Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Water-Wise Gardens

Water conservation is increasingly important for gardeners everywhere. Fortunately, hundreds of beautiful plants thrive with minimal supplemental watering once established, allowing you to create stunning landscapes while using a fraction of the water that traditional gardens require. ## Understanding Drought Tolerance Drought-tolerant plants have evolved various adaptations to survive with less water. Some have deep tap roots that access moisture far below the surface. Others have small, waxy, or silver-colored leaves that reduce water loss through evaporation. Succulents store water in fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. Many native prairie plants have extensive root systems that can be several times deeper than the plant is tall. Important distinction: drought-tolerant does not mean drought-proof. Even the most resilient plants need regular watering during their first year as they establish root systems. After establishment, they can survive on natural rainfall in most climates. ## Top Drought-Tolerant Perennials Lavender is the quintessential drought-tolerant plant, offering fragrant purple flowers, silvery foliage, and excellent pollinator value. It thrives in poor, well-drained soil and actually performs worse with too much water or fertility. Zones 5 through 9. Black-eyed Susan is a cheerful native wildflower that blooms from midsummer through fall with minimal care. Once established, it tolerates poor soil, heat, and drought while attracting butterflies and pollinators. Zones 3 through 9. Russian sage produces clouds of lavender-blue flowers on aromatic silver foliage from midsummer into fall. It is extremely drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and thrives in hot, dry conditions where many plants struggle. Zones 4 through 9. Sedum (stonecrop) offers incredible variety, from ground-covering mat types to upright varieties reaching 2 feet tall. Their succulent leaves store water, and their flowers attract butterflies in late summer and fall. Zones 3 through 9. Yarrow produces flat clusters of flowers in white, yellow, pink, or red above ferny foliage. Native species are extremely tough, tolerating poor soil, heat, and drought. They spread to form attractive ground-covering colonies. Zones 3 through 9. ## Drought-Tolerant Shrubs Butterfly bush attracts incredible numbers of butterflies and hummingbirds with its long, fragrant flower spikes. It is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and blooms from midsummer through frost. Newer compact varieties do not require the aggressive pruning of older types. Zones 5 through 9. Juniper offers evergreen structure in drought-prone landscapes. From ground covers to tall screening plants, junipers tolerate poor soil, extreme cold, and extended drought. Their berries feed birds through winter. Choose disease-resistant varieties for best performance. ## Native Plants for Water-Wise Gardens Native plants are inherently adapted to your local climate and typically require the least supplemental water once established. Prairie plants like little bluestem, coneflower, and blazing star evolved with periodic drought and thrive in low-water gardens. California native gardens feature manzanita, ceanothus, salvias, and buckwheat, all of which require no supplemental irrigation after establishment in their native range. Mediterranean climate gardens can use rosemary, lavender, cistus, and santolina. ## Xeriscape Design Principles Xeriscape does not mean zero-scape or gravel-only landscapes. The seven principles of xeriscape design are: proper planning and design, appropriate soil improvement, efficient irrigation, practical turf areas, use of mulch, use of low-water plants, and appropriate maintenance. Group plants by water needs so you can irrigate efficiently. Place higher-water plants near the house where they benefit from runoff and are easy to water. Use drought-tolerant plants in outlying areas. Mulch heavily to reduce evaporation by up to 70 percent. ## Establishing Drought-Tolerant Plants Even the toughest plants need help getting started. Water new plantings thoroughly at planting time and regularly for the first growing season. Gradually reduce watering frequency during the second year. By the third year, most drought-tolerant plants need supplemental water only during extreme or prolonged drought. Plant in fall when possible. Cool temperatures and winter rains help roots establish with less supplemental watering than spring planting requires. Fall-planted specimens enter their first summer with much better-developed root systems. ## Water-Saving Tips Beyond Plant Selection Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to roots with minimal waste. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Apply 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch to reduce evaporation and moderate soil temperature. Collect rainwater in barrels for supplemental irrigation during dry periods.