Drought-Tolerant Plants for Water-Wise Gardens

Overview

Drought-tolerant (water-wise) plants survive 2–3 months without supplemental water in dry spells, conserving resources while maintaining beauty.

Common Goldenrod (Solidago odora)

Fast-growing perennial, 2–5 feet, dark green 1–4 inch leaves. Golden yellow summer flowers. Full sun to semi-shade, poor sandy soil. Propagate by seed or spring/fall division.

Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)

Drought-tolerant annual, 1–2 feet tall, 1 foot wide, 4–6 inch leaves. 1.5 inch white/purple/pink flowers. Full sun, regular water to establish. Spring seed.

Lion's Ear (Leonotis nepetifolia)

Drought-tolerant annual to 8 feet, smooth 2–5 inch leaves. Orange tubular 2–4 inch flowers attract hummingbirds. Full sun to intermittent shade, regular water. Seed propagation.

Tall Cigar Plant (Cuphea micropetala)

Annual, 3–4 feet tall and wide. 6-inch leaves, orange-red tubular 1.5 inch flowers attract butterflies/hummingbirds. Full sun with midday protection, regular water. Spring root division or stem tips.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta)

Perennial to 20 feet, 24-inch leaf stems. Poor soil, morning sun/afternoon shade. Stem segment propagation.

Pink Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)

Fragrant perennial, 8–24 inches high, 15-inch spread. Bowl-shaped 2-inch variable-color flowers attract hummingbirds. Poor well-drained soil, full sun. Fall/early spring seed or spring root division.