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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

Santa Barbara Sage (Salvia Leucantha 'Santa Barbara') — The contrasting flower and calyx colors create a vivid display from late summer through fall

Shrub

Santa Barbara Sage

Salvia Leucantha 'Santa Barbara'

FullUSDA 8–10
Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat (Eriogonum Arborescens) — multi-colored and pink and red and white flowers in the garden

Shrub

Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat

Eriogonum Arborescens

FullUSDA 7–10
Santa Fe Sunflower (Helianthus Maximilianii 'Santa Fe') — is a perennial noted for its robust

Perennial

Santa Fe Sunflower

Helianthus Maximilianii 'Santa Fe'

FullUSDA 3–8
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — the Sapphire Tower is a remarkable addition to the discerning horticulturist's collection

Succulent

Sapphire Tower

Puya Alpestris

FullUSDA 10–11
Saratoga Ginkgo Tree (Ginkgo Biloba 'Saratoga') — The Saratoga Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Saratoga') is a deciduous conifer with unique

Tree

Saratoga Ginkgo Tree

Ginkgo Biloba 'Saratoga'

FullUSDA 4–11
Sasanqua Camellia (Camellia Sasanqua) — preferring well-draining acidic soil with partial shade to full sun exposure; you invite a blend of classic, image 93

Sasanqua Camellia

Camellia Sasanqua

FullUSDA 8–8
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens 'Silver Form') — commonly referred to as the Silver Saw Palmetto; perfect for xeriscaping, it thrives in well-draining soils and

Palm

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa Repens 'Silver Form'

FullUSDA 9–10
Sawtooth Oak (Quercus Acutissima) — guaranteeing the Sawtooth Oak's establishment and longevity in their garden; beginning when the tree is about 15 years old

Tree

Sawtooth Oak

Quercus Acutissima

FullUSDA 7–10
Scarlet-Bugler (Penstemon Centranthifolius) — It stands 2-4 feet tall and thrives in full sun with well-drained soils

Perennial

Scarlet-Bugler

Penstemon Centranthifolius

FullUSDA 5–10
Scarlet Larkspur, Red Delphinium (Delphinium Cardinale) — It sports lush, lobed green leaves and thrives in well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure

Perennial

Scarlet Larkspur, Red Delphinium

Delphinium Cardinale

FullUSDA 11–11
Scarlet Monardella (Monardella Macrantha) — thriving in USDA zones 8-10

Ground cover

Scarlet Monardella

Monardella Macrantha

FullUSDA 6–10
Scarlet Oak (Quercus Coccinea) — is a striking deciduous tree renowned for its vibrant autumnal display; but the true spectacle arrives in fall when the leaves

Tree

Scarlet Oak

Quercus Coccinea

FullUSDA 7–7
Scarlet River Lily (Schizostylis Coccinea) — Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil

Bulb

Scarlet River Lily

Schizostylis Coccinea

FullUSDA 6–9
Scarlet Sage (Salvia Splendens) — Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens) is a vibrant perennial that thrives in USDA zones 10-11

Annual

Scarlet Sage

Salvia Splendens

FullUSDA 8–10
Scarlet Sage (Salvia Splendens 'Paul') — Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens 'Paul') is a vibrant perennial prized for its striking red blooms

Annual

Scarlet Sage

Salvia Splendens 'Paul'

FullUSDA 8–10
Scented Geranium (Pelargonium (Scented Types)) — including bees and butterflies; regular watering is recommended

Perennial

Scented Geranium

Pelargonium (Scented Types)

FullUSDA 9–11
Scotch Broom (Cytisus X Praecox) — Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils

Shrub

Scotch Broom

Cytisus X Praecox

FullUSDA 6–11
Scotch Broom (Cytisus Scoparius) — Ideal for adding color to borders and wild garden areas; prune after flowering to maintain shape and control, image 100

Shrub

Scotch Broom

Cytisus Scoparius

FullUSDA 6–11
Scotch Laburnum (Laburnum Alpinum) — This small deciduous tree matures to a height of 15 to 25 feet with a similar spread

Tree

Scotch Laburnum

Laburnum Alpinum

FullUSDA 4–7
Screwbean Mesquite (Prosopis Pubescens) — The Screwbean Mesquite (Prosopis pubescens) is a drought-tolerant

Tree

Screwbean Mesquite

Prosopis Pubescens

FullUSDA 8–11
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides) — silvery-green leaves that reach up to 3 inches in length; green and yellow flowers in the garden

Shrub

Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae Rhamnoides

FullUSDA 3–8
Sea Dahlia (Dahlia Maritima) — Adapted to sandy soils, it spans 18-24 inches in height and width, requiring full sun

Perennial

Sea Dahlia

Dahlia Maritima

FullUSDA 9–10
Sea Holly (Eryngium Maritimum) — A resilient coastal plant; it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9

Perennial

Sea Holly

Eryngium Maritimum

FullUSDA 5–10
Sea Lavender (Limonium Perezii) — Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest

Perennial

Sea Lavender

Limonium Perezii

FullUSDA 9–10

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.