They're hardy, vigorous and full of life — drought-tolerant plants are a great addition to backyards that often have hot climates and low rainfall. Whether you're looking to re-vamp your yard or you're looking for easy-to-care for alternatives, these plants will make it through the scorching heat without breaking a sweat.
Plant expert and founder of Simplify Gardening, Tony O'Neill tells us: 'Drought tolerant plants are species that have adapted to survive in dry conditions with minimal water. These plants are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a resilient and sustainable garden that can withstand periods of drought and heat'.
So, if you're looking to build a dry garden, to help ease your garden tasks during those warmer days, opting for these heat-loving shrubs is the best place to start. Here are 10 drought-tolerant plants — chosen by an expert.
Drought tolerant plants
Plants that like full sun and heat are ideal for when you're dealing with extremely tough seasons. If you've got a busy schedule and can't seem to find the time to take care of your blooms, plant expert and founder of Simplify Gardening, Tony O'Neill says drought tolerant plants are perfect for low maintenance gardening.
'Investing in drought-tolerant plants helps conserve water, reduce maintenance, and ensure a thriving garden even during dry spells,' Tony says. 'They are perfect for creating sustainable landscapes that require less frequent watering and are more resilient to climate changes'.
Here are 10 drought tolerant plants to add into your backyard or dry garden.
1. Lavender (Lavandula)
Whether you're planting lavender in containers or into your delightful garden bed, these ultra-fragrant blooms native to the Mediterranean are known to be strong, drought tolerant and full of life. I particularly love lavender for its refreshing scent as well as it's stunning yet soft flowerings.
'Lavender is highly drought-tolerant, thriving in full sun and well-draining soil,' says Tony. 'Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators and its silver foliage adds beauty to any garden'. As for withstanding heat, Tony says its 'deep root system' allows it to access water deep in the soil, which therefore makes it a resilient companion during dry seasons.
Kassi Krupper, an avid gardener and expert from Bath Garden Center tells us: 'The beautiful drought-tolerant lavender plant is a colorful, fragrant, and versatile addition to your garden or patio. If left to its own devices, lavender can grow quite large, making it a great statement plant for an entrance or focal area. Lavender also grows well in containers, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Blooming in the summer and fall, lavender is a favorite of beneficial pollinators'.
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: At least 6 hours of direct sun
2. Sedum (Stonecrop)
As well as being one of the best plants to grow along gravel paths, Sedum or Stonecrop is the ideal shrub for hot weather conditions. These succulents have a unique appearance with bright green foliage and colorful blooms. Its exotic desert vibe will undoubtedly make your backyard look like a vacation haven.
Tony says: 'Sedum varieties are succulent plants that store water in their leaves, making them exceptionally drought-tolerant. They require minimal watering and can thrive in poor soil conditions, ideal for rock gardens and borders'.
Hardiness Zone: 3-11
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: At least 6 hours of full sun
3. Agave
If you're building a cactus garden then these ever so extravagant succulent plants with large, pointy leaves are what you need. Bringing the desert vibe right into your back garden, this shrub can handle sub-zero temperatures, with some species even being able to handle the heat. These clever shrubs store water in their leaves, allowing them to take on those dry seasons.
'Agave plants are succulents with thick, fleshy leaves that store water, making them perfect for arid environments. Their ability to store water and withstand extreme heat makes them a hardy choice for dry landscapes'.
Hardiness Zone: 5-11
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: 6-8 hours of direct sun
4. Echinacea (Coneflower)
Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are one of my favorite flowers that bloom in the summer. They're bold, hardy, colorful and an absolute delight. These full sun perennials are the perfect touch of grace and strength.
Tony tells us these blossoms are tough and thrive well under the sun. How does this work? Well, the plant expert explains: 'Its deep roots help it survive drought conditions, and it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies'.
Kassi says not only are these flowers extremely adaptable, but they also live and bloom for long durations. 'These flowers are commonly used to line walkways or borders or planted in containers. Planted en-masse coneflowers prevent soil erosion, which can be an issue in drier areas,' she adds.
Why not grow coneflowers in your backyard? I promise, you will not regret it! These cheerful blooms will certainly brighten up those dull spots in your yard.
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: 6-8 hours of full sun
5. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Known as one of the best heat tolerant perennials, Kassi tells us the Russian sage is yet another versatile drought tolerant plant. 'Its willowy features make it a top choice for drought-tolerant border filler, especially when mixed in with other plants'.
She continues: 'Since it requires less water than many plants, it is an excellent landscaping choice for homes in drier climates and makes excellent hedges. Like lavender, Russian Sage grows well in containers, providing low watering for patios and porches'.
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: 6-8 hours of direct sun
6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Bringing an aromatic feel to your backyard, thyme is the perfect addition to your growing drought-tolerant plant collection. It's also one of the best plants to grow along gravel paths and a popular ground cover plant to prevent weeds.
'Thyme is an aromatic herb that thrives in dry, rocky soils and full sun,' says Tony. As for withstanding the hot sun and what this herby shrub can be used for, Tony adds: 'Its low water requirements and resilience to heat make it an excellent ground cover and culinary herb'.
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: 6-8 hours of bright sun
7. Yucca
These long, leafy greens will certainly capture your guest's attention. Yucca is the perfect outdoor and indoor plant — best of all, it's drought tolerant!
'Yucca plants have thick, sword-like leaves that store water. Which makes them highly drought resistant,' Tony explains. 'Their ability to thrive in hot, arid conditions makes them perfect for xeriscaping'.
Hardiness Zone: 4-11
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: 6 hours of direct sun
Price: $35.11
Mature size: 2 ft
8. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Bright, bold and full of color, the blanket flower is truly a showstopper and is one of the best flowers for pots in full sun. Thriving in the heat, these fiery, orange and red blooms are ideal for xeriscaping.
Tony notes: 'This bright, daisy-like flower thrives in full sun and poor, dry soils, providing long-lasting color in the garden. Its tolerance to drought and heat makes it a low-maintenance choice for borders and container gardening'.
Hardiness Zone: 3-10
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: 6-8 hours of full sun
9. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
For those brewing herb garden ideas, rosemary is the perfect touch of scent, color and flavor.
Tony says this evergreen perennial is 'a woody herb that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, offering both culinary and ornamental benefits'. The expert says its tolerance to heat stems from 'Its deep roots and its ability to store water'.
Hardiness Zone: 6-9
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: 6-8 hours of direct sun
10. Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)
As well as being extremely drought tolerant, Mexican feather grass is the best ornamental grass for privacy. Bringing multi-functionalism into your backyard, this shrub is easy to maintain and looks great in a yard.
'This ornamental grass is known for its fine texture and drought tolerance, adding movement and interest to the garden,' Tony adds. 'It thrives in hot, dry conditions and requires minimal water once established'
Hardiness Zone: 6-10
Soil type: Well-drained
Sunlight: 6+ hours of full sun
FAQS
What makes plants drought tolerant?
Plants that like sun and heat are known for their hardy elements — which makes them ideal for hot climates. But what exactly makes shrubs drought tolerant? Well, a lot of these plants minimize their water loss through characteristics such as deep roots, spreading roots, tiny hairs on the leaves, small/thin leaves, thick waxy leaves and spikey leaves, which allows them to hold onto their water content for much longer.
According to experts at the Institute of Agriculture and Natural resources at the University of Nebraska, deep-rooted plants also take advantage of the soil's moisture, therefore avoiding 'drought stress' much longer than normal plants.
Experts on the University website write: 'Keep in mind drought tolerant plants perform best once they have well-established root systems. It is important to provide new plants with adequate moisture until they establish roots. This may take one to three years'.
