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Drought-tolerant plants

Low- and very-low-water plants for dry gardens, Mediterranean climates, and water-wise design.

2,235 plants

Drought-tolerant plants in the database

Blue Wild Rye (Leymus Arenarius) — grass / perennial for full or half

Grass

Blue Wild Rye

Leymus Arenarius

FullUSDA 4–10
Bluewitch (Solanum Umbelliferum) — is a charismatic addition to your landscape design

Shrub

Bluewitch

Solanum Umbelliferum

FullUSDA 10–11
Blue Yucca (Yucca Rigida) — silver-blue leaves with sharp tips that extend 2-3 feet

Succulent

Blue Yucca

Yucca Rigida

FullUSDA 7–11
Blue Yucca (Yucca Baccata) — This resilient evergreen offers stunning, white bell-shaped blossoms on 2-3 ft spikes in late spring

Shrub

Blue Yucca

Yucca Baccata

FullUSDA 5–11
Bluff Lettuce (Dudleya Farinosa) — perfectly suited for xeriscaping or rock gardens; succulent with red blooms

Succulent

Bluff Lettuce

Dudleya Farinosa

FullUSDA 9–11
Bon Bon Hybrid Sage (Salvia 'Bon Bon') — Salvia 'Bon Bon' (Bon Bon Hybrid Sage) is a vibrant perennial that boasts deep purple-blue flowers

Shrub

Bon Bon Hybrid Sage

Salvia 'Bon Bon'

FullUSDA 9–10
'Boogie Woogie' Stonecrop (Sedum hybrid) — The Sedum hybrid 'Boogie Woogie' is a low

'Boogie Woogie' Stonecrop

Sedum hybrid

Full
Book-Leaf Malle (Eucalyptus Kruseana) — Ideal for xeriscapes and low-maintenance designs

Shrub

Book-Leaf Malle

Eucalyptus Kruseana

FullUSDA 9–11
Border Penstemon (Penstemon Hybrids) — It is essential to avoid waterlogged conditions, particularly in winter, to prevent root rot

Perennial

Border Penstemon

Penstemon Hybrids

FullUSDA 8–10
Bosnian Pine (Pinus Heldreichii) — This exquisite conifer can achieve a height ranging from 30 to 60 feet; it boasts a narrow, pyramidal form, reaching up to

Conifer

Bosnian Pine

Pinus Heldreichii

FullUSDA 7–10
Bottle-Brush Aloe (Aloe Spicata) — striking flower spike of tubular red blossoms reaching up to 3 feet high

Succulent

Bottle-Brush Aloe

Aloe Spicata

FullUSDA 9–10
Bottle-Brush Aloe (Aloe Vanbalenii) — though it should be protected from extended freezes

Succulent

Bottle-Brush Aloe

Aloe Vanbalenii

FullUSDA 9–10
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — grass / perennial for full or half; thus contributing to the local ecosystem's health

Grass

Bottlebrush Grass

Elymus Hystrix

FullUSDA 4–10
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea X Buttiana) — though regular watering during dry periods will promote healthier growth and flowering; vine for full, image 90

Vine

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea X Buttiana

FullUSDA 9–10
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea 'White Madonna') — Thriving in full sun, it can reach heights of 15-40 feet, with a spread of 5-8 feet

Vine

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea 'White Madonna'

FullUSDA 10–11
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea Spectabilis) — Bougainvilleas thrive in full sun, demanding at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom, image 57

Vine

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea Spectabilis

FullUSDA 9–11
Bougainvillea, California Gold (Bougainvillea 'California Gold') — this hardy variety can reach up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide

Vine

Bougainvillea, California Gold

Bougainvillea 'California Gold'

FullUSDA 9–10
Bougainvillea Cultivars (Bougainvillea Cvs.) — Note: blooming cycles can be encouraged by restricting water

Shrub

Bougainvillea Cultivars

Bougainvillea Cvs.

FullUSDA 9–10
Bougainvillea, La Jolla (Bougainvillea 'La Jolla') — low-maintenance choice for warm

Ground cover

Bougainvillea, La Jolla

Bougainvillea 'La Jolla'

FullUSDA 9–10
Bougainvillea Variegated Cultivars (Bougainvillea Spectabilis 'Variegata') — it's perfect for adding a tropical flair and year-round interest to trellises or

Shrub

Bougainvillea Variegated Cultivars

Bougainvillea Spectabilis 'Variegata'

FullUSDA 9–10
Boulder Blue Fescue (Festuca 'Boulder Blue') — Boulder Blue Fescue (Festuca 'Boulder Blue') is a striking ornamental grass with vibrant steel-blue foliage

Grass

Boulder Blue Fescue

Festuca 'Boulder Blue'

FullUSDA 8–10
Bowles Mauve Wallflower (Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve') — It's important to provide occasional watering during extended dry periods

Perennial

Bowles Mauve Wallflower

Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve'

FullUSDA 6–10
Bracelet Honey-Myrtle (Melaleuca Armillaris) — It is tolerant of a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions

Shrub

Bracelet Honey-Myrtle

Melaleuca Armillaris

FullUSDA 9–10
Brandegee's Sage (Salvia Brandegeei) — Brandegee's Sage (Salvia brandegeei) is a robust

Shrub

Brandegee's Sage

Salvia Brandegeei

FullUSDA 7–10

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.