What to Plant in March in Phoenix

March is one of the best months to plant in the Valley. Damaging frosts are over, the soil is warming, and new plants grow roots before the heat sets in. Trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, cactus and agave all plant well now. Frost-burned shrubs leaf out this month, so you can see what is alive before you trim. Spring planting leaves only a few months before summer, so plant early and keep up with water. Plants need more water as it warms up. New plants want water every few days at first, and every day or two once the 100s arrive. It is a good time to check the drip system before summer.

In March

• Trim frost damage now, back to where the bark shows green underneath.
• Plant a cactus with the same side facing south as it did at the nursery. Turning it can sunburn the shaded side.
• Wait about a week before giving a newly planted cactus its first water.
• Water more often as nights warm. Change how often the drip runs, not how long.

Best choices to plant in March

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

Trees for March planting

• Fruitless Olive Tree
• Hong Kong Orchid Tree
• Southern Live Oak
• Texas Mountain Laurel

Shrubs for March planting

• White Iceberg Rose, one of its best months
• Red Bird of Paradise, one of its best months
• Firecracker Plant (Coral Fountain), one of its best months
• Green Hopseed
• Orange Jubilee Bush
• Orange Jubilee Staked
• Purple Hopseed
• Yellow Bells

Cactus for March planting

• Spiral Cereus
• San Pedro
• Crested Blue Myrtle

Agaves for March planting

• Blue Glow Agave, one of its best months

Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for March planting

• Firestick Euphorbia

Perennials and groundcovers for March planting

• Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue'

Vines for March planting

• Cat Claw Vine

Fruit and citrus trees for March planting

• Wonderful Pomegranate

Is March a good time to plant in Phoenix?

Yes. It is one of the best months of spring. The soil is warm and the days are mild, so roots grow before summer.

Is it too late to plant trees in spring?

No, but sooner is better. Spring gives only a few months before summer, and the window closes as highs climb toward 105 in late April and May.

When is the best time to plant cactus in Phoenix?

Spring and early summer are best. Cactus root fastest when the soil is warm and slowest in winter.

When can I trim back frost damage?

In early March, once the last frost has passed. Cut back to live green wood.