Rooted in cultural tradition and ceremony, these desert-adapted plants symbolize peace, devotion and renewal for the holidays.

Pomegranate 

(Punica granatum) 

• Deciduous shrub or small tree
• Red-orange; spring-summer
• 8′-15’H by 6′-10’W
• Well-drained soil
• Zones 8-11
• Full sun
• Low to medium water; low maintenance
• Attracts: Bees, hummingbirds

Pomegranates appear in ancient texts, symbolizing righteousness, fertility and creation. In Jewish tradition, the fruit’s seeds are said to mirror the 613 commandments. In Christianity, the red orbs represent eternal life. In Persian and Mediterranean cultures, they are also associated with love and prosperity.

Why we like it: This plant appreciates full sun and deep, infrequent watering. Pomegranates are also valued for their antioxidant-rich juice and jewel-like seeds, used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Rosemary 

(Salvia rosmarinus) 

• Evergreen shrub
• Blue-violet; winter through spring
• 1′-4’H by 2′-4’W
• Sandy, well-drained soil
• Zones 8-11
• Full sun
• Low water; low maintenance
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies

Fragrant and evergreen, rosemary has long symbolized remembrance, devotion and fidelity. Folklore links the plant to the Virgin Mary (the shrub is said to have sheltered her cloak). In ancient Greece and Rome, rosemary was associated with purification.

Why we like it: Rosemary thrives in dry climates, preferring full sun, excellent drainage and minimal water once established. Hardy to around 20 degrees, it weathers typical Valley winters with ease. Choose upright varieties for hedges or prostrate forms for cascading borders and containers.

Grapevine 

(Vitis vinifera) 

• Deciduous vine
• Greenish; spring
• 4′-20’H by 12″-24″W
• Loamy, well-drained soil
• Zones 7-10
• Full sun
• Medium water; low maintenance
• Attracts: Bees, birds

The grapevine is among the most ancient of cultivated plants and carries religious significance. Wine and grapes are sacred in both Judaism and Christianity, symbolizing joy, while wine has central roles in Hanukkah meals and Christian communion. Across the Mediterranean, vineyards stood as emblems of community, abundance and spiritual nourishment.

Why we like it: Grapevines thrive with ample sun in the low desert, in well-drained soil and with regular irrigation. They need winter dormancy, which our cool nights provide, and the plants benefit from strong annual pruning.

Olives

(Olea europaea) 

• Evergreen tree
• White; spring
• 15′-30’H by 15′-25’W
• Well-drained soil
• Zones 8-11
• Full sun
• Low water; low maintenance
• Attracts: Bees, birds, butterflies

The olive tree stands as one of humanity’s oldest symbols of peace, endurance and divine blessing. In the story of Noah, the dove returns with an olive branch, signaling renewal and reconciliation. The Hanukkah miracle of the Temple lamp burning for eight days on a single vial of oil remains one of the olive’s most enduring spiritual associations.

Why we like it: Olive trees prefer full sun, well-drained soil and light irrigation. Olives serve as shade trees, and their silvery foliage adds Mediterranean elegance to any garden.