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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

Dwarf Myrtle (Myrtus Communis 'Compacta') — Dwarf Myrtle (Myrtus communis 'Compacta') is a fragrant

Shrub

Dwarf Myrtle

Myrtus Communis 'Compacta'

FullUSDA 9–11
Dwarf Olive (Olea Europaea 'Montra') — is a dwarf evergreen variety of the classic olive tree

Shrub

Dwarf Olive

Olea Europaea 'Montra'

FullUSDA 8–11
Dwarf Orange Bulbine (Bulbine Frutescens 'Hallmark') — low-maintenance perennial that is well-suited for a variety of landscape designs

Ground cover

Dwarf Orange Bulbine

Bulbine Frutescens 'Hallmark'

FullUSDA 8–11
Dwarf Oregon Grape (Mahonia Aquifolium 'Compact John Muir') — The Dwarf Oregon Grape 'Compacta John Muir' is an evergreen shrub, reaching 2-3 feet in height

Broadleaf Evergreen

Dwarf Oregon Grape

Mahonia Aquifolium 'Compact John Muir'

FullUSDA 5–10
Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal Minor) — the Dwarf Palmetto is suitable for USDA zones 7 through 11; consider its ability to provide a textured backdrop or serve as a

Palm

Dwarf Palmetto

Sabal Minor

FullUSDA 7–10
Dwarf Plecostachys (Plecostachys Serpyllifolia) — Dwarf Plecostachys (Plecostachys serpyllifolia) is a hardy, compact perennial

Shrub

Dwarf Plecostachys

Plecostachys Serpyllifolia

FullUSDA 9–11
Dwarf Plume Cedar (Cryptomeria Japonica 'Elegans Nana') — evergreen specimen reaching 3-4 feet in height and 4-5 feet in width

Conifer

Dwarf Plume Cedar

Cryptomeria Japonica 'Elegans Nana'

FullUSDA 5–8
Dwarf Senecio (Senecio Serpens) — ground cover / succulent with white blooms

Ground cover

Dwarf Senecio

Senecio Serpens

FullUSDA 9–10
Dwarf Spiraea (Spiraea Japonica 'Bullota') — It features vibrant pink blooms in early summer

Shrub

Dwarf Spiraea

Spiraea Japonica 'Bullota'

FullUSDA 3–9
Dwarf Strawberry Tree (Arbutus Unedo 'Compacta') — The Dwarf Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo 'Compacta') is an evergreen shrub

Shrub

Dwarf Strawberry Tree

Arbutus Unedo 'Compacta'

FullUSDA 7–11
Dwarf Vinca Or Periwinkle (Vinca Minor) — though regular watering during prolonged dry spells will keep it looking its best

Ground cover

Dwarf Vinca Or Periwinkle

Vinca Minor

Deep ShadeUSDA 4–10
Dwarf Yellow Potentilla (Potentilla Fruticosa) — It prefers full sun to light shade and is highly tolerant of various soil types; only requiring, image 61

Shrub

Dwarf Yellow Potentilla

Potentilla Fruticosa

FullUSDA 3–10
Dymondia, Rock Ditty (Dymondia Margaretae) — It boasts silver-green leaves with a fuzzy white underside

Ground cover

Dymondia, Rock Ditty

Dymondia Margaretae

FullUSDA 9–10
Eared Coreopsis (Coreopsis Auriculata) — Thriving in zones 4-9, it reaches 12-18 inches tall with a spread of 12-24 inches

Ground cover

Eared Coreopsis

Coreopsis Auriculata

FullUSDA 4–9
Early Sensation Cosmos (Cosmos Bipinnatus 'Early Sensation') — The Early Sensation Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus 'Early Sensation') thrives in full sun

Annual

Early Sensation Cosmos

Cosmos Bipinnatus 'Early Sensation'

FullUSDA 3–10
Early Sunrise Coreopsis (Coreopsis Grandiflora 'Early Sunrise') — double golden-yellow blossoms

Ground cover

Early Sunrise Coreopsis

Coreopsis Grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'

FullUSDA 4–10
Easter Lily Cactus (Echinopsis Hybrid) — cactus with lavender and orange and pink and red and yellow blooms; these cacti require well-draining soil

Cactus

Easter Lily Cactus

Echinopsis Hybrid

FullUSDA 9–10
Eastern Bee Balm (Monarda Bradburiana) — Space plants 18-24 inches apart for optimal growth

Shrub

Eastern Bee Balm

Monarda Bradburiana

FullUSDA 5–8
Eastern Cottonwood (Populus Deltoides) — Therefore, it is ill-advised to plant it too close to structures or pavement; scientifically referred to, image 53

Tree

Eastern Cottonwood

Populus Deltoides

FullUSDA 2–9
Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia Humifusa) — reaching up to 18 inches in height and spreading up to 30 inches; low-growing cactus native to North, image 73

Cactus

Eastern Prickly Pear

Opuntia Humifusa

FullUSDA 9–10
Eastern Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias Verticillata) — pollinator gardens or borders

Succulent

Eastern Whorled Milkweed

Asclepias Verticillata

FullUSDA 3–11
East Friesland Meadow Salvia (Salvia Nemorosa 'East Friesland') — Its striking color and hardiness make it ideal for borders and accent planting

Perennial

East Friesland Meadow Salvia

Salvia Nemorosa 'East Friesland'

FullUSDA 4–9
Eastwood Manzanita (Arctostaphylos Glandulosa) — with deep red bark and twisted branches

Shrub

Eastwood Manzanita

Arctostaphylos Glandulosa

FullUSDA 9–10
Echeveria Hybrids (Echeveria 'Sahara') — The leaves are a soft green, often with a pink to red hue on the edges

Succulent

Echeveria Hybrids

Echeveria 'Sahara'

FullUSDA 9–10

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.