Gardening in a drought-prone area can feel a bit daunting at first—especially if you’re used to thirsty plants that wilt at the first sign of a dry spell. I’ve been there, staring at cracked soil and wondering how on earth anything could thrive without constant watering.
But here’s the good news: it’s absolutely possible to have a beautiful, thriving garden that doesn’t guzzle water. The key? Choosing plants that actually like dry conditions. Once I swapped out a few of my high-maintenance favorites for drought-tolerant alternatives, not only did my water bill thank me, but my garden looked healthier and more natural than ever.
So, if you’re gardening where rain is rare or water is precious, this list of 20 drought-tolerant plants is for you. Each one is tough, beautiful, and surprisingly low-effort—perfect for building a garden that thrives, even when the forecast doesn’t.
1. Sedum
These succulents have thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing them to thrive in dry conditions. Perfect for rock gardens or as ground cover, they come in many forms and colors, adding texture to any garden.
While some Sedum varieties bloom with starry flowers, their foliage remains the main attraction, offering interest year-round. These plants require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Just ensure they have good drainage.
Sedums are also forgiving of poor soil, adapting well to various environments. They effortlessly fill in gaps and soften garden edges.
2. Lavender
A classic choice for dry gardens, known for its fragrant purple blooms and rugged nature. This Mediterranean shrub thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and basks in full sun, making it a staple for water-wise landscapes.
Not only does lavender provide aromatic beauty, but it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its silvery foliage offers a lovely contrast to more beautiful plants.
To maintain lavender, prune it after flowering to promote bushiness. It’s a fantastic choice for borders, pathways, or even containers, bringing a touch of Provence to your garden.
3. Agave
Agave’s striking appearance and low water needs make it a standout in arid gardens. These architectural plants boast rosettes of thick, spiny leaves and are available in various sizes and colors.
Once established, agaves require virtually no water, making them an eco-friendly choice for xeriscaping. They’re perfect as focal points or in mass plantings for dramatic effect.
Agaves also have historical significance, being used for centuries in traditional medicines and tequila production. While some grow slowly, their impact in a garden is immediate and lasting, adding sculptural elegance.
4. Yucca
These plants are as tough as they look, thriving in harsh, dry conditions with ease. Their sword-like leaves and tall flower spikes create a striking silhouette in any garden.
These plants are virtually maintenance-free, needing little more than a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Yuccas are also excellent for erosion control on slopes due to their extensive root systems.
While their sharp leaves can be a hazard, their dramatic presence and resilience make them a popular choice for xeriscaping. Consider them for bold, architectural accents or natural barriers.
5. Echeveria
Echeverias are beloved for their charming rosette shapes and pastel colors, making them a favorite among succulent enthusiasts. These plants thrive in dry, sunny conditions with minimal care.
Perfect for containers or rock gardens, Echeverias require well-draining soil and occasional watering to keep their foliage healthy. Their compact size makes them versatile and easy to accommodate.
Though they can be sensitive to overwatering, their beauty and adaptability make them a must-have for xeriscaping. With so many varieties available, there’s an Echeveria for every garden style.
6. Aloe Vera
This one is not just a medicinal powerhouse; it’s also a drought-resistant superstar. Its fleshy leaves store water, allowing it to endure dry spells with ease.
Known for its soothing gel used in skincare, Aloe Vera prefers sunny spots and sandy, well-drained soil. It’s an excellent choice for containers or as a ground cover in arid landscapes.
Minimal watering and occasional feeding keep Aloe Vera healthy. Its ability to thrive on neglect makes it a perfect plant for those with busy schedules or beginners looking to start a low-maintenance garden.
7. Sage
More than a culinary herb; it’s a resilient plant well-suited to dry gardens. Its aromatic foliage and purple flowers bring both fragrance and beauty to the landscape.
Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun, sage is a favorite for herb gardens or mixed borders. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it a reliable choice for beginners.
Prune sage regularly to encourage bushy growth and extend its lifespan. Whether used for its leaves in the kitchen or as a garden staple, sage offers versatility and hardiness.
8. Thyme
This is a delightful herb that thrives in dry, sunny conditions, making it ideal for drought-prone gardens. Its tiny leaves and flowers offer a subtle beauty and attract beneficial insects.
Perfect as ground cover or in rock gardens, thyme spreads easily and requires minimal care. A sunny spot with well-drained soil is all it needs to flourish.
Use thyme in cooking or let it simply enhance your garden’s sensory appeal. Regular pruning keeps it tidy and productive, ensuring a carpet of green that smells as good as it looks.
9. Russian Sage
Russian Sage, with its spires of lavender-blue flowers, is a showstopper in any dry garden. This hardy perennial is both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, thriving in full sun.
Its airy, spiky blooms and silvery foliage add texture and movement to the landscape. Russian Sage attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a lively garden ecosystem.
Minimal maintenance is needed—just a trim in early spring to encourage new growth. This plant’s resilience and beauty make it a top choice for those seeking structure and color in their xeriscape design.
10. Lantana
This is a great addition to any drought-tolerant garden, offering clusters of colorful flowers that bloom profusely through the season. Its ability to thrive in poor soil and hot sun makes it perfect for challenging sites.
These plants are loved by pollinators, bringing butterflies and hummingbirds into your garden. Lantana requires little water once established, providing continuous color with minimal effort.
Although it can be toxic to pets if ingested, its resilience and charming blooms make it a popular choice for gardeners. Regular deadheading encourages more flowers, keeping your garden lively and bright.
11. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea, with its spectacular bracts in vivid colors, is a favorite for gardeners in dry climates. This climbing plant thrives in hot, sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Although it appears delicate, Bougainvillea is incredibly tough, withstanding drought and neglect while providing a riot of color. It’s perfect for covering walls, fences, or trellises, adding height and drama.
Bougainvillea needs regular pruning to control its size and encourage blooming. Despite its thorny nature, it’s a stunning addition to any garden, offering an explosion of color with minimal fuss.
12. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that doubles as a hardy, drought-tolerant plant for sunny gardens. Known for its culinary uses, Rosemary’s needle-like leaves and small blue flowers add beauty and aroma.
This Mediterranean native thrives in poor, well-drained soils and requires minimal water once established. It’s perfect for borders, herb gardens, or as an ornamental shrub.
Regular pruning keeps Rosemary bushy and productive. Its resilience and versatility make it a garden staple for both beginners and seasoned gardeners, offering a touch of the Mediterranean to any landscape.
13. Sea Holly
Sea Holly is an unusual yet striking choice for drought-resistant gardens. Its spiky, thistle-like blue flowers and silvery foliage bring a touch of the seaside to any landscape.
This plant thrives in poor, sandy soils and full sun, making it ideal for rock gardens or coastal-inspired designs. Sea Holly is low-maintenance, needing little more than occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Its unique appearance makes it a conversation starter, while its hardiness ensures it will stand up to tough conditions. Perfect for adding texture and interest, Sea Holly is both resilient and captivating.
14. Ice Plant
Ice Plants are a colorful ground cover option for dry gardens, known for their vivid flowers and succulent foliage. These plants thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil, needing little water once established.
Their daisy-like blooms open in the sun, creating a carpet of color that brightens any landscape. Ice Plants are perfect for rock gardens, slopes, or as edging plants.
While they spread quickly, they require minimal maintenance beyond occasional trimming. Their ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes them a popular choice for gardeners seeking an easy ground cover.
15. Cacti
Cacti are the quintessential drought-tolerant plants, adapted to survive in the driest environments. With their unique forms and striking spines, cacti add a sculptural element to any garden.
These resilient plants require minimal water and thrive in sandy, well-drained soils. Ideal for rock gardens, desert landscapes, or even containers, cacti are versatile and hardy.
Despite their tough exterior, cacti can produce beautiful blooms, adding color and interest. Their slow growth and low maintenance needs make them perfect for those wanting a dramatic yet easy-care garden feature.
16. Oleander
This is a robust shrub known for its foliage and abundant flowers, tolerating drought and poor soil. Its glossy leaves and clusters of blooms bring color and life to dry gardens.
This plant thrives in full sun, making it ideal for hedges, borders, or as a standalone feature. Despite its beauty, all parts of Oleander are toxic if ingested, so caution is advised.
Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages more blooms. With its hardy nature and striking appearance, Oleander is a popular choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, water-wise garden solution.
17. Rockrose
Rockrose is a tough shrub that thrives in dry, rocky conditions, offering crinkled flowers and aromatic leaves. Its resilience and ability to flourish in poor soils make it a great choice for challenging sites.
This plant blooms with colorful flowers in spring, creating a cheerful display even under difficult conditions. Rockrose is perfect for erosion control on slopes or as a low-maintenance ground cover.
Minimal pruning keeps it tidy, while its hardy nature ensures long-lasting beauty. Ideal for Mediterranean-style gardens, Rockrose brings both charm and practicality to water-wise landscapes.
18. Verbena
Verbena is a radiant choice for dry gardens, offering clusters of small flowers that attract pollinators. This plant thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil, requiring little more than occasional watering.
Its compact size makes it suitable for borders, rock gardens, or containers. Verbena’s continual blooming season ensures a colorful garden from spring through fall.
Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers, while its drought tolerance makes it a reliable option for water-wise gardens. Verbena’s cheerful appearance and low maintenance needs make it a favorite among gardeners.
19. Portulaca
Portulaca, also known as moss rose, is a sun-loving plant that thrives in dry conditions, featuring bright, cheerful blooms. Its succulent leaves store water, making it perfect for hot, arid areas.
This plant is ideal for rock gardens, borders, or hanging baskets where it can spill over edges. Portulaca requires minimal water and care, blooming from early summer until the first frost.
Its flowers open in the morning sunlight, adding a daily burst of color. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, Portulaca is a must-have for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.
20. Gazania
Gazania is a striking plant known for its daisy-like flowers in vivid hues of orange, yellow, and red. It’s perfectly suited for dry, sunny gardens, requiring minimal water once established.
These flowers close at night and open with the sun, adding dynamic beauty to your garden. Gazanias are excellent for borders, ground cover, or containers, providing bright bursts of color.
Their low maintenance needs and ability to thrive in poor soil make them a favorite for xeriscaping. With Gazanias, gardeners can enjoy blooms without the hassle of constant care.