Water conservation is at the forefront of gardeners’ minds in many parts of the country. Luckily, there are a wide variety of drought-tolerant plants that thrive in dry conditions.
The majority of drought-tolerant plants also have deep roots that extend to great depths to reach the water. To get to know exactly the nature of these kinds of plants, here are the top 12 on the list of drought-tolerant plants.
Canna Lily
Canna lilies are tropical, so they thrive in heat, and though most varieties prefer some moisture, they’re surprisingly drought-tolerant. The plants have brilliant blooms topping lush foliage that reaches up to six feet in height. While the lilies perform best when regularly divided, these showstoppers require little else to flourish.
Coneflower
Coneflower, or echinacea, is an easy-to-grow perennial that bursts with daisy-like flowers during the summer and fall. Petals come in a a wide range of bright colors, including yellow, purple, red, pink, orange, and white. The plant will grow bigger each year, so you’ll have plenty to divide and share.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron tolerates both heat and drought, and it displays large blooms in luminous colors during the summer. Evergreen varieties also exist, in case you’re looking for a plant that can brighten your landscape year-round. Rhododendron prefers shade and acidic soil.
Portulaca
The portulaca, aka “moss rose,” is able to grow in water scarcity, and even in poor soil. Thanks to its thick juicy succulent leaves, it can survive for a long time while deprived of water. As you can see in the picture, it comes in a great variety of wonderful radiant colors. On the one hand it is a water-frugal plant, but on the other hand, it requires plenty of warmth to thrive.
Geranium
Geraniums are ideal plants for window boxes and containers. They grow best in a sunny position, but they will need some afternoon shade in very hot summer weather.
When watering Geraniums, be sure to water the base of the plant and keep the leaves dry to avoid fungal diseases. Geraniums aren’t frost tolerant so they’ll need to be moved indoors before the frost arrives.
Lantana
Lantana is an evergreen and hardy tropical shrub native to the Americas and Africa. It is mainly grown for its colorful and fragrant flowers. Lantana flowers are usually very colorful during spring and summer but can also blossom throughout the year in warm areas. The plant does not need much care because it thrives best in dry and hot areas and can grow in any type of soil.
Thus, it is easy to grow the plant at home and even in pots. Plus, the plant usually attracts beautiful insects such as butterflies and hummingbirds, which makes it much more attractive. The lantana berries are edible but only when ripe. The berries can be poisonous if consumed green. The plant can also be used to make furniture because it is resistant to rain and sun damage.
Lavender
This is a perennial flowering herb of the mint family tolerant of heat. It is believed it helps purify the mind and body because it promotes well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. It is also used in the treatment of diseases such as acne, insomnia, nausea, skin irritation and hair loss. Due to its fragrance, it is used in aromatherapy for the treatment of headaches. Lavender oils also treat acne and hair conditions.
Beautyberry
The American beautyberry shrub gives four-season appeal to your yard, with dazzling purple berries (a favorite of birds) as the main attraction in winter. Once established, the beautyberry is drought-tolerant and will attract all manner of small wildlife.
Yarrow
This is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, scientifically named Achillea millefolium. Yarrow has fern-like decorative foliage – tightly packed attractive flowers. They also require low maintenance because they only grow well in a sunny and well-drained loamy soil. The plant can be a good choice for rock gardens.
Also, it can be used in the making of homemade shampoo. It also has medicinal values such as the treatment of fever, stomach discomfort by promoting detoxification, and toothache when taken orally. In the past, it was used to treat wounded soldiers.
Bougainvillea
The bougainvillea is a ‘crowned champion’ in tolerating dry climates across the world. It seems to be one of the most resistant shrubs that thrive neglected in extreme and intense weather conditions. This colorful plant is quite easy to grow as well.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as Tickseed, are hardy drought resistant flowers. They can be grown as an annual or perennial and they’re great for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your garden.
Coreopsis flowers can be yellow, white, pink or red and you can get a second bloom if you deadhead the spent flowers.
Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vine is a drought tolerant climbing vine with bright red and orange flowers. It grows well in warm and cool climates and can be planted in full sun or partial shade.
Trumpet vines are great for attracting hummingbirds to your garden and they can be grown on fences, trellises, arbors or pergolas.