Believe it or not, it’s a common misconception that all plants need plenty of watering. Sure, even the most hardy plants need water to some degree, but there are many that can survive in surprisingly dry conditions, and even then, they may not need that much watering. If this sounds too good to be true, we’ve got proof–here are the best plants to grow if you want a low-water garden.
Agave
One of the first plants you should consider if you want a low-water garden is the agave, a succulent beauty that comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, adding striking architectural elements to your landscape. Impressively, they store water in their leaves, allowing them to thrive in arid conditions. Therefore, minimal care is needed, making them ideal for gardeners who prefer low maintenance.
Lavender
It’s hard to imagine that the delightful fragrance of lavender doesn’t require too much water, but it’s true–it’s a highly drought-resistant plant. This beloved herb brings a splash of purple to your garden and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, all while thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Simply plant your lavender in a sunny spot, regularly trim it, and water it occasionally, and you’ll be impressed at how fast it grows, even during the hottest summers.
Sedum
Sedum, often called stonecrop, is a versatile succulent, much like agave, that works wonders in low-water gardens. It comes in many varieties, with each one featuring stunning foliage and colorful flowers. Best of all, they’re exceptionally drought-tolerant, needing little more than occasional watering during dry spells. They even thrive in poor soil conditions, so there’s really no excuse not to keep them in your garden.
Echinacea
Echinacea, or coneflower, is a fantastic addition to any low-water garden, as it thrives in full sun and can tolerate drought once established. Iconic for its vibrant purple blooms and attractive seed heads, this perennial attracts birds and butterflies alike, which your other plants will love. Ultimately, echinacea’s sturdy nature and long blooming season make it a favorite for low-maintenance gardeners looking to add color to their landscapes without too much effort.
Yucca
The striking architectural features of yucca are another top pick, especially among modern gardens. Drought simply isn’t too much of an issue for them, and they thrive in poor soil conditions, too, so their care requirements really are quite low. If it’s your cup of tea, yucca is also perfect for xeriscaping, helping you to enhance your outdoor space with a touch of the desert.
Rosemary
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the delicious flavor of rosemary requires a lot of water; on the contrary, rosemary is a drought-tolerant herb that flourishes in sunny gardens. Its delicate flowers attract beneficial insects to help out around your garden, and they’ll grow pretty fast as long as your soil is well-drained. Just keep on top of its pruning, and rosemary will make for a solid addition to your low-water garden.
Salvia
Salvia plants are a gardener’s best friend, especially for those looking to conserve water. This is because salvia is at its best when planted in well-drained soil and exposed to full sun, making it ideal for even the driest of conditions. Best of all, you can choose from many different salvia varieties and colors, so it truly is a versatile and tough plant.
Agapanthus
Otherwise known as the African lily, agapanthus adds a touch of elegance to low-water gardens with ease. These stunning plants feature striking blue or white blooms atop tall stems, creating a focal point in your landscape, and they don’t even need particularly moist soil or regular watering. Let them establish first, but once they have, you’ll find that they’re quite comfortable in the face of droughts.
California Poppy
It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that California poppies, named after one of the sunniest states in the U.S., cope just fine in dry conditions. Plant them in full sun and ensure their soil remains well-drained, and once established, they’ll develop into drought-tolerant delights, bringing bright orange bursts to your outdoor space.
Black-Eyed Susan
Another plant that you should grow if you want a low-water garden is the black-eyed Susan, a classic garden favorite that loves sunny spots and can withstand dry conditions. Its cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers create a vibrant display, attracting butterflies and other pollinators, even in poor soil. What’s not to like about that?!
Ornamental Grasses
Despite their complex textures, height, and dynamic movement, ornamental grasses are actually very easy to introduce to low-water gardens. Their maintenance needs are low, especially considering that they can thrive in poor soil, making them perfect for xeriscaping. Even better, their drought tolerance ensures that they remain lush and vibrant, even in drier U.S. regions.
Coreopsis
Tickseed, or coreopsis, is a cheerful perennial renowned for its bright yellow flowers that grow even in the sunniest and driest locations. You’ll need to wait until they’re fully developed first, but once this has happened, you really won’t need to water them much at all, even in bad soil.
Butterfly Bush
The butterfly bush’s name should tell you everything you need to know about it–it’s got an exceptional ability to attract pollinators thanks to its fragrant flowers. These hardy shrubs thrive in sunny locations and require little water once established, as with most plants on this list. Ultimately, with their easy care and stunning blooms, they’re perfect for eco-friendly gardening with minimal water wastage.
Stonecrop
To add another succulent to your list, the stonecrop truly thrives in low-water gardens. It features fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers, bringing an abundance of charm and interest. Even poor soil and irregular water are no match for stonecrop, making it the perfect choice for rock gardens or dry landscapes.
Russian Sage
Don’t miss out on the silvery foliage and beautiful blue flowers of Russian sage next year; it’s a drought-tolerant plant that loves the sun, so if you live in a hot area, you’ve got no excuse not to plant some. Simply plant it in any type of soil, even if it’s poor quality, and you’ll not only see it grow quickly but attract a plethora of pollinators, too.
Hens and Chicks
No, we’re not talking about the birds–in the gardening world, hens and chicks are charming succulents that create a lovely ground cover in low-water gardens. Thriving in poor soil, they really are excellent choices for busy gardeners on a budget. Better still, their rosettes of leaves come in various colors and textures, so they’re exceptional plants when it comes to introducing a personal touch to your yard.
Catmint
Last on our list is catmint, an acclaimed perennial loved by many for its aromatic leaves and lovely blue flowers. When you see these qualities, it’s easy to assume that they depend on having plenty of water, but this isn’t actually true. In reality, catmint is a drought-tolerant plant that loves sunny spots, so even if you live in Nevada or Arizona, it will probably do just fine.