In regions that are experiencing drought or are just naturally dry—like the Southwestern United States—choosing plants for your landscape can be a challenge. For those unfamiliar with water-wise landscaping, there are several different plants, trees, shrubs, vines, and even flowers that do not require lots of water. Take a look at this photo gallery of drought-tolerant plants for your outdoor living spaces, including patios, pool areas, pathways and lawn substitutes.
The following water-smart plants are presented in alphabetical order. Check with your local nursery, botanical garden or master gardeners for more information and to learn if a particular plant would be a good choice for your region.
Portulaca
This easy-care, drought-tolerant annual is a sure source of perky color. Portulaca grows in low clusters, bloom in a rainbow of hues and thrive in the hot, sunny spots where other flowers might wither.
Oleander
The oleander is a tropical-borne shrub that blooms bountifully. It bears beautiful fragrant flowers in different colors, mostly in light pink, then yellow, red, white, and purple. The oleander is known to adapt well to hot and arid climates, and grows very well in coastal areas. It prefers full sun, but generously ‘welcomes’ a few hours of shade during the day.
Wallflower
It is appreciated for its beautiful purple leaves and sweet aroma. The wallflowers are short-lived perennials in warmer regions (USDA Zones 8-10), others are annuals (in colder regions), or biennials that are well-resilient to drought, and require occasional water splashes. First clustery flowers appear in early spring and summer. You ought to put your wallflower plant in a sunny corner, or in a partially-shaded spot.
Remember not to water it much as it does not need it.
Agaves
Agaves store water in their absorbent thick foliage just like camels store water in their hunchbacks. They also sprawl their roots deep below the soil top to collect the water available. The leaves of agaves have sharp pointed edges whereas some agaves have pin-like leaves in order to keep water inside the plant. Landscapers often use agaves, attracted by the myriad of interesting shapes of their foliage, by the low care needed for them, and, of course, by agave’s drought-tolerant ability.
Geums
Geums are hardy perennials that flower from May to August – cut them back after flowering and they should reward you with another flush later in the season. Geums look especially good when growing with contrasting colours such as blue flowers and lime green leaves. Grow in sun or part shade.
Bearded Irises
Give bearded irises a sunny spot and when planting, point the rhizome south so that the fan of leaves don’t shade it. Split the plant every three to four years after flowering, as it will bulk up quickly.
Lithops
Lithops are exceptional stone-like tender plants, so they are also called “living stones.” They are suitable houseplants since they can go on and on with very low watering. That’s what urban busy people need: a little attention to pay to get beautiful flowery plants and a lot of water to save for that water supply bill!