Plants potted that do well in desert climate

We live in Phoenix, AZ.... potted stuff does well in the summer if watered every or every other day.. and it has to be in a good sized pot (15 gallon or so) otherwise it dries out too fast (we water just before sunset) and most stuff does better if it is shaded from about noon on...

We have cactus in pots: prickly pear, barrel, and agave, also aloe (out grows pots really fast). Lantana, Petunias, Bougainvillea, Statice (Seafoam) hold up to the sun and heat... but need to be covered if frost or freezing is predicted.

Roses do well summer and winter... but need a really BIG pot (we used the 3-ft horse tanks or 55 gallon plastic drums) we have done well with citrus trees in large containers (... but again... in the summer they need watering, at least every other day

Check around at LOCAL nurseries... they sell stuff that is locally grown so it holds up to the temperatures better that stuff brought in from places like California or Florida... where the temps are not as extreme)

I love geraniums... but they die back in the summer

what specific location, what works for AZ may not work for you

Dessert Rose

To stay healthy and beautiful as mine I take them inside if ttemp will be in the 30s here. This plant originates in India I believe.

I live in Tucson. If you plant in pots, you need to water every day after temps get above 90. If they're planted in the ground, they still need water daily. When it's over 100, I water early morning and at sunset. I plant a variety of plants as most don't bloom year-round. Vinca are wonderful and bloom the longest in my yard. Zinnias are wonderful from spring through November. Zinnias also attract butterflies and hummers. Geraniums are great in cooler weather. Salvia and snapdragon also holds up well year-round. Hybiscus needs to be protected in cold. If you're looking to plant shrubs to bloom, I suggest Tecoma Stans (AZ yellow bells or orange jubilee) Mexican Bird of Paradise sprawls, but both attracts butterflies and hummers. Talk with your local nursery. They'll know what grows well in your area and what needs to be protected in winter.

You should be fine with desert rose. Just shelter it close to building. They just take longer to recoup after being exposed to cold temps.