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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

Royal Burgundy Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Royal Burgundy') — The Royal Burgundy Barberry, Berberis thunbergii 'Royal Burgundy', is a vibrant, compact

Shrub

Royal Burgundy Barberry

Berberis Thunbergii 'Royal Burgundy'

FullUSDA 4–10
Royal Cape Cape Plumbago (Plumbago Auriculata 'Royal Cape') — The Royal Cape Plumbago presents vibrant deep blue flowers on a shrub reaching up to 6 feet tall

Shrub

Royal Cape Cape Plumbago

Plumbago Auriculata 'Royal Cape'

FullUSDA 9–10
Royal Grevillea (Grevillea Victoriae) — with occasional susceptibility to root rot if overwatered; ground cover / shrub with pink blooms, image 66

Ground cover

Royal Grevillea

Grevillea Victoriae

FullUSDA 9–11
Royal Palm (Roystonea Regia) — This canopy casts a broad circle of shade; the Royal Palm requires ample space to flourish

Palm

Royal Palm

Roystonea Regia

FullUSDA 10–11
Royal Purple Sage (Salvia Muelleri) — This hardy plant typically reaches a height of 18 to 24 inches and spreads about 24 to 30 inches wide

Broadleaf Evergreen

Royal Purple Sage

Salvia Muelleri

FullUSDA 8–10
Royal Purple Smoketree (Cotinus Coggygria 'Royal Purple') — maroon-purple leaves that deepen to near-black in sun

Shrub

Royal Purple Smoketree

Cotinus Coggygria 'Royal Purple'

FullUSDA 10–10
Rubber Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus Nauseosus) — making it a dual-purpose choice in a landscape design where functionality meets aesthetics

Shrub

Rubber Rabbitbrush

Chrysothamnus Nauseosus

FullUSDA 6–9
Ruby Giant Coneflower (Echinacea 'Ruby Giant') — and resistant to drought once established

Perennial

Ruby Giant Coneflower

Echinacea 'Ruby Giant'

FullUSDA 3–9
Ruby Glow Manuka Tea Tree (Leptospermum Scoparium 'Ruby Glow') — enchants with deep burgundy foliage and prolific

Shrub

Ruby Glow Manuka Tea Tree

Leptospermum Scoparium 'Ruby Glow'

FullUSDA 9–10
Ruby Glow Sedum (Sedum 'Ruby Glow') — this succulent thrives in full sun to partial shade

Ground cover

Ruby Glow Sedum

Sedum 'Ruby Glow'

FullUSDA 4–9
Ruby Necklace (Othonna Capensis) — upright stems approximately 6 to 8 inches tall

Ground cover

Ruby Necklace

Othonna Capensis

FullUSDA 8–10
Ruby Slippers (Echeveria Harmsii 'Ruby Slippers') — lance-shaped leaves with a velvety texture

Succulent

Ruby Slippers

Echeveria Harmsii 'Ruby Slippers'

FullUSDA 9–10
Ruby Star Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Ruby Star') — This hardy variety thrives in full sun and establishes well in zones 3-9

Perennial

Ruby Star Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea 'Ruby Star'

FullUSDA 3–9
Ruffles Echeveria (Echeveria 'Ruffles') — blue-green leaves with a waxy sheen and pinkish-red edges

Succulent

Ruffles Echeveria

Echeveria 'Ruffles'

FullUSDA 9–10
Running Gum (Eucalyptus grandis) — providing both grandiose scale and ample shade

Tree

Running Gum

Eucalyptus grandis

FullUSDA 9–11
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) — but it should be placed with consideration due to its potential invasiveness in some regions; regular pruning may be

Shrub

Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

FullUSDA 3–7
Russian Pea Shrub (Caragana frutex) — The Russian Pea Shrub, Caragana frutex, is a hardy deciduous legume, maturing to 12-15 ft

Shrub

Russian Pea Shrub

Caragana frutex

FullUSDA 2–7
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) — perennial for full; enriching the biodiversity of their garden

Perennial

Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia

FullUSDA 2–11
Sacahuista (Nolina microcarpa) — grass for full or half

Grass

Sacahuista

Nolina microcarpa

FullUSDA 5–11
Sacred Datura (Datura wrightii) — consider its mystical ambiance and potential size; it prefers well-draining soil

Ground cover

Sacred Datura

Datura wrightii

FullUSDA 5–9
Safari Conebush (Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset') — a striking evergreen shrub

Shrub

Safari Conebush

Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset'

FullUSDA 9–11
Safari Goldstrike Conebush (Leucadendron 'Safari Goldstrike') — reaching up to 4-6 feet in height and 3-5 feet in width

Shrub

Safari Goldstrike Conebush

Leucadendron 'Safari Goldstrike'

FullUSDA 9–10
Safari Yellow Marigold (Tagetes Patula 'Safari Yellow') — Reaching heights of 10-12 inches, with a similar spread, this plant thrives in full sun and

Annual

Safari Yellow Marigold

Tagetes Patula 'Safari Yellow'

FullUSDA 3–10
Saffron Buckwheat (Eriogonum crocatum) — Bearing striking sulfur-yellow flower clusters in spring-summer above woolly

Ground cover

Saffron Buckwheat

Eriogonum crocatum

FullUSDA 9–9

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.