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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

Puya Bromeliad (Puya Coerulea Var. Violacea) — and can reach up to 3 to 4 feet in length and 1.5 to 2 inches wide

Succulent

Puya Bromeliad

Puya Coerulea Var. Violacea

FullUSDA 10–11
Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix Roebelenii) — This diminutive palm typically reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet at maturity; the Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix, image 63

Palm

Pygmy Date Palm

Phoenix Roebelenii

HalfUSDA 10–11
Pyracantha (Pyracantha Spp. Hybrids) — glossy green leaves remain evergreen in milder climates

Shrub

Pyracantha

Pyracantha Spp. Hybrids

FullUSDA 6–10
Pyramidal European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus 'Fastigiata') — demonstrating a strong tolerance to a variety of soil types

Tree

Pyramidal European Hornbeam

Carpinus Betulus 'Fastigiata'

FullUSDA 5–7
Pyrenees Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster Congestus) — scientifically referred to as Cotoneaster congestus

Ground cover

Pyrenees Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster Congestus

FullUSDA 6–10
Quadricolor Century Plant (Agave Lophantha 'Quadricolor') — It spans up to 2 feet in diameter

Succulent

Quadricolor Century Plant

Agave Lophantha 'Quadricolor'

FullUSDA 9–11
Quail Bush (Atriplex Lentiformis) — with only the female plants bearing its fruits

Shrub

Quail Bush

Atriplex Lentiformis

FullUSDA 8–10
Quaking Grass (Briza Media) — Preferring full sun or partial shade, it's suitable for well-drained soils; grass with gold and green and yellow blooms

Grass

Quaking Grass

Briza Media

FullUSDA 4–10
Queen Emma Crinum Lily (Crinum Augustum 'Queen Emma') — The Queen Emma Crinum Lily is a striking tropical perennial

Bulb

Queen Emma Crinum Lily

Crinum Augustum 'Queen Emma'

FullUSDA 4–11
Queen Emma Lily (Crinum Splendens) — is a striking perennial with long

Bulb

Queen Emma Lily

Crinum Splendens

FullUSDA 9–11
Queen Of Hearts Geranium (Pelargonium 'Queen Of Hearts') — mounded foliage reaching up to 18 inches in height and spread

Perennial

Queen Of Hearts Geranium

Pelargonium 'Queen Of Hearts'

FullUSDA 9–10
Queen Palm (Syagrus Romanzoffiana) — creating a visually pleasing umbrella-like silhouette; which is advantageous for those wishing to achieve a mature look

Palm

Queen Palm

Syagrus Romanzoffiana

FullUSDA 10–10
Queensland Bottle Tree (Brachychiton Rupestris) — Minimalist foliage unfolds into large, lobed leaves, while bell-shaped flowers adorn the tree in spring

Tree

Queensland Bottle Tree

Brachychiton Rupestris

FullUSDA 9–11
Queen Victoria Agave (Agave Victoriae-Reginae) — perfect for creating defined accents in rock gardens or xeriscapes; showcasing its geometric, image 66

Succulent

Queen Victoria Agave

Agave Victoriae-Reginae

FullUSDA 8–11
Quiver Tree, Kokerboom (Aloe Dichotoma) — This slow-growing tree tolerates drought well and thrives in zones 9-11

Succulent

Quiver Tree, Kokerboom

Aloe Dichotoma

FullUSDA 10–11
Rabbitbrush (Ericameria Nauseosa) — The plant requires minimal supplemental water once established; noted for its bright yellow flowers in late, image 90

Shrub

Rabbitbrush

Ericameria Nauseosa

FullUSDA 11–11
Radiation Orange Lantana (Lantana 'Radiation') — a vibrant perennial with clusters of fiery orange flowers

Shrub

Radiation Orange Lantana

Lantana 'Radiation'

FullUSDA 9–11
Rainbow Bush (Portulacaria Afra 'Variegata') — With its cream and shades of pale green variegated leaves; it offers a striking contrast and visual appeal

Ground cover

Rainbow Bush

Portulacaria Afra 'Variegata'

FullUSDA 9–11
Rainbow Sunrise (Phormium Tenax 'Maori Sunrise') — is a vibrant perennial with striking

Perennial

Rainbow Sunrise

Phormium Tenax 'Maori Sunrise'

FullUSDA 9–10
Rave On Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Rave On') — Heuchera 'Rave On' delights with a mounding habit, perfect for accentuating borders and woodland settings

Ground cover

Rave On Coral Bells

Heuchera 'Rave On'

HalfUSDA 3–10
'Razzle Dazzle' Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma hybrid) — It matures just 2-4 inches tall and spreads 20-24 inches

'Razzle Dazzle' Hardy Ice Plant

Delosperma hybrid

Full
Red Acacia (Acacia Seyal) — The Red Acacia, or Acacia seyal, is a resilient deciduous tree thriving in arid climates; this hardy plant favors well-drained

Tree

Red Acacia

Acacia Seyal

FullUSDA 8–11
Red Aeonium (Aeonium Arboreum 'Jack Catlin') — adding dramatic contrast to garden displays

Succulent

Red Aeonium

Aeonium Arboreum 'Jack Catlin'

FullUSDA 9–11
Red Barberry, Algerita (Berberis Haematocarpa) — also known as Berberis haematocarpa or by its alternate name

Shrub

Red Barberry, Algerita

Berberis Haematocarpa

FullUSDA 9–10

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.