Creating a Drought-Tolerant Garden That’ll Survive Heat

Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by April

Are you looking for colorful drought-tolerant plants to add to your garden? This article will examine 31 drought-tolerant plants that can help you create a beautiful garden even during dry spells.

Hot weather can be difficult for plants to survive in, but various drought-tolerant plants can even thrive in these conditions. From cacti and succulents to herbs and ornamental grasses, a wide range of options are available for gardeners who want to cultivate green spaces despite the heat.

These will be divided into categories such as cacti, succulents, herbs, ornamental grasses, vines, perennials, annuals, and shrubs so you know exactly what kind of plant is best suited for your needs. Read on to learn more about these incredible hardy specimens!

Before we get started, please keep in mind that some of these plants are poisonous to children and animals. For any plant you are interested in, be sure to check if it is toxic to your household before planting.

Drought Tolerant Perennials

1. Black-Eyed Susan

This popular perennial has daisy-like yellow or orange flowers that bloom during summer. It easily adapts to heat and drought conditions and often reseeds itself for a continuous display of color each year.

2. Yarrow

This clump-forming perennial is drought-tolerant and deer resistant, making it a great choice for hot climates. It produces clusters of small white or yellow flowers during summer and requires little maintenance to thrive.

3. Blanket Flower

Also known as gaillardia, this heat-loving plant has bright yellow or red daisy-like flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. It’s low maintenance and works well in most soil types with minimum water requirements.

The blanket flower is a tough little shrub that works well in dry climates. It’s native to the southwestern United States and Mexico but thrives at high altitudes of up to 11,000 feet. This drought-resistant plant can grow into a small tree reaching heights of 20 ft., hence its nickname, “tree daisy.”

This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil but will grow in shadier areas. It does not like wet feet or a lot of humidity, so make sure the area you’re planting is on higher ground than other plants around it.

4. Rose Campion

A Rose campion is a perennial plant that has pink or white flowers. Its leaves are green, and it likes to grow in sunny areas with dry soil. Rose campion can be planted annually if you live in zones four through six (zones one through three should not use this plant).

5. Oleander

The oleander plant is a tough, drought-tolerant bush that can also be ornamental. Oleanders are native to the subtropical regions of Africa and Asia but have been grown in temperate areas for centuries because they bloom all year round.

This shrub needs full sun to thrive and is able to withstand hot, dry weather. It can also grow in various soil types and needs little maintenance once established. Oleanders are hardy plants that have no insect or disease problems.

6. Verbena

A good option for dry climates is verbena, which has a variety of blooming colors. Plant it in the ground or wide and shallow containers to accommodate its root system. Water when needed but not excessively because this will cause rot – make sure you only water until there’s just a light film on top of the soil surface.

Drought Tolerant Annuals

1. Zinnia

This popular annual is native to Mexico and blooms in shades of red, orange, pink, or purple throughout the summer. It’s heat and drought-tolerant and can tolerate various soil types.

2. California Poppy

This vibrant annual is native to the western United States and produces bright orange, yellow or red flowers during spring and summer. It requires little water once it’s established and will reseed itself for years to come.

3. Marigold

These cheerful blooms have been grown for centuries due to their easy-care nature and ability to tolerate hot, dry conditions. They come in shades of yellow, orange, or white and typically bloom from mid-summer until frost.

4. Portulaca

Portulaca’s tiny flowers are happy to grow in dry, warm soil and enjoy a sunny spot. They’re also one of the easiest plants to grow, making an excellent choice for beginners!

You’ll find that these drought-tolerant plants do not require much water or fertilizer either – just enough to keep them happy.

Remember that they are not cold-resistant, so you must carefully consider where and when you plant them.

Ensure the soil is well-drained before planting these drought-tolerant plants because they will rot if their roots get too wet or soggy

5. Wallflower

Wallflowers are a genus of plants within the daisy family. Each flower is a cluster or “head” of multiple flowers; each head can be up to about 30 cm in diameter. Their color ranges from purple, pink, red, and white colors.

The plant’s name derives from its tendency to grow on plastered walls and cliffs.

In dry climates, they are a good choice because the plant is able to conserve water by closing its leaves when it’s not in direct sunlight or under high winds.

They also have evolved adaptations that allow them to survive with little or no soil moisture, such as deep roots that can reach into the moisture-giving subsoil and hairy leaves that create a humid microclimate.

Drought-Tolerant Cacti

1. Saguaro

This slow-growing cactus can reach up to 40 feet tall and is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico. It has a woody stem with large white flowers that bloom in summer.

2. Barrel Cactus

This cactus species is widely distributed throughout North and South America, from Canada to Argentina. It grows up to 5 feet tall with spines that protect it from predators and heat, making it perfect for hot climates.

3. Prickly Pear

This popular edible cactus is found across the Americas and is often used in Mexican cuisine as nopales or tuna fruit salad. Its flat, oval pads are covered with spines that protect it from predators.

Drought Tolerant Succulents

1. Sedum

This low-growing plant is a succulent and perennial with yellow, pink, or white flowers in summer. It’s often used for ground cover and can tolerate dry soil conditions.

2. Echeveria

These rosette-shaped succulents come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from deep purple to bright green or blue-gray hues. They require little water, making them perfect for hot climates.

3. Aloe

This popular succulent is easy to grow and a great addition to any garden due to its medicinal properties. It’s drought-tolerant and can be grown in full sun or partial shade.

4. Agave

This large succulent is native to Mexico and can reach up to 6 feet tall. Its thick spines protect it from predators, making it ideal for hot climates.

Drought-Tolerant Herbs

1. Rosemary

This herb grows well in hot, dry climates and is often used as an ornamental plant or to flavor various dishes. Its small blue flowers bloom during the summer months.

2. Oregano

A member of the mint family, oregano is an aromatic herb that thrives in sunny, dry conditions with well-draining soil. It has tiny pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall.

3. Sage

Sage is a hardy herb well suited for dry, sunny climates. It has small, purple, or blue flowers that bloom in the summer, and its leaves can be used to season various dishes.

Commonly known as “the wise woman’s herb,” sage has been used for centuries to impart wisdom and strength. It is also sometimes called the “herb of remembrance.” The Romans used it in their bathwater because they believed its medicinal properties improved memory.

Sage in drought climates: Sage thrives in hotter, drier climates. It is a woody perennial that can grow up to two feet high but feature sparse foliage and small flowers.

Sage Care: Sage needs full sun at all times, so it’s best planted with other plants or near an area of the garden that gets direct sunlight for most of the day.

Sage plants can be propagated from cuttings of the stem or root, but because they produce a flowering stalk in late summer and fall, it’s best to allow at least six feet between each plant so that some will not receive as much shade.

4. Lavender

This fragrant herb is ideal for hot, dry climates and requires minimal maintenance. Its purple flowers bloom from summer to fall, making it a great addition to any garden.

Plant the lavender in a spot with full sun or partial shade. Lavender grows well as a ground cover, so pruning is typically done by trimming back some stems and leaves around it.

The plant will drop its blooms early, which can be picked to use fresh, made into candies, or steeped in boiling water to make tea.

Drought Tolerant Ornamental Grasses

1. Feather Grass

This ornamental grass is native to desert regions and grows well in hot, dry climates with little water. Its thin, wispy leaves create a soft texture in the garden, while its feathery flowers add a unique touch of beauty when they bloom in mid-summer.

2. Blue Grama Grass

This low-maintenance grass is drought-tolerant and thrives in hot climates with well-drained soil. Its blue-green foliage stands out against other plants and produces small tufts of yellow flowers in the late summer months.

3. Fountain Grass

This ornamental grass is known for its mounding, fountain-like shape and long, cascading leaves. It produces feathery pinkish-purple panicles in the summer and does well with little water or maintenance.

The plant will drop its blooms early, which can be picked to use fresh, made into candies, or steeped in boiling water to make tea.

Drought Tolerant Vines

1. Trumpet Vine

This fast-growing vine has bright, green foliage with trumpet-shaped blooms in red, pink, or orange shades. Its attractive blooms make it a great addition to any garden, while its drought-tolerant qualities make it perfect for hot climates.

2. Clematis

Another popular flowering vine, clematis produces large, bell-shaped blooms in purple, blue, or white shades. It’s easy to grow and can tolerate dry conditions with minimal water.

3. Morning Glory

This twining vine is covered with attractive trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors, such as pink, purple, white, and blue. It tolerates hot weather and requires little water once it’s established.

Drought Tolerant Shrubs

1. Russian Sage

Russian sage is a must-have for any drought-tolerant landscape, but it is also one of the easiest plants you can grow. It’s hardy, easy to cultivate, and adaptable regarding soil conditions because it prefers well-drained soils with good air circulation. Russian Sage has an intense aroma, which many consider a plus.

It is very drought-tolerant and will survive on little to no supplemental water, so it can even be grown in areas prone to dry spells or droughts. You’ll want to ensure you fertilize this plant every two months during spring and summer because it requires nutrient-rich soil to produce its aromatic oils.

2. Lantana

This popular shrub is native to Central and South America and can tolerate hot temperatures with minimal water requirements. It blooms in shades of pink, orange, or yellow throughout the summer and attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.

3. Texas Sage

A low-maintenance shrub that grows quickly in hot climates with minimal water requirements. Its silver-green foliage creates an attractive contrast against other plants, while its lavender flowers add a splash of color during the summer months.

Tips for Watering Plants During a Drought

• Choose drought-resistant plants whenever possible
• Group plants together according to water needs
• Water infrequently and deeply
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture
• Check soil moisture levels before watering
• Use efficient irrigation methods such as drip systems or soaker hoses
• Consider using recycled water for landscape irrigation when possible.
• Install rainwater harvesting systems for supplemental irrigation.
• Collect water from roofs and hardscapes for use in the garden.
• Utilize native plants, which are adapted to the local climate.
• Plant drought-tolerant groundcovers in place of lawns that can require frequent watering.
• Cover exposed soil with mulch or compost to reduce evaporation loss.
• Water in the early morning when temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few drought-tolerant plants that survive hot weather. With careful selection and planning, you can create a beautiful garden with minimal water requirements in any climate.

In addition to these plants, there are many other varieties that tolerate heat and dry conditions. Using these drought-tolerant plants, you can create an attractive landscape without worrying about over-watering or high maintenance costs.