shrubs like Orange Jubilee and yellow bells. Hardy trees and shrubs still plant well, and perennials planted now settle in before summer. Summer starts in May here, so plants going in now get about three months to root before the heat. Some cold nights still come in February, so keep frost cloth handy for anything just planted. Water new plants every 3 to 4 days for the first two weeks, then stretch it out.

In February

• Plant frost-tender shrubs in the second half of the month.
• Trim frost damage in late February or early March. Scratch a stem first, since green under the bark means it is alive.
• Check drip lines for freeze cracks and leaks before it warms up.
• On a frost night, cover new plantings before sundown and take the cover off in the morning.

Best choices to plant in February

Most plants can go in the ground in most months with the right care. These are the ones that do best when planted in February. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.

Trees for February planting

• Fruitless Olive Tree
• Hong Kong Orchid Tree
• Southern Live Oak
• Texas Mountain Laurel
• Evergreen Elm
• Ironwood
• Mastic Tree
• Native Mesquite

Shrubs for February planting

• Green Hopseed
• Orange Jubilee Bush
• Orange Jubilee Staked
• Purple Hopseed
• White Iceberg Rose
• Yellow Bells
• Photinia

Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for February planting

• Blue Elf Aloe

Perennials and groundcovers for February planting

• Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue'

Ornamental grasses for February planting

• Regal Mist (Pink Muhly Grass), one of its best months

Vines for February planting

• Cat Claw Vine

Fruit and citrus trees for February planting

• Wonderful Pomegranate, one of its best months

When does spring planting start in Phoenix?

Spring planting starts in mid-February here. Valentine's Day is the date most Valley nurseries use, because the frost risk usually ends around then.

When can I plant lantana and bougainvillea?

Spring is the ideal time, from mid-February on, and April is a classic month for them. If you plant one in fall, cover it on freeze nights.

When should I plant a citrus tree?

Late February through April is the main window, and fall planting works as well. Cover young trees on frost nights.

How do I know if a frozen plant is dead?

Scrape a little bark off a stem. Green underneath means it is alive. If it is dry and brown, cut back to where the green starts.