SOFTSCAPE

Ghaf Tree

We are having a closer look at the national tree of the United Arab Emirates which holds profound cultural significance for Dubai and the UAE - Prosopis cineraria, commonly known as Ghaf Tree. Cherished as a symbol of resilience and survival, the ghaf tree has been an integral part of Emirati heritage for centuries. It provided shade, food, and shelter to Bedouin communities, serving as a gathering place and a marker of settlements. The tree embodies the connection between the people and the desert environment, representing stability, peace, and the enduring spirit of the nation. In modern times, the ghaf tree continues to be a symbol of sustainability and environmental conservation efforts within the UAE. In this post we look at Ghaf Tree in the beautiful setting of desert villa at night.

- Heat tolerant
- Drough resistant
- Deep roots
- Sweet fruits - Excellent for shade
- Culturally significant
- Striking ornamental form - Salt tolerant

Here providing shading for an outdoor dining area

Framing an outdoor lounge overlooking the desert

Stunning old specimen defining the outdoor terrace lounge

Date Palm

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is an iconic tree native to the Middle East, deeply ingrained in Arabic culture and essential to Dubai's landscape. Renowned for its sweet fruit and graceful silhouette, it symbolizes hospitality and prosperity while thriving in the region's harsh climatic conditions.

- Heat tolerant
- Drough resistant
- Deep roots
- Sweet fruits - Excellent for shade
- Culturally significant
- Striking ornamental form - Salt tolerant

Plumeria

Plumeria obtusa, or white frangipani, is one of the most popular plants in Dubai landscaping, and for very good reasons! It has ability to thrive in hot, arid conditions while providing a lush, tropical aesthetic. Its fragrant white flowers and glossy green foliage enhance the elegance of any space.

- Heat and Drought Tolerance
- Fragrant White Flowers
- Glossy Green Leaves
- Compact Size & small soil volume requirements - Long Blooming Season
- Low Maintenance
- Can be grown in the ground or in containers

White Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a vibrant and resilient plant native to South America, widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In Dubai, bougainvillea is a popular choice for landscaping due to its ability to thrive in the hot, arid climate. Its striking, colorful bracts add a dramatic visual appeal to gardens, walls, and outdoor spaces, enhancing the aesthetic value of both residential and commercial properties

- Drought Tolerant - during establishment water once a week; after - water every 2–3 weeks 10–15 l/plant
- Heat Tolerant - Thrives in temperatures up to 50°C
- Vibrant Bracts - Displays brightly colored bracts in magenta, pink, orange, red, purple, or white
- Versatile Growth - Can grow as a climber, shrub, hedge, ground cover, or in containers - Rapid Growth - Grows up to 1 meter per year
- Low Maintenance - Minimal care needed; resistant to pests and diseases; occasional fertilization suffices.
- Long Blooming Season - nearly year-round in Dubai; peak flowering from late autumn to early summer

Climbing bougainvillea framing dining area

In tree form and low shrub form lining the path

In tree form as an accent for the pool area

In tree form next to the pool area entrance

Red Oleander

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a hardy evergreen shrub popular in Dubai's landscaping for its ability to thrive in hot, arid climates. With lush dark green leaves and abundant flowers in white, pink, red, and yellow, it adds year-round beauty to gardens and public spaces. Its rapid growth and dense foliage make it ideal for hedges and privacy screens. Note: All parts of oleander are highly toxic if ingested, so caution is advised around children and pets

- Drought Tolerant - during establishment water once a week; after - water every 2–3 weeks 15–20 l/plant
- Heat Tolerant - Thrives in temperatures up to 45°C;
- Abundant Flowering - Blooms prolifically from spring through autumn; in Dubai, nearly year-round flowering
- Evergreen Foliage - Retains dark green leaves year-round - Rapid Growth - Grows 0.5–1 meter per year
- Low Maintenance - Minimal care; resistant to pests and diseases; occasional fertilization promotes growth
- Salt Tolerant - Tolerates saline conditions; suitable for coastal areas - Prunes Well - Responds to pruning; prune 1–2 times annually to shape and encourage bushy growth

Pennisetum

Commonly known as fountain grass, is an ornamental grass highly valued in Dubai's landscaping for its graceful appearance and resilience in hot, arid climates. With its arching foliage and feathery flower plumes that sway gently in the breeze, Pennisetum adds texture, movement, and visual interest to gardens and outdoor spaces. Its ability to thrive in high temperatures and low-water conditions makes it an ideal choice for sustainable and modern landscape designs in Dubai. The plant's versatility allows it to be used in various settings, from accent specimens to mass plantings, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both residential and commercial properties. Note: has to be prunes after flowering season during which time it is not attractive!

- Drought Tolerant - Requires minimal watering once established
- Heat Tolerant - Thrives in temperatures up to 45°C;
- Ornamental Foliage - Features arching slender leaves that provide texture and movement in the landscape
- Attractive Flower Plumes - Produces feathery, plume-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or tan - Long Blooming Season - Blooms from late spring through fall; in Dubai, can bloom nearly year-round - Fast Growing - Establishes quickly, providing rapid visual impact.
- Low Maintenance - Minimal care required; resistant to most pests and diseases.
- Soil Adaptable - Tolerates well-draining soils, incl. sandy and slightly alkaline soils common in Dubai - Wildlife Attraction - Attracts birds and beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity