Bone-dry soil does not mean settling for a scorched, lifeless garden. Many shrubs, perennials, climbers, grasses and herbs naturally tolerate long periods without rain once their roots are established. Choosing drought-resistant plants helps reduce watering while keeping flower beds, borders, terraces and rock gardens attractive throughout summer.
Shrubs that can survive drought
Shrubs provide structure, height and year-round interest in dry gardens. Once established, Mexican orange and bougainvillea can withstand dry spells, although their hardiness and growing conditions differ considerably.
Mexican orange
Mexican orange forms a rounded, fragrant evergreen shrub
Blooming period: April to May, often with a second flush in fall
Features: glossy evergreen foliage and clusters of fragrant white flowers
Exposure: full sun or partial shade
Soil: light, fertile and well drained
Best feature: its flowers and crushed leaves release a pleasant citrus fragrance
Mexican orange tolerates temporary drought once established, but appreciates occasional deep watering during prolonged summer heat. Shelter it from cold, drying winds in cooler regions.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea blooms best in warm, sunny conditions
Features: vivid violet bracts surrounding small white flowers
Exposure: full sun, against a warm wall
Soil: fertile, light and perfectly drained
Best feature: it is one of the hardier bougainvilleas, although protection is still advisable below approximately 20°F (-6°C)
Perennials for dry flower beds
Drought-resistant perennials return every year and require little maintenance once settled. Acanthus creates dramatic height, while white wormwood brightens borders with silvery foliage.
Acanthus
Acanthus produces imposing flower spikes in summer
Variety:Acanthus mollis
Blooming period: June to August
Features: large sculptural leaves and tall pinkish-white flower spikes
Exposure: sun or partial shade
Soil: deep, well drained and moderately fertile
Best feature: it brings height and architectural character to a border
Acanthus becomes drought tolerant after establishment. In very dry climates, partial afternoon shade prevents its broad leaves from scorching.
White wormwood
White wormwood lights up dry borders with silver foliage
Soil: poor, stony, neutral to alkaline and very well drained
Best feature: its pale foliage contrasts beautifully with colorful flowers
Climbing plants for dry soil
A sunny wall increases heat and dryness, but several climbers thrive in these demanding conditions. Trumpet vine is vigorous and spectacular, whereas compact clematis varieties are easier to manage in containers.
Trumpet vine
Trumpet vine rapidly covers walls and sturdy supports
Features: clusters of orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers
Exposure: full sun
Soil: ordinary, deep and well drained
Best feature: its rapid growth quickly conceals an unattractive wall
Trumpet vine is vigorous and may produce suckers. Plant it where its growth can be controlled and provide a strong support.
Compact clematis
‘Baby Star’ clematis is suitable for pots and small spaces
Variety:Clematis ‘Baby Star’
Blooming period: May to June, with a possible second flush in late summer
Features: open white flowers with prominent stamens
Exposure: sun or partial shade
Soil: fertile, light and well drained, with the roots kept cool
Best feature: its compact size makes it well suited to containers
Grasses that thrive in dry weather
Ornamental grasses add movement, texture and modern style while requiring little care. Blue fescue suits poor, stony soil, while pink muhly grass creates a spectacular haze in fall.
Best feature: it works beautifully in rock gardens, borders and gravel gardens
Pink muhly grass
Pink muhly grass creates a delicate cloud of flowers
Variety:Muhlenbergia capillaris
Blooming period: September to November
Exposure: full sun
Soil: light, dry and neutral to alkaline
Best feature: its airy pink panicles create a striking fall display
Drought-tolerant culinary herbs
Many Mediterranean herbs develop their strongest aroma in sunny, relatively dry soil. Thyme and rosemary are ideal for gravel gardens, raised beds and containers near the kitchen.
Blooming period: mainly spring, sometimes again in fall
Features: evergreen aromatic foliage and small blue flowers
Exposure: full sun
Soil: poor, dry and well drained
Best feature: it fits naturally into rock gardens, herb beds and sunny borders
How to help drought-resistant plants establish
Plant in fall or spring rather than during extreme summer heat.
Water deeply but less frequently to encourage roots to grow downward.
Add gravel or organic mulch to reduce evaporation.
Avoid rich fertilizer, which can produce soft, thirsty growth.
Never leave Mediterranean plants sitting in waterlogged soil.
Frequently asked questions
Key tip: Drought-tolerant does not mean that a newly planted specimen can survive without water. Regular watering is essential until roots are well established.
What are the best plants for extremely dry soil?
Thyme, rosemary, blue fescue, wormwood and many Mediterranean shrubs are excellent choices, provided the soil drains freely.
Can drought-resistant plants grow in pots?
Yes, but container plants dry out faster than plants in the ground. Use a pot with drainage holes and water when the upper layer of compost has dried.
Should drought-tolerant plants be watered during a heatwave?
Established plants may cope without frequent watering, but a deep watering can prevent severe stress during exceptionally long or intense heatwaves.
Which mulch is best for a dry garden?
Gravel, crushed stone and mineral mulch work particularly well around Mediterranean plants. Organic mulch is useful for shrubs and perennials that prefer slightly cooler soil.
Can drought-resistant plants tolerate wet winters?
Not always. Many plants that resist summer drought are more vulnerable to winter moisture, especially in heavy clay soil. Improving drainage is therefore essential.
Smart tip
Group plants with similar water needs together. This makes irrigation more efficient and prevents drought-loving species from receiving more water than they need.
Image credits: Nature & Garden contributor Marion Dujardin; Pixabay contributors Albert Dezetter, Ottó, Pictures4you, Hans Braxmeier, 지원 강 and Jaqueline Henning; Flickr contributors RubyGoes, Andrea, Manuel Martin Vicente and Steve Law.
🌿 Nature & Garden Newsletter
Gardening tips, recipes & seasonal advice, twice a week.
