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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

Orange Ice Plant (Lampranthus Aurantiacus) — commonly referred to as the Orange Ice Plant

Ground cover

Orange Ice Plant

Lampranthus Aurantiacus

FullUSDA 10–10
Orange King Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea 'Orange King') — The Bougainvillea 'Orange King' is a vibrant climber

Vine

Orange King Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea 'Orange King'

FullUSDA 9–10
Orange Rocket Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Orange Rocket') — The Orange Rocket Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket') is a vibrant deciduous shrub

Shrub

Orange Rocket Barberry

Berberis Thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'

FullUSDA 1–11
Orange Stonecrop (Sedum Nussbaumerianum) — It blooms petite, star-shaped white flowers in late winter to early spring; it is highly drought-tolerant once

Ground cover

Orange Stonecrop

Sedum Nussbaumerianum

FullUSDA 9–10
Orbit Bronze Stonecrop (Sedum 'Orbit Bronze') — The Sedum 'Orbit Bronze,' or Orbit Bronze Stonecrop

Ground cover

Orbit Bronze Stonecrop

Sedum 'Orbit Bronze'

FullUSDA 3–9
Orchid Cactus, Pond-Lily Cactus (Epiphyllum Hybrid) — large flowers ranging from 5 to 10 inches across

Cactus

Orchid Cactus, Pond-Lily Cactus

Epiphyllum Hybrid

HalfUSDA 10–11
'Orchid Flash' Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma hybrid) — Delosperma hybrid 'Orchid Flash' is a low

'Orchid Flash' Hardy Ice Plant

Delosperma hybrid

Full
Oregano (Origanum Libanoticum) — and its role in supporting local ecology; it's drought-tolerant once established

Herb

Oregano

Origanum Libanoticum

FullUSDA 3–8
Oregano (Origanum Vulgare) — herb / perennial with pink blooms; oregano is a versatile plant that requires full sun exposure for optimal growth, image 59

Herb

Oregano

Origanum Vulgare

FullUSDA 4–8
Oregano 'Santa Cruz' (Origanum X Hybridum 'Santa Cruz') — Thriving in USDA zones 7-11, it requires full sun and well-drained soil

Perennial

Oregano 'Santa Cruz'

Origanum X Hybridum 'Santa Cruz'

FullUSDA 7–9
Oregon Boxwood (Paxistima Myrsinites) — it requires minimal watering

Shrub

Oregon Boxwood

Paxistima Myrsinites

FullUSDA 5–8
Oregon Grape (Berberis Nervosa) — It's a resilient choice for understory planting

Shrub

Oregon Grape

Berberis Nervosa

HalfUSDA 5–10
Oregon Stonecrop (Sedum Oreganum) — making it an ideal candidate for xeriscaping

Oregon Stonecrop

Sedum Oreganum

FullUSDA 4–9
Oregon White Oak (Quercus Garryana) — Its deeply lobed leaves and acorns are wildlife magnets

Tree

Oregon White Oak

Quercus Garryana

FullUSDA 6–9
Organpipe Cactus (Stenocereus Thurberi) — The Organpipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is a distinctive

Cactus

Organpipe Cactus

Stenocereus Thurberi

FullUSDA 9–10
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus Thurberi) — Properly integrated, it can serve as both a focal point and a conversation starter in your client's garden

Cactus

Organ Pipe Cactus

Stenocereus Thurberi

FullUSDA 9–11
Original Kobold Gayfeather (Liatris Spicata 'Kobold Original') — and small-space landscapes.<br><br>The Kobold Gayfeather is notable for its fluffy

Perennial

Original Kobold Gayfeather

Liatris Spicata 'Kobold Original'

FullUSDA 2–9
Otay Manzanita (Arctostaphylos Otayensis) — The Otay Manzanita, Arctostaphylos otayensis, is a rare, evergreen shrub native to California's chaparral

Shrub

Otay Manzanita

Arctostaphylos Otayensis

FullUSDA 11–11
Our Lord's Candle (Yucca Whipplei) — each reaching up to 3 feet long and edged with fibrous margins

Shrub

Our Lord's Candle

Yucca Whipplei

FullUSDA 8–11
Ovens Wattle (Acacia Pravissima 'Golden Carpet') — globular flower clusters that attract a myriad of pollinators

Ground cover

Ovens Wattle

Acacia Pravissima 'Golden Carpet'

FullUSDA 8–11
Overcup Oak (Quercus Lyrata) — scientifically known as Quercus lyrata

Tree

Overcup Oak

Quercus Lyrata

FullUSDA 7–11
Owl's Clover (Orthocarpus Purpurascens) — pink and purple flowers in the garden; is a fascinating addition to any garden seeking a touch of unique, image 67

Annual

Owl's Clover

Orthocarpus Purpurascens

FullUSDA 3–10
Pacific Coast Irises (Iris Pacific Coast Hybrids) — These hybrids showcase slender, grass-like foliage, reaching 12-18 inches in height

Perennial

Pacific Coast Irises

Iris Pacific Coast Hybrids

FullUSDA 9–10
Pacific Madrone (Arbutus Menziesii) — with a spread of 20 to 30 feet at maturity; adds year-round interest and wildlife value

Shrub

Pacific Madrone

Arbutus Menziesii

HalfUSDA 7–9

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.