‘Queen Victoria’ Century Plant
Agave victoriae-reginae is a striking, slow-growing cactus that may take as long as 40 years to flower. It’s best grown alone and away from paths because of its sharp leaf tips.
‘Lavance Purple’ Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia is a dwarf lavender that can grow 18 inches high, making it a good choice for edging. It has deep purple flowers and greenish-gray, very aromatic foliage.
Pink Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris is a drought-tolerant grass that produces a spectacular bloom of billowy, pinkish flowers in the fall. It works well planted en masse in a border—either on its own or mixed with other drought and sun-loving perennials.
‘Ellisiana’ Spineless Prickly Pear
Opuntia cacanapa is a fast-growing compact plant that reaches a width of 6 feet and a height of 6 feet. In July, bright yellow flowers appear, followed by large, red fruit.
‘Purple Pastel’ Autumn Sage
Salvia greggii is a dwarf, semi-woody perennial native to Texas and Mexico. This tough plant, reaching three to four feet in height, has long-lasting purple flowers which add color to mixed borders.
Copper Canyon Daisy
Tagetes lemmonii is an airy plant with pale-green to deep-green foliage and a distinctive scent. It can reach a height of three to six feet at maturity and has deep yellow flowers that appear from September to November.
Parry’s Agave
Agave parryi var. truncata is a compact, rosette-forming succulent with squared-off blue-gray leaves; its yellow flowers appear in summer. It can grow two to three feet tall by three to four feet wide. Great in a succulent garden or a container garden.
SOURCE: http://www.gardendesign.com/ideas/7-water-wise-plants-desert-regions