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Plants for a dry garden

12 of the Best Plants for Dry Soils

It's easy to assume that all plants benefit from rich, moist soil, but on the contrary there are lots of plants that thrive in quite the opposite.

To survive in these sun-baked, often shallow soils, plants have to be tough. Seldom bothered by pest or disease, they lend themselves to a more laid-back approach to gardening.

Improving dry soils is simple – digging in plenty of organic matter such as garden compost will help it to hold onto moisture and improve its structure.

Related content:

• Find out your soil type
• How to prepare a border for planting (video)
• Get the best from dry soil
• Dealing with drought in the garden
• Drought-tolerant plants to grow

So if you've hit a dry spot in your garden, why not take a look our top 10 plants for dry soils, below.

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1

Foxtail lilies (

Eremurus)

Foxtail lily (Eremurus 'Romance')

The graceful flower spikes of foxtail lilies grow to a spectacular height and look elegant when grown among grasses. Look after their spider-like root systems with excellent drainage.

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2

Stachys byzantina

Stachys byzantina

The furry leaves of stachys byzantina make it look silvery but they also trap moisture, preventing it from escaping and drying out the plant. Remove any yellowing leaves before they start to rot.

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3

Bearded iris

Bearded iris (Iris germanica)

Bearded irises store moisture and nutrients in their rhizomes, so prefer a dry garden to damp, lush conditions. Ensure the rhizomes get full sun for best flowering.

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4

Lavender

Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso'

In the Mediterranean, you can spot lavender growing out of pavement cracks, a testament to its tolerance of dry conditions. Trim back plants after flowering to keep them compact.

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5

Sedums

Sedum in flower

Sedums, many of which are now known as hylotelephiums, greet tough conditions with a flourish of nectar-rich, star-shaped flowers. Great for border edges and among paving.

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6

Cardoon (

Cynara)

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus)

Related to artichokes, cardoons thrive in dry conditions with their silvery foliage, which reflects back strong sunshine. Leave the flowerheads in place for their statuesque winter form.

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7

Knautia macedonica

Knautia macedonica

This tough scabious heralds from Eastern Europe's grasslands. A magnet for bees, plant among other low-growing plants to allow the flowerheads to 'float' in the breeze.

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8

Melianthus major

Melianthus major

Once thought only suitable for sub-tropical gardens, Melianthus major are African natives that will tolerate low temperatures in free-draining soil. Cover the roots with straw in winter if you're unsure.

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9

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'Lambrook Gold'

The flowering stems of Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii are biennial, so only cut back those that have already flowered. Otherwise, this is perfect for low-maintenance areas. Take care when handling euphorbias as the sap is toxic.

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10

Teasels (

Dipsacus)

Teasels (Dipsacus fullonum)

A British native beloved by goldfinches, teasels both support wildlife and provide winter structure in a dry garden. Thin out seedlings to avoid overcrowding.

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11

Passionflowers

Passiflora 'Constance Elliot'

Tropical-looking passionflowers thrive in sunny spots, so are ideal if you have a pergola or trellis to cover. The flowers are fabulously scented and attract pollinating insects including bees and beetles.

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12

Panicum virgatum

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

Switch grass, Panicum virgatum, is one of many ornamental grasses that will thrive in dry soils. This particular grass is deciduous, producing lovely hazy panicles and turning beautiful shades of gold and red in autumn.

15 Best Plants for Drought-Tolerant Gardens

By

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 11/28/22

Reviewed by

Sonya Harris

Reviewed by Sonya Harris

Sonya Harris is an award-winning gardening expert with two decades of experience teaching and sharing her extensive knowledge about small space gardening. She is a Master Gardener and founder of the award-winning Bullock Garden Project in New Jersey. Sonya has written for Martha Stewart Living's site, won South Jersey Magazine’s One to Watch Award, and is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

There are several drought-tolerant shrubs, trees, vines, and flowers that can continue to thrive and look great, even if your area goes through a stretch without rainfall. These plants will help you to minimize the time and money you spend on watering your garden. And some of them even prefer growing in poor soil, which usually means you won't have to use fertilizer.

Tip

Many plants from the sunny, sandy Mediterranean region have low water requirements. These plants include some herbs, such as thyme and oregano, so you can add an edible component to your drought-tolerant garden.

Here are 15 of the best drought-tolerant plants.

• 01 of 15

  dangdumrong / Getty Images

  There are hundreds of species of aloe, flowering succulents that grow in large rosettes and thrive in hot, dry climates. Many people are familiar with the aloe vera species. But jewel aloe, soap aloe, coral aloe, and tiger aloe also make good drought-tolerant landscaping plants. Depending on the species, aloe plants typically have gray to bright green leaves, sometimes with a striped or mottled appearance. 

  During the summer months, most aloe plants require watering roughly every other week unless you’ve had rainfall. And during the winter, the combination of cooler temperatures and rainfall usually provides enough water for them to survive without supplemental watering. If you have a potted aloe plant, allow the soil to completely dry out in between waterings. Aloe will begin to shrivel and rot if it’s sitting in soggy soil, so make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with adequate drainage holes.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12 (Aloe vera)
  • Color Varieties: Yellow blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Sandy, dry, well-draining

• 02 of 15

  AYImages / Getty Images

  Artemisia is a genus of plants with hundreds of species that include hardy herbs and shrubs. For instance, the culinary herb tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is part of this genus. These plants commonly feature intricate leaf patterns and silvery gray or white foliage that is aromatic. They work well in mixed borders with ornamental grasses, succulents, and other drought-tolerant specimens. Some popular landscaping species include southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), and white mugwort (Artemisia lactiflora).

  Water seedlings whenever the soil starts to dry out. But once established, these plants generally have good tolerance for drought and heat, so you won’t have to water unless you have a prolonged period without rain. Moreover, while most of these species like full sun, they often need a planting location that is sheltered from strong winds due to their delicate foliage.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8 (Artemisia abrotanum)
  • Color Varieties: Yellow-white blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Rich, dry to medium moisture, well-draining

• 03 of 15

  proxyminder / Getty Images

  Yes, this is that same artichoke that you eat. Artichoke plants have an upright growth habit, reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet. Their leaves are deeply lobed with prickly spines, ranging from a green to a gray-green color. And their stems are quite thick. It’s artichoke’s large flower buds that are sold in the produce aisle of grocery stores. When they’re not harvested and instead allowed to bloom, these buds open into showy purple flowers. 

  If you live in a climate that has temperatures similar to the artichoke's native land of the southern Mediterranean, it can be a good-looking ornamental plant that produces edible artichokes from fall until spring. In this type of climate, it's a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial that only needs light watering after it's established. Just make sure you grow the plant in well-draining soil, and shelter it from strong winds.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11
  • Color Varieties: Violet-blue blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-draining

• 04 of 15

  Alena Buckthorn / Getty Images

  This genus contains around 250 species of flowering plants commonly found in North America. They grow in various climates, including deserts, mountains, and plains. Beardtongue plants typically have tube-shaped flowers that grow in clusters on rigid stems. They're excellent at attracting hummingbirds and bees to your garden.

  These plants are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. They might need water every couple of weeks if you haven't had rainfall. But they do require fast drainage to avoid root rot. Also, under ideal conditions they can spread a bit aggressively, so be prepared to pull up new shoots if you wish to limit their spread.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8 (Penstemon digitalis)
  • Color Varieties: White blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining

• 05 of 15

  Lisa Hallett Taylor

  This popular ornamental grass is fast-growing, forming clumps of narrow, arching, purplish-red leaves around 3 feet tall. In the summertime, flower spikes extend above the leaves, providing even more ornamental value. 

  Fountain grass will be darker and shinier with full sun and medium soil moisture, but it's also tolerant to some drought. Still, if your area has gone a couple weeks without rainfall, it's ideal to water your plant. Also, some fountain grass might need to be staked for support depending on its growth habit. And it should be in a site protected from strong winds. The 'Rubrum' cultivar is usually not a problematic spreader in the garden because it rarely sets seed.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10
  • Color Varieties: Burgundy blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining

• 06 of 15

  Lisa Hallett Taylor

  Geraniums in the genus Pelargonium are truly hardy plants. Most species begin blooming in the late spring. And some—especially the new varieties, such as the 'Rozanne' hybrid—continue to bloom until the first frost of the fall. Geraniums are generally low-growing, mound-forming plants that can take on the appearance of a small shrub. They're also a long-living plant that can thrive for decades. And they're one of the easiest plants to propagate via cuttings.

  Most varieties are tolerant of heat and drought. And once established, they can go for long stretches without water, but it's best to give them some water during the growing season if you've gone a couple of weeks without rainfall. Also, deadhead or pinch off spent flowers to promote additional blooming throughout the season.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11 (Pelargonium × hortorum)
  • Color Varieties: Red, pink, purple, orange, or white blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Average to rich, medium moisture, well-draining

• 07 of 15

  alexbruce / Getty Images

  Anigozanthos is a genus of plants native to Australia with only 11 species (and multiple subspecies). The red-and-green kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii) is actually the floral emblem of Western Australia. The plants generally form a rosette of long green to gray-green leaves at their base. And tall, leafless flower stalks emerge from this rosette. 

  Kangaroo paw plants grow naturally in dry, sandy areas and can survive prolonged dry spells thanks to the sap that’s stored in their roots. However, they grow and flower best with a moderate amount of soil moisture, so water your plant if you haven’t gotten any rain in roughly two weeks during the growing season. In the winter, you likely won’t have to water at all. Also, protect your plant from frost and strong winds. Gardeners who live outside of kangaroo paw’s growing zone often have success overwintering their plants in greenhouses or indoors. 

  • USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11 (Anigozanthos flavidus)
  • Color Varieties: Yellow-green, red, or pink blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, sandy, medium moisture, well-draining

• 08 of 15

  Natalia Spiridonova / Getty Images

  Lavender plants produce stunning spikes of bluish-purple flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. The appearance of lavender plants varies across the genus. For instance, some have simple narrow oval leaves while others have more intricate foliage. And some are compact plants while others grow into shrubs that can reach a few feet tall. Lavender is also known for its calming fragrance, and both its flowers and silvery-green foliage are commonly harvested for their oils or dried and used in potpourris and sachets.

  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. But after that you generally only have to water if the first few inches of soil are dry. Also, regularly prune or pinch off spent blooms to promote additional flowering throughout the growing season.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8 (Lavandula angustifolia)
  • Color Varieties: Purple blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining

• 09 of 15

  PatrikStedrak / Getty Images

  New Zealand tea tree is an evergreen shrub with small, prickly, aromatic leaves. Essential oil from its leaves, as well as various preparations of its bark, are used in alternative medicine. The plant produces showy white, pink, or red flowers in the early summer, which are excellent at attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden. 

  Water your plant regularly in its first year, so the soil is consistently moist. Established plants only need a moderate amount of moisture and have some drought tolerance, though you should water them if you haven’t had rainfall in around two weeks. Also, make sure your soil is loose and has good drainage, as this plant isn’t tolerant of heavy soil. If you wish, you can prune this shrub to look like a small tree, though it generally doesn’t need much in the way of pruning if you want it to grow naturally.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10
  • Color Varieties: White, pink, or red blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Rich, acidic, medium moisture, well-draining

• 10 of 15

  Jared Quentin / Getty Images

  Parkinsonia is a small genus of flowering plants that are part of the pea family. Plants within this genus are generally large shrubs or small trees with sparse foliage and light green bark. The plants are dry season deciduous, meaning they lose their foliage during the dry season and leaf out only for a short time during the rainiest part of the year. Thus, it’s actually their branches that carry out most of the photosynthesis for the plant.

  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. Then, you generally won’t have to water an established plant unless you have an unusually long stretch of dry weather. Also, prune your tree to maintain the shape of its canopy only in warm weather, as cold-weather pruning can cause limbs to die.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10 (Parkinsonia florida)
  • Color Varieties: Yellow or white blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Average, dry, well-draining

• 11 of 15

  loridambrosio / Getty Images

  Pride of Madeira is a species of evergreen flowering plant that’s native to the island of Madeira. It has a mounding growth habit, reaching around 5 to 6 feet tall with a 6- to 10-foot spread. In the plant’s first year it will produce a rosette of long, narrow, gray-green leaves. And in its second year, tall flower spikes that are covered in leaves and clusters of blooms will form. 

  Because this plant naturally grows on rocky cliffs, it can survive in dry soil. It’s particularly suitable for xeriscaping and rocky coastal soil; it needs excellent drainage. Water your plant regularly during its first year but then back off to watering only when you have a prolonged dry spell. Also, prune spent flower spikes in the fall to encourage healthy new growth in the spring.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
  • Color Varieties: Blue-violet or white blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining

• 12 of 15

  Linjerry / Getty Images

  Also known as sticks on fire or Indian tree spurge, this Euphorbia species is a striking drought-tolerant shrub or tree that can grow 20 to 30 feet tall. It has slender stems with small, oval leaves that can appear in shades of green, red, orange, and yellow. 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. It prefers dry weather and fast-draining soil. It’s important to avoid overwatering your plant, which can cause bacterial and fungal disease. Water a new plant weekly, but limit watering only to prolonged dry spells for an established plant. Also, the plant likes soil that isn’t rich in organic matter, so you likely won’t have to fertilize. 

  Warning

  Wear gloves when handling this plant. It produces a poisonous sap that can irritate skin, cause temporary blindness if it gets in your eyes, and bring on other allergic reactions.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 11 to 12
  • Color Varieties: Yellow blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining

• 13 of 15

  Diane Macdonald/Getty Images

  Sweet potato vines are commonly grown for their foliage rather than their tubers. These vines feature heart-shaped leaves that trail from containers, over garden walls, and on other support structures. They also make a gorgeous ground cover. There are multiple varieties with different color foliage, including green, chartreuse, purple, and bronze. Full sun brings out the best color. 

  These vines are low-maintenance once established. Water a new plant weekly but then taper off only to watering during hot spells and long stretches without rain. Moreover, as these vines are vigorous growers, lightly prune them as needed to maintain their shape.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
  • Color Varieties: Pink or violet blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining

• 14 of 15

  yanjf / Getty Images

  Trumpet vines are drought-tolerant flowering vines that can grow in a variety of conditions, though they prefer lean to average soil with average moisture. The vigorously growing vines feature bright green leaves on new plants that mature to a deep green. And they sport showy orange or red blooms in the summer that attract hummingbirds. 

  These plants can live for decades, dying back each winter and producing new growth in the spring. They flower best in full sun but appreciate a little shade in hot climates. You typically won’t have to water established vines unless you have a long stretch without rainfall or a period of particularly hot weather. The most maintenance gardeners often have to do for trumpet vines is pruning to limit their spread. The vines produce new plants from underground stems and self-seed, which can cause them to choke out other plants in the area.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Orange or red blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Lean to average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining

• 15 of 15

  Lisa Hallett Taylor

  Wild lilac species are fragrant and colorful shrubs. They're evergreen and drought tolerant, and they can be used in the landscape as screens, hedges, ground covers, borders, and more. While most wild lilac species are native to California, some grow in the eastern U.S., the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, and Mexico. Some grow upright; some are compact and bushy; and some are low-growing and spreading.

  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. Prune no more than a third of the shrub each year to help maintain its shape. An average shrub can live for 10 to 25 years.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10 (Ceanothus 'Concha')
  • Color Varieties: Blue, purple, or white blooms
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining

The Best Drought Tolerant Lawn Alternatives

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Aloe (Aloe). North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

2. Penstemon Australis. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

3. Carson, C F et al. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical microbiology reviews vol. 19,1 (2006): 50-62. doi:10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006

4. Parkinsonia Florida Blue Palo Verde. University of California, Berkeley, The Jepson Herbarium

5. Euphorbia Tirucalli. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

6. Basak, Samar K et al. Keratouveitis caused by Euphorbia plant sap. Indian journal of ophthalmology vol. 57,4 (2009): 311-3. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.53060

Plants for a drought tolerant garden | GreenMarket

A beautiful garden is the result of hard work and systematic care. But the frantic pace of life does not always allow paying enough attention to your favorite plants, and changing climatic conditions constantly require regular investments. Prolonged lack of rain, persistent heat, low air humidity, dry winds are sad signs of drought and a dangerous period for plants. Many of them feel oppressed, and even frequent watering does not always give the desired result. Yes, and the owners of garden plots have a hard time in terms of making great efforts to maintain the decorativeness of the garden. This was the reason for inviting unpretentious plants to their plots for drought-resistant gardens. nine0003

Planting drought-tolerant plants greatly facilitates the solution of the above problems, especially since the range of them is large enough to create a beautiful garden that does not require much care. And it's not just about "immortal" stonecrops. For me, a good example of drought-resistant gardens is, above all, landscape solutions by Piet Oudolf. In his work, the famous designer seeks to recreate the naturalness of nature in densely populated cities and create low-maintenance gardens in country estates. With the help of unpretentious and, perhaps, a little unexpected for our perception of plants, Udolph achieves a year-round decorative effect of the garden, significantly reducing the cost of maintaining it. nine0003

P. Oudolf’s garden

P. Oudolf’s garden

P. Oudolf’s garden affairs. Fascinating with beauty and simplicity, gardens are created by careful selection of plants.

Before you read lists of drought-resistant flowers on the Internet and start actively populating your garden with them, you should pay attention to how plants behave when there is a lack of moisture. They react differently - some freeze or stop in development, for example, cereals, others dry out, as the previously accumulated water reserves are depleted - succulents. And still others, like the escholzia plant, have time to develop, bloom and, in the form of seeds, wait for blessed rain and weather conditions suitable for development. nine0003

sclerophytes

succulents

In botany, there is a definition of “xerophytes” – these are plants that are able to adapt to drought conditions. They are divided, according to a number of characteristics, into two categories:

1. Succulents are succulent plants with a well-developed surface system and parenchymal aquifer. It is in it that the necessary supply of moisture is contained, which helps the plant survive the dry period. This group also includes stonecrops, sedums, livizia, prickly pear. nine0003

2. Sclerophytes - have a powerful root system, hard leaves that do not store water, but at the same time prevent evaporation due to a special structure. Therefore, with the loss of 25% of their own moisture, they are able to maintain decorativeness without losing turgor. Typical representatives of this group are juniper, lavender, feather grass.

Drought-resistant plants have adapted to survive in extreme conditions for a long evolutionary period and have come to our gardens from forests, steppes, mountains already "ready-made". That is, literally for every landscape composition, you can choose the appropriate plants that are resistant to drought. nine0003

Assortment of drought-resistant trees and shrubs

Trees and tall shrubs create on our plots not only shade that is desirable in the summer heat, but also a certain microclimate that favorably affects all the inhabitants of the garden. I will give a small list of plants that are resistant to long dry periods in our regions.

Yellow acacia (Caragana arborescens) – tolerates dry air and soil very well. Features: a two-time haircut of the crown is necessary, otherwise the lower tier is heavily exposed. Mature plants do not need fertilizing. nine0003

Aralia Manchurian (Aralia mandshúrica Rupr. et Maxim.), or Aralia high (Arália eláta) is a showy tree or shrub. It is used in hedges and in single plantings. Features: superficial root system, requires careful care. The roots are located radially at a depth of 10-25 cm, thus diverging to a distance of up to 5 m, after which they sharply bend down to a depth of 60 cm. garden. Used as tapeworms, in group plantings, to create hedges. nine0003

Birch (Bétula) is a common beauty that needs no introduction. Let me remind you that sanitary pruning should be carried out before the start of sap flow.

European spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus) is a tall shrub. Shade-tolerant, tolerates pruning and transplanting. It is used as a tapeworm, as well as in group plantings, hedges and rockeries. Features: all types of euonymus are poisonous.

Privet (Ligústrum) is a deciduous shrub that adapts perfectly to any conditions. Suitable for hedges, low borders, and for creating topiary figures. nine0003

Deutzia (Déutzia) is a spectacular flowering shrub. Used as a tapeworm and for creating hedges. Features: when cutting, remember that flowering takes place on last year's shoots.

Cotoneaster (Cotoneáster) - all types of this shrub are ideal for creating a drought-resistant garden. Easy to form and make good companions for most garden plants.

Angustifolia (Elaeágnus angustifólia) is a spectacular shrub or tree from the steppe regions of the country. Easily adapts to any conditions and soils. It tolerates shearing well, suitable for creating hedges and as a tapeworm. Features: the fruits are edible, blooms and bears fruit from the age of 3, does not “shoot” with root shoots. nine0003

Louisiana triloba (Louiseania triloba) is a showy shrub. During the flowering period in April - May, it needs watering, but in the future it normally tolerates dry air and soil. Looks good against the background of coniferous plants.

Robinia pseudoacacia (Robínia pseudoacácia) is a fast growing tree. It tolerates pruning and transplanting, it is undemanding to soils. Features: on waterlogged soils, it suffers from freezing of the root system.

Lilac (m. Syrínga) is a well-known shrub that is resistant to any air pollution, as well as frost and drought. Features: flowering and faded branches should be carefully cut with a sharp pruner or knife so as not to damage the emerging new flower buds.

Leather mackerel (Cotinus coggýgria) - thanks to its smoky panicles, the shrub retains its decorative effect at any time of the year. Features: begins to bloom at the age of 4–5 years, lime must be added when planting. nine0003

Almost all conifers are well suited for creating a drought-resistant garden - junipers, pines, larches. It is necessary to selectively approach the choice of thuja and firs - some varieties at any age need fertile and moist soils.

Almost all conifers are well suited for creating a drought-resistant garden - junipers, pines, larches.

drought tolerant flower bed

drought tolerant ground cover plants

drought tolerant herbs and flowers

Flower gardens made from drought-tolerant plants tend to exude fragrance, filling the garden with fairy tale charm. Beautiful architectonics of perennials, bright flowering of annuals and all-season greenery of stonecrops will allow your garden to remain attractive at any time of the year.

Drought-tolerant flower gardens tend to exude fragrance, filling the garden with fabulous charm.

Structure-forming drought-resistant plants are able to create a garden frame, which prolongs its decorative effect even in winter. nine0003

First of all, these are cereals and herbaceous perennials that form panicles, feathers, umbrellas and balls: miscanthus, feather grass, wormwood, perovskia, fescue, elimus, spurge, sesleria, burnet, fennel, lovage, iris, yucca, lavender, bergenia.

Flowering plants will form the basis of the composition: echinacea, yarrow, eryngium, mordovnik, monarda, New Belgian asters, species stock-roses or mallows, daylilies, hellebore, Byzantine chistets, berry knifofiya, liatris.

Agapanthus and crocosmia tolerate drought well, flowering is long and fragrant, but for the winter the plants need to be dug up and stored in a cool room, and planted again in the spring in the garden. nine0003

The so-called filler flowers do not participate in the garden orchestra for long, but their flowering is very bright. This group consists of annual and perennial hardy plants that have a short growing season. Many annuals and biennials may not leave flower beds for many years: poppy, foxglove, decorative bows, nigella, salvia, cleoma, calendula, marigolds, kosmeya, rudbeckia, zinnia, begonia.

Drought-resistant ground covers can be not only decorative, but also edible: thyme, garden geranium, dubrovnik, perennial alissum, periwinkle, carnation, arabis, awl-shaped phlox, yaskolka. nine0003

Succulents should be highlighted in a separate red line. Colorful appearance, variety of shapes, ease of care - all these qualities allow you to create a variety of compositions from them:

• cypress spurge (Euphórbia cyparissias), creeping sedums (Crassula calico kitten, crassula Pangolin, crassula Red pagolin ) are used as ground cover plants, ideal for decorating retaining walls, landscaping roofs;
• (Sedum spectabile), Kamchatka (Sedum kamtschaticum), lively (Sedum aizoon), telephium (Sedum telephium) can be used to create low borders;
• juvenile (Sempervívum), or rock rose, well fills the voids between stones in rockeries;
• lewisia (Lewisia cotyledon) will become an adornment of an alpine hill, a worthy competitor to rhododendrons and azaleas;
•

The advantage of drought-resistant plants lies primarily in the maximum decorative effect with minimal care. After all, a garden is a place where we should rest our body and soul. So give yourself that opportunity by properly prioritizing your garden. Good luck!

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drought tolerant plants, drought tolerant garden, cereals, summer garden, new wave, planting chart

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13 drought tolerant garden plants: what to plant in a sunny dry sunny area

If you live in a region where the summers are very hot and it rarely rains, then you should look into drought-resistant plants. They will be able to survive in conditions of prolonged high temperature and dry air. You do not have to worry once again about the safety of the garden: planting will not require much attention. In the article, we show examples of drought-resistant plants that can be planted on your site.

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All about drought tolerant flowers

Features
Species:
– Echinacea
– Verbena
— Fescue
- Young
– Juniper
— Carnation
– Fennel
– Wormwood
— Lavender
– Etionema
– Iberis
- St. John's Wort
— Immortelle

You might think that drought-resistant plants are dull thorns that grow in the desert or on heat-cracked earth. But actually it is not. Such flowers look very beautiful and can decorate any garden. In the scientific world they are called xerophytes. Representatives of drought-resistant flowers have a well-developed root system. Thanks to her, they are able to extract moisture from the depths of the earth. nine0003

There are also other flowers that have adapted to the harsh climate. For example, there are species that have increased the protective layer on the leaves or changed it to thorns. Other representatives of the flora have learned to store moisture within themselves and use it economically, as well as shorten their life cycle and complete it before the arrival of the main drought.

The advantage of such flowers is that they can easily survive the dry period and survive, also do not need a lot of water and frequent watering. nine0003

If you don't want to water the plantings in the garden often, or don't come to the country house very often, take a closer look at the flowers listed below. They are able to decorate and green the landscape, so your vacation will become much more pleasant. In our selection you will find photos and names of drought-resistant indoor and garden plants.

1. Echinacea

Echinacea is a herbaceous perennial plant that can reach a height of half a meter. It is very useful as it strengthens the immune system. It is added to many medicines. Echinacea is undemanding and grows well in dry but nutritious soil. Wet soil is not good for her. Care is simple: it is important to water occasionally in the evenings and remove weeds. nine0003

2. Verbena

Verbena is a tall herb with purple flowers on stalks. It begins to bloom in mid-summer and continues to do so until mid-autumn. It is better to plant it with seedlings in a sunny place. The soil should be light and fertile.

At the beginning of the season, verbena should be watered frequently, but after flowering, the application of water should be reduced. During dry periods, gardeners are advised to loosen the ground, so the air will better penetrate to the roots. nine0003

3. Fescue

Fescue is a beautiful amethyst herb. It thrives in light sandy soil in sunny locations. In the shade, it will also be able to grow, but it will be less beautiful and will cease to grow actively. Fescue is not afraid of dry land, but will not forgive stagnant water - the roots will rot and die.

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Young or “stone rose” is a succulent that is able to accumulate water in its petals. The flower can be of different shades: not only green, but also silver, red, purple and other tones. Young grows well on poor soil among stones, so it will easily decorate the site. It propagates by daughter outlets.

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5. Juniper

Juniper is an evergreen shrub or tree that grows well in dry soil. But if the summer is too hot, then you still need to water them periodically. In addition, they are very fond of spraying the crown, it is better to do this once every 10 days. You don't need to trim the juniper. In the spring, remove dried and broken branches.

Pixabay

nine0032 6. Carnation

Carnation is a perennial and unpretentious flower, so it will easily grow in your garden. It must be regularly watered under the root. It is better to do this in the evening when the sun is not very active. The carnation will easily survive the dry period, it is not necessary to fill it in - this will destroy it. After watering, the earth around should be loosened so that air can better penetrate to the roots.

Pixabay

7. Fennel

Fennel is a perennial plant that looks like dill. It is drought-resistant, but after sowing and before the formation of a rosette, it must be watered. Planting fennel stands on highly fertile humus soils, then you will get a good harvest. nine0003

8. Wormwood

An ornamental wormwood variety is very beautiful: it has unusual silvery foliage. It blooms in mid-late summer with small inconspicuous yellow or white flowers. Wormwood is undemanding and grows well in poor soils under bright sun, does not require additional feeding. At the same time, in fertile land, it begins to grow and loses its beautiful compact shape. Stagnation of moisture in the garden will lead to wormwood death. After planting, the plant should be watered every 2-3 weeks. nine0003

9. Lavender

Lavender is a herbal plant that flowers beautifully and smells delicious. Many species grow in the mountains, so they are not afraid of dry weather. For planting, choose angustifolia lavender. The height and width of the bushes reach 1 meter. They can be used to decorate flower beds or borders near garden paths. Lavender is planted only in sunny areas of the garden, she does not like shade and wet conditions. Periodically, the ground near the bushes can be loosened, and after rain - mulched. This will keep the moisture in the soil longer. Lavender can be grown not only in the garden, but also at home. Buy seedlings and plant them in a beautiful pot. nine0003

10. Etionema (Winged)

Etionema or Winged Buttercup is a low evergreen subshrub that can often be found in the mountains. It grows well in dry soil in a sunny location and does not require additional care. It is best to plant it in calcareous soil. To provide drainage to the shrub, coarse sand or fine gravel can be added to the ground.

In the middle lane, etionema is grown as an annual plant, it is easy to plant it in the ground with the help of seeds. Her flowers are large, come in different shades: white, pink or purple. The winged stalk cannot be flooded, since waterlogging of the soil will immediately destroy the flower. If you leave it for the winter, be sure to cover it with polyethylene or other material - this way you will protect it from excess water. nine0003

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11. Iberis

Iberis evergreen is a compact subshrub that grows up to 40 cm wide and up to 30 cm high. It is decorated with small white flowers gathering in brushes. The shrub begins to bloom in mid-spring. In winter, the plant retains leaves, at this time of the year it requires shelter in the cold regions of Russia.

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