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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

Smoke Bush (Cotinus Coggygria) — Typically growing to heights of 10 to 15 feet with a similar spread

Shrub

Smoke Bush

Cotinus Coggygria

FullUSDA 3–11
Smooth Agave (Agave Desmetiana) — Plant in zones 9-11 for optimal growth

Succulent

Smooth Agave

Agave Desmetiana

HalfUSDA 8–11
Smooth Sotol, Desert Candle (Dasylirion Leiophyllum) — slender leaves that form a dense rosette

Succulent

Smooth Sotol, Desert Candle

Dasylirion Leiophyllum

FullUSDA 8–10
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — reaches 10-15 ft in height; requiring both male and female plants for fruit production

Shrub

Smooth Sumac

Rhus Glabra

FullUSDA 3–8
Snake's Head Fritillary (Fritillaria Meleagris) — well-drained soils and partial shade; purple and red and white flowers in the garden, image 83

Bulb

Snake's Head Fritillary

Fritillaria Meleagris

FullUSDA 3–8
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos Albus) — which can be managed through annual pruning if a more formal shape is desired; a deciduous shrub native to North America

Shrub

Snowberry

Symphoricarpos Albus

FullUSDA 3–7
Snowflake Bacopa (Sutera Cordata 'Snowflake') — this plant thrives in full to partial sun and requires consistently moist soil

Ground cover

Snowflake Bacopa

Sutera Cordata 'Snowflake'

FullUSDA 9–11
Snow Sprite Deodar Cedar (Cedrus Deodara 'Snow Sprite') — The 'Snow Sprite' Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) offers stunning visual appeal with its dense

Conifer

Snow Sprite Deodar Cedar

Cedrus Deodara 'Snow Sprite'

FullUSDA 7–9
Snowy River Wattle (Acacia Boormanii) — ball-shaped flowers that adorn the plant in a profuse bloom

Shrub

Snowy River Wattle

Acacia Boormanii

FullUSDA 8–10
Soap Aloe (Aloe Saponaria) — lance-shaped leaves edged with small teeth

Succulent

Soap Aloe

Aloe Saponaria

FullUSDA 9–11
Soap Aloe, African Aloe (Aloe 'Grassy Lassie') — grass-like foliage reaching 18 to 24 inches tall; originates from the arid regions of southern Africa

Succulent

Soap Aloe, African Aloe

Aloe 'Grassy Lassie'

FullUSDA 9–11
Soap Aloe, African Aloe (Aloe Maculata) — low-maintenance choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens

Succulent

Soap Aloe, African Aloe

Aloe Maculata

FullUSDA 9–11
Soap Plant (Chlorogalum Pomeridianum) — grass-like leaves up to 3 feet long

Bulb

Soap Plant

Chlorogalum Pomeridianum

FullUSDA 6–10
Soaptree Yucca (Yucca Elata) — this resilient species can reach heights between 6 to 20 feet with a spread of roughly 4 to 6 feet at maturity

Shrub

Soaptree Yucca

Yucca Elata

FullUSDA 6–11
Socal Clematis (Clematis Pauciflora) — It showcases clusters of small, creamy white flowers with yellow centers, blooming abundantly in spring

Vine

Socal Clematis

Clematis Pauciflora

FullUSDA 8–10
Soft Caress' Mahonia (Mahonia 'Soft Caress') — Mahonia 'Soft Caress' delivers a tropical appeal with spine-free, feathery foliage

Shrub

Soft Caress' Mahonia

Mahonia 'Soft Caress'

FullUSDA 7–11
Soft Rush (Juncus Effusus) — It thrives in USDA Zones 4-9, reaching 2-4 feet tall with a 1-2 foot spread; while often considered an ideal choice for wetland or

Grass

Soft Rush

Juncus Effusus

FullUSDA 8–10
Soledad Purple Ti Plant (Cordyline 'Soledad') — The Cordyline 'Soledad,' commonly known as the Soledad Purple Ti Plant

Tree

Soledad Purple Ti Plant

Cordyline 'Soledad'

FullUSDA 8–11
Sombrero® Adobe Orange (Echinacea hybrid) — cinnamon-brown central cone

Perennial

Sombrero® Adobe Orange

Echinacea hybrid

FullUSDA 3–9
Sombrero® Granada Gold (Echinacea hybrid) — golden-yellow flowers with a prominent copper cone center

Perennial

Sombrero® Granada Gold

Echinacea hybrid

FullUSDA 3–9
Sombrero® Salsa Red (Echinacea hybrid) — red flowers with orange centers

Perennial

Sombrero® Salsa Red

Echinacea hybrid

FullUSDA 4–9
Sombrero® Sangrita (Echinacea hybrid) — The Echinacea 'Sombrero Sangrita'

Perennial

Sombrero® Sangrita

Echinacea hybrid

FullUSDA 3–9
Sombrero® Tres Amigos (Echinacea hybrida) — Hardy in zones 4-9, it thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil

Perennial

Sombrero® Tres Amigos

Echinacea hybrida

FullUSDA 3–9
Sonoma Sage, Creeping Sage (Salvia Sonomensis) — In late spring, it blooms with vibrant purple-lavender flowers, attracting various pollinators

Ground cover

Sonoma Sage, Creeping Sage

Salvia Sonomensis

FullUSDA 9–9

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.