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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

Christmas Palm (Adonidia Merrillii) — each extending up to 5 feet in length.<br><br>Notable for its festive appearance

Palm

Christmas Palm

Adonidia Merrillii

FullUSDA 10–11
Chuparosa, Calif. Beloperone (Justicia Californica) — Minimal supplemental water is necessary once established, as this plant is well-adapted to arid conditions

Shrub

Chuparosa, Calif. Beloperone

Justicia Californica

FullUSDA 9–11
Cinderella Honeyberry (Lonicera Caerulea) — making it an excellent choice for small gardens or as a border plant

Shrub

Cinderella Honeyberry

Lonicera Caerulea

FullUSDA 2–7
Cinnabar Silver Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Cinnabar Silver') — Thrives in USDA zones 4-9, reaching 12-18 inches in height with an 18-inch spread

Perennial

Cinnabar Silver Coral Bells

Heuchera 'Cinnabar Silver'

HalfUSDA 4–9
Cinquefoil (Potentilla Neumanniana) — the plant is adorned with bright yellow flowers; potentilla neumanniana is an excellent choice for rock, image 172

Ground cover

Cinquefoil

Potentilla Neumanniana

FullUSDA 3–10
Citronelle Heuchera (Heuchera 'Citronelle') — The Heuchera 'Citronelle' is a vibrant herbaceous perennial

Perennial

Citronelle Heuchera

Heuchera 'Citronelle'

HalfUSDA 4–9
Clara Blue Palm (Brahea Armata 'Clara') — captivates with striking silvery-blue fronds

Palm

Clara Blue Palm

Brahea Armata 'Clara'

FullUSDA 11–11
Claret Cup, Strawberry Cactus (Echinocereus Triglochidiatus) — Echinocereus triglochidiatus, commonly known as Claret Cup or Strawberry Cactus, image 97

Cactus

Claret Cup, Strawberry Cactus

Echinocereus Triglochidiatus

FullUSDA 9–10
Clay Wattle (Acacia Glaucoptera) — It reaches up to 6.5 feet tall and spreads similarly wide

Shrub

Clay Wattle

Acacia Glaucoptera

FullUSDA 9–11
Cleveland Blue Sage (Salvia Clevelandii) — Thriving in USDA zones 8-11, it reaches 3-5 feet in height and spreads 5-8 feet wide; this sage is a magnet for bees

Shrub

Cleveland Blue Sage

Salvia Clevelandii

FullUSDA 9–10
Cliff Goldenbush (Ericameria Cuneata) — The Cliff Goldenbush (Ericameria cuneata) is a resilient shrub ideal for arid landscapes

Shrub

Cliff Goldenbush

Ericameria Cuneata

FullUSDA 4–8
Cliff-Maids (Lewisia Cotyledon) — showcasing delicate petals that form a distinct star pattern.<br><br>Preferring well-drained

Perennial

Cliff-Maids

Lewisia Cotyledon

HalfUSDA 3–7
Climbing Aloe (Aloe Ciliaris) — evergreen succulent capable of reaching heights up to 10 feet with support

Succulent

Climbing Aloe

Aloe Ciliaris

FullUSDA 9–11
Climbing Prairie Rose (Rosa Setigera) — spanning 2-3 inches across

Shrub

Climbing Prairie Rose

Rosa Setigera

FullUSDA 3–9
'Cloud Cover' Snow in Summer (Cerastium tomentosum) — The Cerastium tomentosum 'Cloud Cover' is a low

'Cloud Cover' Snow in Summer

Cerastium tomentosum

Full
Cloud Walker Stonecrop (Sedum 'Cloud Walker') — It boasts striking, cloud-like clusters of light pink blossoms atop upright stems in late summer

Ground cover

Cloud Walker Stonecrop

Sedum 'Cloud Walker'

FullUSDA 3–9
Clustered Rose (Rosa Pisocarpa) — Famed for its tightly grouped pink blossoms, it provides a vibrant display from late spring to early summer; the Clustered

Shrub

Clustered Rose

Rosa Pisocarpa

FullUSDA 3–11
Coastal Buckwheat (Eriogonum parvifolium) — thriving in USDA zones 7-10

Ground cover

Coastal Buckwheat

Eriogonum parvifolium

FullUSDA 9–10
Coastal Cholla (Cylindropuntia prolifera) — or as part of a desert-themed landscape design

Cactus

Coastal Cholla

Cylindropuntia prolifera

FullUSDA 9–10
Coastal Correa (Correa Backhouseana) — scientifically known as Correa backhouseana

Shrub

Coastal Correa

Correa Backhouseana

FullUSDA 9–10
Coastal Gem Grevillea (Grevillea Lanigera 'Coastal Gem') — Grevillea lanigera 'Coastal Gem' is a low-growing

Ground cover

Coastal Gem Grevillea

Grevillea Lanigera 'Coastal Gem'

FullUSDA 9–10
Coastal Gumweed (Grindelia stricta) — Regular watering can help young plants establish

Perennial

Coastal Gumweed

Grindelia stricta

FullUSDA 9–10
Coast Aloe (Aloe Thraskii) — Ideally spaced 6-8 feet apart, it serves as an architectural focal point in water-wise gardens; renowned for its, image 55

Succulent

Coast Aloe

Aloe Thraskii

FullUSDA 8–10
Coastal Prickly Pear (Opuntia littoralis) — scientifically designated as Opuntia littoralis

Cactus

Coastal Prickly Pear

Opuntia littoralis

FullUSDA 9–10

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.