There are several varieties of flowering plants that will survive in the Arizona desert. Below are some ideas for flowering plants that will attract butterflies to your yard and provide summer long flowers and color.
Butterfly Mist is a low-growing, multi-stemmed shrub. It will grown 1′ high to 3′ wide. It has variable, round, ovate or heart-shaped leaves and produces light blue/purple clusters flowers throughout warm season. The blossoms will attract butterflies, bees, and birds. It becomes more twiggy with age and dies to ground in winter but quickly regrows in spring. Plant in full sun or part shade in Arizona. Water every week or more in extreme heat. Tolerates desert soils but appreciates improved garden soil. Cut back in in winter to ground to promote a rebound in spring.
Mexican Sunflower is a warm season annual that blooms from late summer to early fall with bright-orange or yellow flowers. The flowers provide hummingbirds and butterflies with energy rich nectar. Grows 5-6′ tall and 3-4′ wide. The leaves and stems are covered with soft fur. The numerous flower heads are brilliant red-orange similar to daisies or zinnias. Elevation 0-4800′. Likes sandy desert soils, hot sunny areas and good drainage. Water regularly but do not over water. Remove spent blooms, collect seeds for re-sowing in spring.
Desert 4 o’clock or Mirabilis Multiflora bush is a low-mounding, vigorous blooming plant. It is a perennial that grows 3-4′ wids and 12-24″ tall. It provides tons of magenta flowers from around spring to October. The flowers open at 4pm and stay open until morning. This plant will grow in almost any well-drained soil and likes the sun and heat. It can be planted in 2500-6500′ elevation.