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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

Echeveria 'Topsy Turvy' (Echeveria Runyonii 'Topsy Turvy') — silver-blue leaves are dramatically contorted and pointed

Succulent

Echeveria 'Topsy Turvy'

Echeveria Runyonii 'Topsy Turvy'

FullUSDA 9–10
Edible Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis) — Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8; cultivated for its tender shoots or, image 59

Vegetable

Edible Asparagus

Asparagus Officinalis

FullUSDA 9–11
Edible Pear (Pyrus Communis) — displaying a rounded canopy that offers dappled shade; these can vary in color from green to yellow and sometimes have a blush

Tree

Edible Pear

Pyrus Communis

FullUSDA 4–8
Edward Goucher Abelia (Abelia X Grandiflora 'Edward Goucher') — The Edward Goucher Abelia is a charming semi-evergreen shrub

Shrub

Edward Goucher Abelia

Abelia X Grandiflora 'Edward Goucher'

FullUSDA 5–10
Effusa Juniper (Juniperus Communis 'Effusa') — The Juniperus communis 'Effusa', a compact, spreading evergreen, adds robust, year-round interest

Conifer

Effusa Juniper

Juniperus Communis 'Effusa'

FullUSDA 4–10
Elegant Water Gum (Tristaniopsis Laurina 'Elegant') — commonly known as the Elegant Water Gum

Shrub

Elegant Water Gum

Tristaniopsis Laurina 'Elegant'

FullUSDA 9–10
Elephant Mat (Portulacaria Afra Minima) — It maintains a height and spread of about 8-12 inches

Ground cover

Elephant Mat

Portulacaria Afra Minima

FullUSDA 9–11
Elephant's Food (Portulacaria Afra) — though it often stays smaller when cultivated in containers; it can reach up to 8-15 feet in height and, image 83

Succulent

Elephant's Food

Portulacaria Afra

FullUSDA 9–11
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — offering a striking focal point in xeriscaped gardens

Shrub

Elephant Tree, Torote

Bursera Microphylla

FullUSDA 10–11
Elfin Creeping Thyme (Thymus Praecox Arcticus 'Elfin') — is a delicate evergreen perennial with fragrant

Herb

Elfin Creeping Thyme

Thymus Praecox Arcticus 'Elfin'

FullUSDA 2–10
Elijah Blue Fescue (Festuca Glauca 'Elijah Blue') — Elijah Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue') is a perennial ornamental grass

Grass

Elijah Blue Fescue

Festuca Glauca 'Elijah Blue'

FullUSDA 4–8
Ellisiana Spineless Prickly Pear (Opuntia Cacanapa 'Ellisiana') — Opuntia cacanapa 'Ellisiana', or Ellisiana Spineless Prickly Pear, is a hardy cactus perfect

Cactus

Ellisiana Spineless Prickly Pear

Opuntia Cacanapa 'Ellisiana'

FullUSDA 9–10
Emerald Gaiety Euonymus (Euonymus Fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety') — particularly if used as a hedge or border plant.<br><br>When planning your landscape design

Broadleaf Evergreen

Emerald Gaiety Euonymus

Euonymus Fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety'

FullUSDA 5–10
Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper (Euonymus Fortunei 'Emerald 'N Gold') — is a vibrant evergreen shrub

Shrub

Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper

Euonymus Fortunei 'Emerald 'N Gold'

Deep ShadeUSDA 4–9
Engelmann Oak, Mesa Or Pasadena Oak (Quercus Engelmannii) — California native that offers a majestic silhouette

Tree

Engelmann Oak, Mesa Or Pasadena Oak

Quercus Engelmannii

FullUSDA 7–11
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia engelmannii) is a resilient cactus, ideal for arid landscapes

Cactus

Engelmann's Prickly Pear

Opuntia Engelmannii

FullUSDA 9–10
English Elm (Ulmus Procera) — Thrives in full sun with moist, well-drained soil; tree with green and yellow blooms

Tree

English Elm

Ulmus Procera

FullUSDA 5–8
English Hawthorn (Crataegus Laevigata) — Its dense, thorny branches provide excellent privacy and support local wildlife; tree with pink and white, image 86

Tree

English Hawthorn

Crataegus Laevigata

FullUSDA 4–7
English Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) — Its hardiness falls within USDA Zones 5 through 8

Herb

English Lavender

Lavandula Angustifolia

FullUSDA 5–9
English Stonecrop (Sedum Anglicum) — English Stonecrop prefers well-drained; ground cover / perennial for full or half

Ground cover

English Stonecrop

Sedum Anglicum

FullUSDA 4–9
English Yew (Taxus Baccata) — The English Yew (Taxus baccata) stands as an iconic evergreen

Shrub

English Yew

Taxus Baccata

FullUSDA 6–10
Escallonia (Escallonia X Exoniensis) — which provide a lush backdrop throughout the year; creating a dynamic and attractive landscape

Shrub

Escallonia

Escallonia X Exoniensis

FullUSDA 8–10
Espaliered Edible Pear (Pyrus Communis Espalier) — succulent pears while doubling as a living fence or elegant garden feature

Tree

Espaliered Edible Pear

Pyrus Communis Espalier

FullUSDA 4–8
Eulalia (Miscanthus Transmorrisonensis) — initially displaying a light pink color which matures to a creamy tan as the seasons progress

Grass

Eulalia

Miscanthus Transmorrisonensis

FullUSDA 6–9

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.