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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

Spineless Butcher's Broom (Ruscus Hypoglossum) — leaf-like structures that are technically modified stems measuring up to 2 inches long

Ground cover

Spineless Butcher's Broom

Ruscus Hypoglossum

Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10
Spineless Yucca (Yucca Recurvifolia) — is an evergreen shrub that brings an eye-catching

Shrub

Spineless Yucca

Yucca Recurvifolia

FullUSDA 7–10
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal maintenance; adding a dynamic element to the garden.<br><br>When

Perennial

Spiny Bear's Breech

Acanthus Spinosus

FullUSDA 5–6
Spiny Grevillea (Grevillea Jun. 'Lava Cascade') — The Grevillea juniperina 'Lava Cascade'

Ground cover

Spiny Grevillea

Grevillea Jun. 'Lava Cascade'

FullUSDA 9–10
Spiny Redberry (Rhamnus Crocea) — It features small, leathery leaves and sharp spines, maturing to heights of 2-12 feet with a similar spread

Shrub

Spiny Redberry

Rhamnus Crocea

FullUSDA 9–10
Spiny Smoke Tree (Psorothamnus Spinosus) — adding to its distinctive texture.<br><br>Adaptable to USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11

Shrub

Spiny Smoke Tree

Psorothamnus Spinosus

FullUSDA 9–10
Spinystar, Beehive Cactus (Escobaria Vivipara) — withstanding temperatures as low as -20&deg;F

Cactus

Spinystar, Beehive Cactus

Escobaria Vivipara

FullUSDA 10–11
Spiral Aloe (Aloe Polyphylla) — The Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla) is a stunning succulent, famous for its symmetrical spiral pattern of leaves; this rare plant

Succulent

Spiral Aloe

Aloe Polyphylla

FullUSDA 9–11
Spiral Palm (Veitchia Spiralis) — This graceful palm hails from the rainforest regions of the Solomon Islands and boasts a sleek

Palm

Spiral Palm

Veitchia Spiralis

FullUSDA 10–11
Spotted Gum (Eucalyptus Maculata) — Spotted Gum (Eucalyptus maculata) is an imposing evergreen tree native to Australia

Tree

Spotted Gum

Eucalyptus Maculata

FullUSDA 9–10
Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium Maculatum) — making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or alongside water features

Perennial

Spotted Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium Maculatum

FullUSDA 4–8
Sprawling Prickly Pear (Opuntia Phaeacantha) — be mindful of its thorny presence and consider its placement away from high-traffic areas

Cactus

Sprawling Prickly Pear

Opuntia Phaeacantha

FullUSDA 9–11
Spreading Acacia (Acacia Redolens) — Acacia redolens is adept at stabilizing slopes and suppressing weeds

Ground cover

Spreading Acacia

Acacia Redolens

FullUSDA 8–11
Spreading Emu Bush (Eremophila Divaricata) — Its silver-green foliage and vibrant yellow to orange flowers

Shrub

Spreading Emu Bush

Eremophila Divaricata

FullUSDA 9–11
Spreading English Yew (Taxus Baccata 'Repandens') — shrub / tree for full or half or shade

Shrub

Spreading English Yew

Taxus Baccata 'Repandens'

FullUSDA 6–10
Spreading Sunset&reg; Lantana (Lantana 'Spreading Sunset') — The Spreading Sunset&reg; Lantana, or Lantana 'Spreading Sunset', is a vibrant perennial ground

Ground cover

Spreading Sunset&reg; Lantana

Lantana 'Spreading Sunset'

FullUSDA 9–11
Sprenger Asparagus (Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri') — commonly known as Sprenger Asparagus or Asparagus fern; grows from a central root with, image 50

Fern

Sprenger Asparagus

Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'

FullUSDA 9–11
Spring Beauty (Claytonia Virginica) — Thriving in partial shade; each exhibit fine pink streaks and span about 0.5 to 0.75 inches across, image 63

Annual

Spring Beauty

Claytonia Virginica

HalfUSDA 3–11
Springfire Lehua (Metrosideros Collina 'Springfire') — is a vibrant evergreen shrub

Shrub

Springfire Lehua

Metrosideros Collina 'Springfire'

FullUSDA 9–11
Spring Starflower (Ipheion Uniflorum) — perches gracefully atop slender; sweet fragrance.<br><br>Cultivated in well-drained soil, image 62

Bulb

Spring Starflower

Ipheion Uniflorum

FullUSDA 3–9
Springtime Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis Indica 'Springtime') — Mature size reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide

Ground cover

Springtime Indian Hawthorn

Rhaphiolepis Indica 'Springtime'

FullUSDA 8–9
Spurge (Euphorbia Characias 'Tasmanian Tiger') — When designing with 'Tasmanian Tiger'; which are modified leaves that resemble flowers, image 135

Perennial

Spurge

Euphorbia Characias 'Tasmanian Tiger'

FullUSDA 6–9
Squaw Carpet (Ceanothus Prostratus) — offers a stunningly lush ground cover ideal for incorporations into diverse landscape designs

Ground cover

Squaw Carpet

Ceanothus Prostratus

FullUSDA 8–11
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus Typhina) — the foliage transforms into spectacular shades of yellow

Shrub

Staghorn Sumac

Rhus Typhina

FullUSDA 3–8

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.