Drought Tolerant Plants
Beat the heat without babysitting the hose. Explore drought-tolerant plants below, mix and match by style and sun, and build a good-looking landscape when rain is scarce. Note: even tough plants need watering to establish for the first season.
Water-wise winners to consider:
- Sedum: drought-tolerant groundcover that knits tight mats and shrugs off heat.
- Yarrow: drought-tolerant flowers with ferny foliage and long bloom time.
- Lavender: fragrant spikes loved by pollinators and easy on water.
- Blue Fescue: drought-tolerant grass that adds soft texture and cool color.
- Rosemary: edible, evergreen, and great for lean soils.
- California Lilac: drought-tolerant shrubs with clouds of blue blooms.
Why these work: Plants resistant to drought usually have small or silver leaves, resinous or fuzzy foliage, deep roots, or succulent tissues that store water. Grouping plants by water needs reduces stress and keeps care simple.
Quick tips for dry gardens ▾
- Prep soil with coarse compost for drainage – soggy roots are as tough as drought.
- Plant in fall if possible so roots expand through cool, moist weather.
- Mulch 2 to 3 inches to cut evaporation and keep weeds down.
- Water deeply but infrequently while establishing – then taper off.
Drought Tolerance: Strategies & Lists Best Annuals Best Perennials Best Ground Covers Best Grasses Best Shrubs Best Flower Bulbs Best Trees
Tip: Start with a few drought-tolerant flowers, a drought-tolerant groundcover, one drought-tolerant grass, and two drought-tolerant shrubs. Keep what thrives, repeat in drifts, and enjoy a resilient, good-looking garden.
