If you live in an area with hot, dry summers, you know that finding plants that can survive the heat and drought can be a challenge. But it’s not impossible! There are many drought-tolerant plants that will thrive in your garden, even with little water.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best drought-tolerant plants for your garden. We’ll discuss their benefits, how to care for them, and where to find them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to create a drought-tolerant garden that will be beautiful and low-maintenance.
What are drought-tolerant plants?
Drought-tolerant plants are those that can survive with little water. They have adapted to dry conditions by developing deep roots, thick leaves, or other features that help them store water.
Drought-tolerant plants are a great choice for gardeners who live in areas with hot, dry summers. They can also be used to create a more sustainable garden, as they require less water than traditional plants.
Benefits of drought-tolerant plants
There are many benefits to using drought-tolerant plants in your garden. Here are just a few:
- They require less water than traditional plants, which can save you money on your water bill.
- They are more resistant to pests and diseases, which can reduce the need for pesticides.
- They can help to reduce soil erosion and improve water conservation.
- They can provide food and shelter for wildlife.
How to care for drought-tolerant plants
Drought-tolerant plants are relatively low-maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to help them thrive.
- Plant them in well-drained soil.
- Water them deeply and infrequently.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
- Fertilize them sparingly.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth.
Where to find drought-tolerant plants
Drought-tolerant plants are available at most garden centers and nurseries. You can also find them online or at native plant nurseries.
Tips for creating a drought-tolerant garden
When creating a drought-tolerant garden, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Choose the right plants. Not all drought-tolerant plants are created equal. Some are better suited for sunny areas, while others prefer partial shade. Do your research to find the right plants for your climate and growing conditions.
- Plant in the right spot. Drought-tolerant plants need well-drained soil. Avoid planting them in areas that are prone to flooding or standing water.
- Mulch around the plants. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
- Water deeply and infrequently. Drought-tolerant plants don’t need to be watered as often as traditional plants. But when you do water them, make sure to water deeply to reach the roots.
- Fertilize sparingly. Drought-tolerant plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can actually make them more susceptible to drought.
- Deadhead spent flowers. Deadheading spent flowers encourages new growth and helps to keep the plants looking tidy.
List of Drought-tolerant Plants
Agave (Agave spp.)
Agaves are succulents that are native to the Americas. They have thick, fleshy leaves that store water, making them well-suited to dry climates. Agaves come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small groundcovers to towering trees.
Agastache (Agastache spp.)
Agastache are perennial herbs that are native to North America. They have fragrant, tubular flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Agastache come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, white, and pink.
Artemisia (Artemisia spp.)
Artemisia are perennial herbs that are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They have silvery-gray foliage that is attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Artemisia come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small groundcovers to tall shrubs.
Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)
Asters are perennial herbs that are native to North America. They have daisy-like flowers that bloom in the fall. Asters come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, white, and pink.
Betony (Stachys byzantina)
Betonies are perennial herbs that are native to Europe and Asia. They have fuzzy, silver-gray leaves that are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Betonies come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small groundcovers to tall shrubs.
Buddleja (Buddleja davidii)
Buddlejas are shrubs that are native to China. They have fragrant, tubular flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Buddlejas come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, white, and pink.
Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
Catmints are perennial herbs that are native to Europe and Asia. They have fragrant, blue or purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Catmints come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small groundcovers to tall shrubs.
Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers are perennial herbs that are native to North America. They have daisy-like flowers with cone-shaped centers. Coneflowers come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white.
Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies are perennial herbs that are native to Asia. They have showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom for a short period of time each day. Daylilies come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and white.
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Echinacea are perennial herbs that are native to North America. They have daisy-like flowers with cone-shaped centers. Echinacea come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white.
Gaura lindheimeri
Gaura is a perennial wildflower that is native to the southwestern United States. It has delicate, feathery flowers that bloom in the summer. Gaura is a good choice for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Helianthus angustifolius
Helianthus angustifolius is a perennial wildflower that is native to the southeastern United States. It has daisy-like flowers that bloom in the summer. Helianthus angustifolius is a good choice for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has fragrant, blue or purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Lavender comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small groundcovers to tall shrubs.
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon are perennial herbs that are native to North America. They have showy, tubular flowers that bloom in the summer. Penstemon come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, blue, and white.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvias are perennial herbs that are native to the Americas. They have showy, tubular flowers that bloom in the summer. Salvias come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, blue, and white.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum are succulents that are native to the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They have thick, fleshy leaves that store water, making them well-suited to dry climates. Sedums come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small groundcovers to tall shrubs.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a perennial herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It has daisy-like flowers that bloom in the summer. Yarrow is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies.
Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnias are annual flowers that are native to Mexico. They have showy, daisy-like flowers that bloom in the summer. Zinnias come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and white.
These are just a few of the many drought-tolerant plants that are available. With so many choices to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect plants for your garden.
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