Here are the best drought-tolerant plants for gardens and landscapes.
Tip
Many plants from the sunny, sandy Mediterranean region have low water requirements.
Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
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Catmint (Nepeta)is one of those plants that does well when ignored.
These landscape plants do well growing over walls and walkways when planted in full sun with well-draining soil.
A lean soil and somewhat dry growing conditions will encourage more flowers.
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They prefer cool temperatures and are not tolerant of high heat and humidity.
First-year plants require frequent watering, however, established plants are drought-tolerant.
The plant can thrive in a variety of soils, especially those rich in organic matter.
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They grow well with other herbs in your garden.
Water newly planted Giant hyssop weekly, if there is no rainfall, for the first four weeks.
Water slowly and deeply, but stop watering once established.
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Aloe (Aloe spp.)
During the summer months, most aloe plants require watering roughly every other week unless youve had rainfall.
Artemisia (Artemisia spp.)
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Artemisia is a genus of plants with hundreds of species that include hardy herbs and shrubs.
These plants commonly feature intricate leaf patterns and silvery gray or white foliage that is aromatic.
They work well in landscaping borders withornamental grasses, succulents, and other drought-tolerant specimens.
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Their leaves are deeply lobed with prickly spines, ranging from a green to a gray-green color.
Beardtongue (Penstemon spp.)
This genus contains around 250 species of flowering plants commonly found in gardens in North America.
Lisa Hallett Taylor
They grow in various climates, including deserts, mountains, and plains.
Beardtongue plants typically have tube-shaped flowers that grow in clusters on rigid stems.
These plants are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
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They might need water every couple of weeks if you haven’t had rainfall.
But they do require fast drainage to avoidroot rot.
In the summertime, flower spikes extend above the leaves, providing even more ornamental value.
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It is best planted in a raised bed.
Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
Geraniums in the genusPelargoniumare truly hardy garden plants.
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Most varieties are tolerant of heat and drought.
Also,deadheador pinch off spent flowers to promote additional blooming throughout the season.
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
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Anigozanthosis a genus of plants native to Australia with only 11 species.
And tall, leafless flower stalks emerge from this rosette.
In the winter, you likely wont have to water at all.
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Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender plants vary in appearance across the genus.
For instance, some have simple narrow oval leaves while others have more intricate foliage.
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And some are compact plants while others grow into shrubs that can reach a few feet tall.
Found naturally in dry, sandy soil of the Mediterranean, lavender has evolved to subsist on little water.
Keep the soil evenly moist during your plant’s first year of growth.
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But after that, you generally only have to water if the first few inches of soil are dry.
Palo Verde (Parkinsonia spp.)
Parkinsoniais a small genus of flowering plants that are part of the pea family.
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The plants are native to semi-desert regions of the Americas and Africa.
As such, they have established excellent drought tolerance.
Water new trees weekly during hot weather to help with their growth.
Lisa Hallett Taylor
It can grow to 5 to 6 feet tall with a 6- to 10-foot spread.
In the plants first year, it will produce a rosette of long, narrow, gray-green leaves.
Pride of Madeira is particularly suitable forxeriscapingand rocky coastal soil; it needs excellent drainage.
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The colors are more brilliant if the plant receives full sun.
This plant is native to semi-arid tropical climates, which makes it tolerant to drought.
Warning
Wear gloves when handling this plant.
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They also makea gorgeous ground cover.
There are multiple varieties with different color foliage, including green, chartreuse, purple, and bronze.
These vines are low-maintenance once established.
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The vigorously growing vines feature bright green leaves on new plants that mature to a deep green.
These plants flower best in full sun but appreciate a little shade in hot climates.
Water is not needed unless you have a long stretch without rainfall or a period of particularly hot weather.
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Wild Lilac (Ceanothus spp.)
Wild lilac species are fragrant and colorful shrubs.
Water a new plant weekly to promote healthy growth.
After that, your shrub typically won’t require water except for during prolonged dry spells.
You also typically won’t need fertilizer unless you have very poor soil.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants that is found on almost every continent.
This low-maintenance plant should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
It is popular in gardens when grown as edging and ground cover, and when grown in containers.
Once established, only supplemental watering is needed.
The plant does well when planted in full sun in warm temperatures.
Black-eyed Susan needs to be watered well during the first season.
Once established, the plant will become drought-resistant.
Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)
Water new plants regularly until the flowers have bloomed, then, once established, keep the soil moist.
One inch of rain or watering once a week is recommended for most perennial plants.
When it comes to fertilizer, aster appreciates being fed twice a month with a balanced fertilizer.
New plants need regular watering but once established, Russian sage is extremely drought-tolerant.
It does not respond well to too much water or fertilizer.
57,4 (2009): 311-3. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.53060
