June is the hardest month for new plants here. It is very hot and dry, and the monsoon has not started yet. Trees and most shrubs do better planted in fall. Palms are the exception, since they root best in warm soil. Cactus and agave planted in early summer also root quickly. Give them light shade cloth for the first few weeks so they do not sunburn. New plants need water every one to two days for the first two weeks. Check them every day for wilting and sunburn.
In June
- Water a new palm every day for the first two weeks, then about once a week, soaking about 2 feet deep.
- Run the drip long enough to reach about 2 feet for shrubs and 3 feet for trees. Push a soil probe in to check.
- Light thinning of a dense young tree before the monsoon lets wind pass through. Heavy thinning does more harm than good.
- Keep 30 to 40 percent shade cloth over anything just planted on the hottest afternoons.
Best choices to plant in June
Most plants can go in the ground in most months with the right care. These are the ones that do best when planted in June. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Trees for June planting
Cactus for June planting
- Spiral Cereus, one of its best months
- San Pedro, one of its best months
- Crested Blue Myrtle, one of its best months
- Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus, one of its best months
- Staghorn Cholla, one of its best months
- Purple Prickly Pear
- Indian Fig Prickly Pear
- Golden Barrel Clusters
Agaves for June planting
- Blue Glow Agave
- Parry's Agave
- Jet Tip Agave
- Queen Victoria Agave
- Agave chazaroi
- Blue Flame Agave
- Foxtail Agave
Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for June planting
Palms for June planting
- Mexican Fan Palm, one of its best months
- Mediterranean Fan Palm, one of its best months
- Pygmy Date Palm, one of its best months
Can you plant trees in the summer in Phoenix?
You can, but fall is the best time and spring is second. A tree planted in June needs water every day or two and close watching.
What can I plant in June in Phoenix?
Palms, cactus, agave and other heat-loving succulents do best. Palms root best in summer soil, and cactus root fastest in spring and early summer.
When does monsoon season start?
The official season runs June 15 to September 30. In recent years the storms have often started in early July.
Sedona, the Verde Valley and Globe (about 3,000 to 4,500 feet)
Best choices to plant in June
These plants we carry do well planted in June at this elevation. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Shrubs for June planting
Cactus for June planting
Agaves for June planting
Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for June planting
Palms for June planting
- Mexican Fan Palm, one of its best months
- Mediterranean Fan Palm, one of its best months
- Pygmy Date Palm, one of its best months
- Pineapple Palm, one of its best months
- Pindo Palm, one of its best months
Ornamental grasses for June planting
Prescott, Chino Valley and Payson (about 4,500 to 6,000 feet)
June is the best month to plant cactus in the high desert, while the soil is warm. Warm-season grasses like blue grama and buffalo grass go in from June through August. New plants need water every 2 to 4 days the first two weeks, since summers here are milder.
Best choices to plant in June
These plants we carry do well planted in June at this elevation. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Shrubs for June planting
- Dwarf Elephant's Food, one of its best months
Cactus for June planting
- Spiral Cereus, one of its best months
- San Pedro, one of its best months
- Totem Pole major, one of its best months
- Crested Blue Myrtle, one of its best months
- Purple Prickly Pear, one of its best months
- Indian Fig Prickly Pear, one of its best months
Agaves for June planting
- Blue Glow Agave, one of its best months
- Parry's Agave, one of its best months
- Jet Tip Agave, one of its best months
- Queen Victoria Agave, one of its best months
- Agave chazaroi, one of its best months
- Blue Flame Agave, one of its best months
Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for June planting
- Firestick Euphorbia, one of its best months
- Beaked Yucca, one of its best months
- Blue Elf Aloe, one of its best months
- Red Yucca, one of its best months
- Malagasy Tree Aloe, one of its best months
- Euphorbia royleana, one of its best months
Palms for June planting
Ornamental grasses for June planting
Flagstaff and Show Low (6,000 feet and up)
June is dry and windy in the mountains, so wait for the summer rains to plant trees and shrubs if you can. Hardy cactus like prickly pear and hedgehog plant well from June through August.
Best choices to plant in June
These plants we carry do well planted in June at this elevation. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Cactus for June planting
Agaves for June planting
Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for June planting
Ornamental grasses for June planting
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.
Prescott, Chino Valley and Payson (about 4,500 to 6,000 feet)
June is the best month to plant cactus in the high desert, while the soil is warm. Warm-season grasses like blue grama and buffalo grass go in from June through August. New plants need water every 2 to 4 days the first two weeks, since summers here are milder.
Flagstaff and Show Low (6,000 feet and up)
June is dry and windy in the mountains, so wait for the summer rains to plant trees and shrubs if you can. Hardy cactus like prickly pear and hedgehog plant well from June through August.
Planning ahead or catching up? See what to plant in May and what to plant in July.
Just planted? See how to water new plants in Phoenix.