9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants That Thrive in Dry Conditions
These hardy flowers, vines, grasses, and more can take the heat.
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Every garden has its challenges, whether it's pest control, soil issues, or a lack of sun. But for many gardeners in the South and Southwest United States, the challenge is drought. After all, adequate water is one of the main things plants need to live long and healthy lives. However, while some plants wilt after a day without water, others thrive in dry conditions.
Ahead, we've found the best drought-resistant plants that can go a while without a drink. From beautiful flowers like lavender and creeping phlox to climbing vines like bougainvillea, these tough, low-maintenance plants will make a statement in your garden. They may look delicate, but boy, are they hardy. (Of course, you'll also want to make sure your new plants work in your USDA Hardiness Zone.) Want to get your flowers quickly? Order them from one of the best places to buy plants online.
Purple Coneflower
Butterflies love these long-lasting, in-your-face flowers, which bloom from early summer until first frost. In addition to being drought resistant and deer resistant, these hardy perennials are also extremely low-maintenance, which makes them perfect for beginner gardeners.
Lavender
Plant piles of purple in your garden for an aromatic display that enjoys sunlight and relatively dry soil. Research your garden's USDA plant hardiness zone to make sure you choose the best type of lavender for your space.
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Lamb's Ear
These silvery fuzzy leaves make for whimsical garden edging, especially since deer don't like to eat them. They'll spread as ground cover if you let them.
Bougainvillea
These hot pink climbing vines are the definition of swoon-worthy, but the delicate blooms can really take the heat (in fact, they bloom best after dry winters). They're native to the tropics, which means they like a lot of sun.
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Boxwood
Drought won't bother these classic ornamental greens, whether grown large as hedges or sculpted into a potted topiary.
Blue Oat Grass
Fill a bare spot in your yard with these spindly bursts of blue-green, which only require occasional watering. Blue oat grass doesn't spread quickly like most grasses, so you can keep it in your garden with minimal care.
Sedum
This drought-resistant genus boasts many different varieties of rubbery, geometric plants. Don't worry about needing to tend to these beauties either — they're deer resistant and drought resistant, which means all you really need to do is put them in the ground and watch them grow.
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Creeping Phlox
This happy-hued ground cover plant is decidedly low-maintenance. You'll see it often in rock gardens, tough soil conditions, and planters. Add it to your garden and you'll have stunning, dense color with minimal upkeep.
Sage
Whether you pluck the leaves for cooking or simply admire them, this herb garden staple is a hardy one. It grows well in a range of climates and planting zones, and can be harvested at almost any time of year.
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