Drought tolerant plants are the perfect solution for gardeners looking to thrive in areas with limited rainfall. These resilient species have adapted to survive—and even flourish—in dry conditions by storing water in their leaves, stems, or roots.
They also develop specialized features like trichomes and deep root systems that help them conserve moisture. Whether you’re landscaping a sun-drenched yard or planning a low-maintenance garden, incorporating drought tolerant plants is a smart, eco-friendly choice.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best drought tolerant plants—each one a standout in beauty, resilience, and ease of care—to help you create a vibrant garden that can handle the heat.
For more inspiration, be sure to check out our Salvia landscaping ideas and Salvia plant care guide for colorful, drought-hardy blooms.
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Table of Contents
1. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a showstopper among drought tolerant plants, thanks to its vibrant blooms and ability to withstand harsh conditions. Native to South America, this thorny ornamental vine boasts over 300 varieties worldwide, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes in hot, dry regions.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Acidic, well-draining soil
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: 30-40°F (can handle moderate cold)
- Plant Height: 1-12 meters (3-39 feet)
- Colors: Pink, yellow, white, orange
- Fertilizers: Low nitrogen fertilizers
- Companion Plants: Flying Saucers, Georgia Blue plant, Black Pearl plant
Why Grow Bougainvillea?
Bougainvillea’s papery flowers bring an instant burst of color to any space and are easy to propagate via tip cuttings. Perfect for fences, walls, and containers, they thrive in dry soil and bloom profusely with minimal water. Plus, their thorny stems can help deter pests and provide privacy, making them a practical and attractive addition to your drought-tolerant garden.
2. Portulaca
Portulaca, also known as moss rose, is a delightful choice for those seeking drought tolerant plants with vibrant, sun-loving flowers. Its thick, succulent leaves store water efficiently, allowing it to thrive even in rock gardens and sandy soils.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Dry soil with pH 5.5-6.0
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: 75-80°F
- Plant Height: About 1 foot
- Colors: Pink, red, lavender, orange
- Fertilizers: High nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers
- Companion Plants: Creeping zinnia, dusty miller, globe amaranth
Why Grow Portulaca?
Portulaca’s charming blooms open in the morning sunlight and close by mid-afternoon, creating a dynamic display in any sunny garden. This plant is incredibly low-maintenance, requiring little water and thriving in poor soils, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to embrace drought-tolerant landscaping.
3. Lithops
Lithops, often called “living stones,” are a unique addition to the world of drought tolerant plants. Originating from arid regions, these succulents have evolved to mimic the appearance of stones, making them nearly invisible to herbivores and perfect for xeriscaping.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Soil pH above 7.0 (alkaline)
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: Up to 120°F
- Plant Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Colors: Cream, grey, brown
- Fertilizers: Diluted cactus fertilizers
- Companion Plants: Pleiospilos, Echeveria
Why Grow Lithops?
Lithops are fascinating, low-water succulents that store moisture in their thick leaves and underground stems. During dry spells, they tap into these reserves, allowing them to survive with minimal watering. These unique plants are excellent conversation starters and thrive in containers or rock gardens, adding a touch of the extraordinary to any drought-tolerant landscape.
4. Blanket Flower
Blanket flower, also known as Gaillardia, is a cheerful, sun-loving addition to the lineup of drought tolerant plants. With its vivid blooms that resemble a colorful blanket, this perennial is perfect for adding bright splashes of red, orange, and yellow to any garden.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Poor, well-draining soil
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: 50-65°F
- Plant Height: 24-30 inches
- Colors: Yellow, wine red, orange
- Fertilizers: Compost or manure
- Companion Plants: Moss rose, lavender, black-eyed Susan, helianthemum
Why Grow Blanket Flower?
Blanket flowers are exceptionally tolerant of drought and heat, requiring little maintenance once established. Their continuous blooms from summer to fall attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden. Plant them in sunny borders or containers for an explosion of color even in the driest conditions.
5. Verbena
Verbena is a versatile, woody perennial beloved for its vibrant clusters of small flowers and impressive drought tolerance. Native to the Americas and Asia, it’s a perfect pick for gardeners seeking easy-care, colorful blooms.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: High pH soil (up to 8.0)
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: 30-40°F
- Plant Height: 1-2 feet
- Colors: Red, pink, violet, white
- Fertilizers: All-purpose liquid fertilizers
- Companion Plants: Shasta daisy, chrysanthemum, basil
Why Grow Verbena?
Verbena’s clusters of small, five-petaled flowers are not only drought tolerant but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. These tough plants handle dry conditions with grace and require minimal watering, making them an excellent choice for garden borders, containers, or as a ground cover in sunny spots.
6. Lantana
Lantana stands out as a vibrant and hardy member of the drought tolerant plants family. With its clusters of tiny, multicolored blooms, this tropical perennial brightens gardens while withstanding harsh, dry conditions.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Acidic and well-draining soil
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: 70-75°F
- Plant Height: 2-6 feet tall
- Colors: Red, pink, yellow, white, orange
- Fertilizers: Balanced N-P-K (10-10-10)
- Companion Plants: Butterfly bush, autumn sage
Why Grow Lantana?
Lantana’s resilience and bright blossoms make it a favorite for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant thrives in containers or directly in garden beds, and its low-maintenance nature means you can enjoy colorful blooms even in the hottest, driest seasons. As a bonus, its extracts have been used for pest control, adding another layer of garden usefulness.
7. Erysimum
Erysimum, also known as wallflower, is a versatile and charming addition to any collection of drought tolerant plants. Known for its clusters of bright flowers, this adaptable plant thrives in dry, sunny gardens.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Soil with pH 7.0–8.0
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: 55-65°F
- Plant Height: 1-2 feet
- Colors: Pink, purple, blue, yellow, orange
- Fertilizers: Balanced N-P-K fertilizers
- Companion Plants: Spring bulbs, Alchemilla, Tulipa
Why Grow Erysimum?
Wallflowers are popular not only for their drought resilience but also for their role as pollinator magnets, attracting bees, butterflies, beetles, and even ants. They bloom in spring and summer, bringing cheerful color to rock gardens, borders, and container plantings. These hardy perennials require minimal water once established, making them an ideal choice for sustainable gardening.
8. Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a classic drought tolerant plant, prized for both its culinary and ornamental uses. Native to the Mediterranean, this evergreen perennial brings beauty and utility to any garden.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Sandy soil with pH 6.0–7.0
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: 60-70°F
- Plant Height: 24-30 inches
- Colors: Green, white, purple
- Fertilizers: Low nitrogen fertilizers
- Companion Plants: Cabbage, carrot, rosemary
Why Grow Sage?
Sage’s aromatic leaves add flavor to a variety of dishes while also repelling pests from nearby vegetables. This versatile herb is well-suited to dry, sunny spots, and requires very little water to thrive. Its attractive flowers, ranging from blue to purple, also draw pollinators, adding to its value in a drought-tolerant garden.
9. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a must-have among drought tolerant plants. With its fleshy, water-storing leaves and star-shaped blooms, Sedum is ideal for gardeners who want beauty and resilience rolled into one.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: pH 6.0–7.5, well-draining
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: 65-75°F
- Plant Height: Up to 2 feet tall
- Colors: Purple, gold, pink, yellow
- Fertilizers: Compost or granular fertilizers
- Companion Plants: Nasturtiums, ornamental grasses, flowering cabbage
Why Grow Sedum?
Sedums are versatile and easy to grow in a wide range of soil types. Their succulent leaves store water, allowing them to flourish with minimal watering. Whether cascading from containers or brightening up rock gardens, Sedum offers both texture and color to drought-resistant landscapes. Their long-lasting blooms attract pollinators, while their low maintenance needs make them a gardener’s dream.
10. Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a fascinating addition to any collection of drought tolerant plants, thanks to its unique floral structures and extraordinary ability to withstand harsh conditions. With over 2,000 species worldwide, Euphorbia offers incredible diversity in shapes, sizes, and colors.
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Acidic, well-draining soil
- Location: Full sunlight
- Temperature: 30-40°F
- Plant Height: 1-12 meters (3-39 feet)
- Colors: Pink, yellow, white, orange
- Fertilizers: Low nitrogen fertilizers
- Companion Plants: Centranthus ruber, Rudbeckia hirta, Nepeta plant
Why Grow Euphorbia?
Euphorbia’s thick, fleshy stems help the plant store water and survive in dry climates. Some varieties, like crown of thorns and poinsettias, are popular ornamental choices, while others have medicinal uses thanks to compounds like ingenol mebutate. Their drought and heat tolerance, along with low maintenance needs, make Euphorbia an excellent choice for sustainable, water-wise gardening.
Conclusion
Creating a garden that thrives in dry conditions is easier than ever with the right selection of drought tolerant plants. From the vibrant blooms of Bougainvillea and Blanket Flower to the fascinating forms of Lithops and Euphorbia, these plants combine beauty with resilience. By understanding their unique growing conditions and companion planting preferences, you can design a garden that not only survives but flourishes—saving water and time while still being a feast for the eyes. For even more gardening inspiration, explore our low-maintenance plant tips and indoor gardening ideas to keep your green space vibrant year-round.
FAQ: Drought Tolerant Plants
What makes a plant drought tolerant?
Drought tolerant plants have developed adaptations like thick leaves, water storage tissues, deep root systems, and reduced leaf surface area to survive with minimal water.
Can drought tolerant plants survive with no water at all?
No, even drought tolerant plants need some water to thrive. They’re adapted to dry spells but will still need occasional watering, especially during extreme heat.
Are drought tolerant plants low maintenance?
Yes, most drought tolerant plants require minimal care once established, making them perfect for busy gardeners or those looking to conserve water.
Do drought tolerant plants attract pollinators?
Absolutely! Many drought tolerant plants, like Blanket Flower, Verbena, and Lantana, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Can I grow drought tolerant plants in containers?
Yes, many drought tolerant plants adapt well to containers, provided they have good drainage and are placed in sunny locations.