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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

Sonoran Tree Bear Grass, Tuya (Nolina Matapensis) — Ideal for xeriscaping, it requires minimal water and well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade

Shrub

Sonoran Tree Bear Grass, Tuya

Nolina Matapensis

FullUSDA 8–11
Southern Charm Mullein (Verbascum 'Southern Charm') — reaching 24-30 inches tall and spreading up to 12-18 inches wide

Biennial

Southern Charm Mullein

Verbascum 'Southern Charm'

FullUSDA 5–9
Southern Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana) — The Southern Live Oak, Quercus virginiana, is a robust evergreen native to the southeastern US

Tree

Southern Live Oak

Quercus Virginiana

FullUSDA 7–11
Southern Live Oak, Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana 'Heritage') — spreading canopy and evergreen leaves

Tree

Southern Live Oak, Live Oak

Quercus Virginiana 'Heritage'

FullUSDA 7–10
Southern Pink Flowering Currant (Ribes Sanguineum Glutinosum) — is a captivating deciduous shrub

Shrub

Southern Pink Flowering Currant

Ribes Sanguineum Glutinosum

HalfUSDA 8–11
Southern Red Oak (Quercus Falcata) — the leaves are a rich green hue that transforms into a captivating display of reds and browns in the fall

Tree

Southern Red Oak

Quercus Falcata

FullUSDA 7–9
Southernwood (Artemisia Abrotanum) — This sun-loving herb appreciates well-drained soil, offering drought tolerance once established

Herb

Southernwood

Artemisia Abrotanum

FullUSDA 3–9
So White Butterfly Flower (Gaura Lindheimeri 'So White') — this hardy plant occupies a modest footprint within garden beds

Perennial

So White Butterfly Flower

Gaura Lindheimeri 'So White'

FullUSDA 5–9
Spanish Bayonet (Yucca Aloifolia) — is a striking evergreen accent plant; with mature plants showcasing dramatic white flower spikes up to 2 feet, image 55

Shrub

Spanish Bayonet

Yucca Aloifolia

FullUSDA 7–11
Spanish Broom (Spartium Junceum) — pea-like blooms in late spring to summer

Shrub

Spanish Broom

Spartium Junceum

FullUSDA 6–11
Spanish Dagger (Yucca Treculiana) — In the late spring to early summer

Shrub

Spanish Dagger

Yucca Treculiana

FullUSDA 7–11
Spanish Dagger Tree (Yucca Faxoniana) — commonly referred to as the Spanish Dagger or Faxon Yucca

Succulent

Spanish Dagger Tree

Yucca Faxoniana

FullUSDA 7–11
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula Stoechas) — deterring deer and acting as a natural pest repellent

Herb

Spanish Lavender

Lavandula Stoechas

FullUSDA 8–11
Sparaxis, Harlequin Flower (Sparaxis Tricolor) — Its striking hues peak in late spring to early summer; often with a dark center or 'eye,', image 75

Bulb

Sparaxis, Harlequin Flower

Sparaxis Tricolor

FullUSDA 3–10
Spartan Columnar Juniper (Juniperus Chinensis 'Spartan') — The Spartan Columnar Juniper, Juniperus chinensis 'Spartan', is a robust evergreen with a dense

Conifer

Spartan Columnar Juniper

Juniperus Chinensis 'Spartan'

FullUSDA 10–10
Spathe Leaved Sedum (Sedum Spathulifolium) — This North American native is remarkably versatile

Ground cover

Spathe Leaved Sedum

Sedum Spathulifolium

FullUSDA 5–10
Spear Lily (Doryanthes Palmeri) — Adorning this spike are hundreds of vibrant red flowers; succulent with red blooms

Succulent

Spear Lily

Doryanthes Palmeri

FullUSDA 10–11
Spectacular Aloe (Aloe Spectabilis) — making it an excellent focal point in arid landscapes or xeriscaped gardens

Succulent

Spectacular Aloe

Aloe Spectabilis

FullUSDA 9–11
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — Its dense foliage lends itself well to creating secluded garden nooks or as a natural, fragrant screen; red, image 143

Shrub

Spice Bush

Calycanthus Occidentalis

HalfUSDA 7–10
Spice Bush (Lindera Angustifolia) — The Spice Bush (Lindera angustifolia) is an ornamental, deciduous shrub, thriving in zones 4-9

Shrub

Spice Bush

Lindera Angustifolia

FullUSDA 4–9
Spice Bush (Lindera Benzoin) — Notable for its aromatic yellow flowers in early spring and vibrant red berries in fall (on female plants)

Shrub

Spice Bush

Lindera Benzoin

FullUSDA 4–9
Spider Net Grevillea (Grevillea Thelemanniana) — Ideal for USDA zones 9-11, it thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil

Shrub

Spider Net Grevillea

Grevillea Thelemanniana

FullUSDA 8–10
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Its vertical flower spikes; perennial for full or half, image 66

Perennial

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star

Liatris Spicata

FullUSDA 3–9
Spike-Spike Melic Grass (Melica Ciliata) — nodding spikes adorned with silky hairs that glint in the sunlight

Grass

Spike-Spike Melic Grass

Melica Ciliata

FullUSDA 5–8

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.