In this hot season, we worry about the plants in our garden. Can they thrive in dry conditions or would they die off and put all our gardening efforts to waste? What if the season itself is not as much of a problem as the environment? Living in an arid area prone to long seasons of drought can pose a huge challenge to gardeners. The solution is easy… drought-resistant plants.
Or are you like me, preferring to plant, water, and then walk away, safe in the knowledge that further watering would not be necessary? If yes, then check out the drought-tolerant plants below and get inspiration for colorful plants you can populate your garden with without ever having to worry about water or the lack of it.
Nine Drought Resistant Plants to Try in Your Garden
Hot dry climate? Try planting these hardy species.
1 – Yucca
The Yucca plant boasts about fifty species and is renowned for its sword-like leaves and beautiful white flowers. What’s more, these drought resistant plants with their water-storing roots are totally suitable for hot and dry climates.
2 – Agave
Closely related to the Yucca family is the more popular Agave plant. There are several species of this plant but they are mostly similar in appearance. With aloe-looking leaves capable of storing water and a root system that excels at capturing the available water in the soil, the Agave is a highly sought-after drought-resistant plant.
3 – Yarrow
The Yarrow plant works best in sunny areas having well-drained soils. However, the beauty about the yarrow is its ability to adapt to whatever less-than-ideal-condition it finds itself in. This drought resistant plant produces colorful flowers that are usually clustered together and have a scent similar to chrysanthemums. However, it is quite toxic to pets and even horses, so make sure Fluffy stays far away from it.
4 – Lantana
This is a great choice if a profusion of bright colors is just what you desire in your garden. Several species are available, the Lantana camara being the most popular of the lot. Capable of surviving in hot and dry environments, it is highly drought tolerant. Though the plant attracts butterflies, it has a couple of notable disadvantages; it is harmful to pets and farm animals and is stubbornly invasive. The latter reason is why gardeners recommend container gardening for the Lantana plant.
5 – Portulaca
The Portulaca family has two similar-looking species: the Portulaca grandiflora (moss rose) and the Portulaca oleraceae (common purslane). Both are drought tolerant plants, but while the common purslane is largely edible, the moss rose…not so much.
6 – Coneflower
The Coneflower is one drought-resistant plant that butterflies love. It is available in nine species with each having a unique flower color. Said flowers are daisy-like in shape and appearance, the plant roots are deep, and the plant itself requires little to no maintenance. Just right for lazy peeps like me.
7 – Lavender
When it comes to surviving in dry spells and frosty, wintry environments, it is rare to see a crop that excels like the Lavender plant. It is easy to grow, actually dislikes too much water, looks very nice, smells even nicer, and is a major irritant to mosquitoes. Frankly, I got to get me one of these.
8 – Bougainvillea
Being touted as one of the toughest shrubs on the planet is no mean feat, but the Bougainvillea is one drought-resistant plant that lives up to its hype. Native to the Mediterranean landscape, the Bougainvillea plant enjoys extreme drought and is a big fan of being neglected. Whatever your color preference, be it pink, red, orange, yellow, or white, this drought-tolerant plant thoroughly satisfies.
9 – Euphorbia
Also known as Spurges, the Euphorbia family consists of more than a thousand species of flowering plants; from tiny plants that have a lifespan of a year to large trees that have lived for more than five years. Regardless of their lifecycle and duration, Euphorbia plants are notoriously drought tolerant. However, you must be extremely careful when handling them as a slight cut on the plant would produce a milky, whitish (yellowish in some species) liquid that is quite poisonous to humans. This liquid could cause serious skin irritation and in worst-case scenarios, permanent blindness.
Now, you have lots of drought-resistant plants to choose from when deciding what to plant in your garden. I hope you have great fun deciding which is just right for you. Visit us on social media to tell us your best tips for dealing with dry planting conditions. Until the next post, have a happy DIY day.
She has a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English and a Spanish Minor. In addition, she holds a Certificates in Natural Health and Herbology from accredited programs. She pursued these natural wellness certifications due to her love for herb gardening.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
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