Garden Plans

This Drought-Tolerant Garden Plan Saves Water and Time

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This Drought-Tolerant Garden Plan Saves Water and Time

Not all plants need regular watering to look gorgeous, as the vibrant mix of drought-tolerant perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs in this drought-tolerant garden plan proves. They'll provide plenty of colorful flowers and lush foliage throughout the growing season, even with little rainfall.

In addition to relying on a mix of plants that can withstand dry conditions, this garden plan uses the trick of planting everything close together to make sure there's no open ground that will dry out faster in the summer sun. Complement the planting with a fountain or other garden water feature to add a cooling effect, no matter how hot and dry the weather gets.

Plants for Creating the Drought-Tolerant Landscape Plan

  • 3 Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'): Zones 5-8
  • 2 Aspen (Populus spp.): Zones 2-8
  • 2 Maidengrass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'): Zones 4-9
  • 2 Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): Zones 6-9
  • 10 Hardy ice plant (Delosperma cooperi): Zones 8-10
  • 9 Cosmos (Cosmos sulfureus): Annual
  • 20 Johnny-jump-up (Viola tricolor): Zones 4-8
  • 15 Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima 'Minima'): Annual
  • 20 Thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Minor' and Thymus lanuginosus): Zones 4-9
  • 7 Blue fescue (Festuca glauca 'Sea Urchin'): Zones 4-8
  • 6 Siberian iris (Iris sibirica 'Caesar's Brother'): Zones 3-8
  • 6 Red-hot poker (Kniphofia 'Maid of Orleans'): Zones 6-9
  • 3 Pincushion flower (Scabiosa columbaria 'Pink Mist'): Zones 3-8
  • 3 Lily (Lilium 'Imperial Silver'): Zones 3-9
  • 1 Sedum 'Autumn Joy': Zones 3-10
  • 2 Speedwell (Veronica liwanensis): Zones 4-9
  • 2 Cup flower (Nierembergia spp.): Zones 7-10
  • 1 Sacred datura (Datura meteloides): Zones 10-11
  • 5 Lavandin (Lavandula intermedia): Zones 5-8
  • 1 Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum): Zones 4-7
  • 1 Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Arp'): Zones 8-10

If you aren't able to find the exact cultivars listed above, substitute with others that have similar colors, shapes, and sizes.

Some plants can become overly aggressive and spread out of control in certain climates, so it's a good idea to check which species are considered invasive in your area before planting. For example, Miscanthus can become weedy in some areas of the country, but planting a sterile or low seeding cultivar like 'Silberfeder' used in this plan helps keep this plant contained.

Get the Free Drought-Tolerant Garden Plan

This garden design includes an illustrated version of the planted garden, a detailed layout diagram, a list of plants for the garden as shown, and complete instructions for installing the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What makes a plant drought-tolerant?

    Drought-tolerant plants typically have deep roots that can reach water far below the soil surface. They also tend to have waxy or fleshy leaves that store water or hairy leaves which trap water.

  • How long can drought-tolerant plants go without water?

    Drought tolerant garden plants often can survive weeks between waterings, depending on heat and humidity levels.

  • How do you conserve water when gardening?

    You should do your best to keep weeds out of your garden since they compete with your plants for water. You should also water slowly in the morning hours before the heat sets in and evaporation occurs. Using drip irrigation is also an option because this will get water directly to the roots with very little running off.

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