What actually thrives in Dubai.

The Dubai classic: sheets of magenta, coral, gold or white on sun-baked walls, standards and hedges. Blooms hardest with a little stress.

The UAE's national tree. Deep-rooted, evergreen and almost indestructible once established; beautiful filtered shade.

Instant landscape architecture. Thrives on heat and salt; establishes best when planted in the warmer months.

A heritage shade tree with dense canopy and small edible fruit. Very drought-tolerant once its roots find water.

Silvery leaves and sculptural trunks suit modern courtyards. Handles heat and poor soil with modest water.

Fragrant, sculptural flowers from late spring to autumn. Loves heat; keep it away from very cold winter draughts.

Intensely scented white flowers. Give it afternoon shade in peak summer and regular water.

Tough, colourful ground cover that keeps flowering through the hottest months and feeds butterflies.

Bold architectural rosettes with almost no water. Perfect for gravel beds and rock features. Mind the spikes near paths.

A fast, flowering evergreen screen for boundary walls. All parts are toxic. Keep it away from spots where children or pets chew plants.

Huge, tropical blooms for a lush look. Needs regular water and afternoon shade in summer.

Soft, movement-rich plumes that soften paving and walls. Heat-hardy and water-wise once established.