Best plants for best drought-tolerant plants — PlantSage
Best drought-tolerant plants
— Drought-tolerant plants survive (and often thrive) on rainfall alone once established — no supplemental watering after the first year or two. The picks below evolved in arid region
Drought-tolerant plants survive (and often thrive) on rainfall alone once established — no supplemental watering after the first year or two. The picks below evolved in arid regions: deep taproots, waxy or fuzzy leaves that reduce water loss, succulent storage tissue. They reduce water bills, suit climate-changed regions, and look spectacular when sized to scale.
Recommended picks
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a perennial subshrub from the Lamiaceae family, native to the Baleares, France, Italy, and Sp…
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial subshrub or shrub native to the Mediterranean region, including Albania, France…
Abutilon purpurascens, a member of the Malvaceae family, is an ornamental shrub native to the Northeast and Southeast re…
Abyssinian Oat, scientifically known as Avena abyssinica and belonging to the Poaceae family, is an annual graminoid nat…
Acacia sophorae, commonly known as Acacia sophorae, is a tree or shrub native to the eastern and southern regions of Aus…
Adam's Needle (Yucca smalliana) is a subshrub or shrub native to the southeastern United States and Ontario, thriving in…
Adesmia lotoides, a member of the Fabaceae family, is a perennial plant native to the southern regions of Argentina and …
Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis) is an annual vine native to eastern Asia, including regions such as Assam, China South Cen…
African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is an annual forb/herb native to regions of Central and southern Mexico, including Gua…
Agave cantala agave is a fast growing perennial agave in the Asparagaceae family, grown mainly for its edible shoots and…
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a perennial plant native to a wide range of regions across Europe and parts of Asia, i…
Akmongot (Leptadenia hastata) is a perennial plant native to the Sahel and savanna regions of Africa, stretching from Al…
Alkali Sakaton (Sporobolus airoides) is a perennial grass native to the western and central United States, as well as pa…
Allegheny Barberry, scientifically known as Berberis canadensis, is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United State…
Allium acuminatum, commonly known as narrowleaf garlic, is a hardy perennial that thrives in zones 5 9, reaching heights…
Allium akaka, a member of the Alliaceae family and native to Iran, is an edible and ornamental plant that thrives in a v…
Allium ampeloprasum, commonly known as elephant garlic or giant white garlic, is a hardy bulbous plant native to the Med…
Allium bodeanum, a member of the Alliaceae family, is a small bulbous plant native to Iran, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. Th…
Allium carolinianum, a member of the Alliaceae family, is an edible plant native to regions including Afghanistan, East …
Allium cupanii, commonly known as the New Zealand native onion, is a member of the Alliaceae family and thrives in full …
Allium douglasii, commonly known as Douglas' onion, is a small herbaceous plant native to Uruguay and found in the wild …
Allium dregeanum, a member of the Alliaceae family, is native to regions including the Cape Provinces and Free State in …
Allium platycaule, commonly known as California garlic, is a small herbaceous plant native to the arid and semi-arid reg…
Allium przewalskianum, a member of the Liliaceae family, is native to regions including China North Central, South Centr…
Allium ramosum, a member of the Alliaceae family, is a versatile plant native to regions including Altay, Amur, Buryatiy…
Allium roseum, commonly known as Rose Garlic, is a member of the Alliaceae family and can be found in Mediterranean regi…
Even drought-tolerant plants need regular watering their first year to establish. After that, water deeply once every 2-3 weeks in dry summers, never. Overwatering kills more drought plants than underwatering — rot is the #1 cause of death.
Common questions
What are the toughest drought-tolerant plants?
Cacti and succulents top the list. After them: lavender, rosemary, sedum, yarrow, salvia, and most Mediterranean herbs. All survive months without supplemental water once established.
Can drought plants survive winter rain?
Many can't — winter wet kills more drought plants than summer dry. Plant on slopes or in raised beds with sandy, well-drained soil. Mediterranean herbs especially need dry winter conditions to overwinter.
Do drought-tolerant plants ever need water?
First year: yes, weekly until established. After that: only during severe drought (no rain for 4+ weeks in summer). Most years they need nothing.
Are drought plants ugly?
No — they're often the most striking. Lavender hedges, salvia in bloom, sage with silver foliage, sedum carpets are stunning. The 'xeriscaping' aesthetic is a deliberate design choice, not a compromise.
Can I grow vegetables in a dry climate?
Yes, but pick varieties bred for drought: dryland wheat, sorghum, amaranth, some bean varieties, drought-tolerant tomato varieties (Brandywine, Roma). Drip irrigation maximizes water efficiency.
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