Design a Dazzling Low-Water Garden Bed

Create a stunning, drought-tolerant bed with these plants (numbers indicate quantity for a sample design):

A. Cushion spurge (Euphorbia epithymoides); all zones (12)
B. Lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'); all zones (5)
C. Santa Barbara daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus); zones 8-9, 13-24 (4)
D. Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides); choose less invasive purple variety; zones 3, 7-9, 11, 13-24 (9)
E. Fernleaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina 'Coronation Gold'); all zones (2)
F. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa); all zones (7)
G. Yarrow 'Moonshine'; all zones (7)
H. Russian sage (Perovskia 'Blue Spire'); zones 2-24 (6)
I. Cupid's dart (Catananche caerulea); all zones (2)
J. Border penstemon (P. gloxinioides 'Apple Blossom'); all zones (3)
K. Cranesbill (Geranium endressii 'Wargrave Pink'); zones 1-3, 7-9, 14-24 (1)
L. Coreopsis lanceolata 'Goldfink'; all zones (2)
M. Tree mallow (Lavatera thuringiaca 'Barnsley'); zones 8-9, 14-24 (2)
N. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Bright Star'); all zones (1)
O. Gayfeather (Liatris spicata 'Kobold'); zones 1-3, 7-9, 14-24 (6)

These perennials offer color, texture, and pollinator appeal with minimal water once established.

Landscaping: Understanding USDA Plant Hardiness Zones; Designing a Sunny Corner Bed After Tree Loss; Planting a Flower Bed Over a Septic System and Tree Stumps; Mystery Plant in Flower Bed: Likely Sedge or Nut Grass; Ice Plants: Succulent Ground Covers with Daisy-Like Flowers for Hot, Dry Sites; February Garden Guide: Planting, Pruning, and Valentine's Day Gifts; August Garden Tasks: Planting Low-Water Lawns, Herbs, Vegetables, and Maintenance; April Garden Checklist: Planting Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Lawns, and Maintenance; Japanese Bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’): Invasive Reversion Nightmare; Plant Palette: Trees, Shrubs, Vines, and Perennials by Zone

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