Maintaining vibrant landscaping in the heat of summer or in drought conditions is simple with the numerous options of The Home Depot’s drought-tolerant plants.
These low-maintenance beauties have become essential for homeowners who want summer foliage and blooms with minimal water, especially in drought-prone areas or during an exceptionally hot summer. Here, we outline options that will help keep your yard stunning and sustainable this summer, and you can find even more guidance on ways to help landscaping survive the dry months here.
Lavender
Known for its fragrant blooms and aromatic foliage, lavender is a versatile and resilient plant that thrives in dry soil and warm conditions. Varieties include English lavender and Spanish lavender, both of which are pollinator-friendly. Be sure to plant them in well-drained soil and full sunlight to enjoy their scent and blooms.
Mediterranean Herbs
Plants native to Mediterranean regions are naturally adapted to thrive in dry, sunny climates, making them excellent choices for drought-tolerant landscaping. Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, marjoram and tarragon are all low-maintenance herbs. Like lavender, they require plenty of sun and well-drained soil. These herbs provide edible landscaping, and their blooms supply pollen for your local pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Olive Trees and Bougainvillea
Also Mediterranean beauties, these plants add interest and texture to your garden while evoking the charm of Mediterranean landscapes. Olive trees are typically hardy in zones 8–11, and some varieties can survive down to zone 7. Bougainvillea is typically perennial in zones 9–11 and may be grown as an annual in colder climates.
Russian Sage
With its silvery foliage and delicate, lavender-blue flowers, Russian sage adds a little whimsy to your garden. This perennial thrives in hot, dry climates and is prized for its ability to withstand drought conditions while still attracting pollinators. Plant Russian sage in well-drained soil and enjoy its airy, aromatic blooms from late summer into fall.
Succulents and Cacti
Succulents and cacti are iconic symbols of drought tolerance, requiring minimal water to grow since they store water in their leaves. They can add sculptural interest and vibrant colors to your garden while conserving water. Visit our feature “Best Succulents for Your Garden” for an introduction to choosing and growing succulents.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
This low-growing succulent is an excellent ground cover or for trailing over the side of a rock wall or container. Sedum grows quickly, likes to dry out completely between irrigations, and is typically not prone to pest and disease issues, making it an excellent option for low-maintenance and low-water landscaping. One caution about sedum is that it is a little fragile – its leaves break easily and cannot endure much foot traffic, so be sure to plant it away from heavily trafficked areas. In desert areas with harsh sun, sedum will do better with a little shelter and shade. Otherwise, it’s an excellent landscaping option for drought conditions.
Dipladenia
This flowering beauty has bold and vibrant blooms and requires infrequent watering due to its built-in water storage in the form of tubers. In addition to being drought-tolerant, it does not have to be deadheaded as dead blooms will fall off naturally. Its only request is at least four hours of sunlight each day.
Lamb’s Ear
This silvery and soft-leafed plant is ideal in rock gardens or as landscaping border. It thrives in well-drained soil and cannot survive in soil that remains moist or boggy, so be mindful of placement. Its drought tolerance and irresistibly soft leaves make this an excellent low-maintenance and child-friendly landscaping option.
Other Options
A few more blooming plants worth mentioning include catmint, aster, Black-Eyed Susans, marigolds and sweet alyssum, all of which provide stunning flowers while requiring little water or fuss. Blue fescue ornamental grass not only requires little water, but also doesn’t go dormant in the winter in zones 4–8. Just be sure to plant it in full sun for the plant to achieve its signature blue color. Additional guidance is available in our feature on worry-free plants.
Creating a water-wise garden doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or plant diversity. With the wide range of drought-tolerant plants available at The Home Depot, homeowners can cultivate vibrant landscapes that conserve water and support biodiversity. From fragrant lavenders to sculptural succulents, there’s a drought-resistant plant to suit every style and preference. By incorporating these resilient plants into your garden, you can enjoy a sustainable outdoor oasis.
