27 Drought-Tolerant Perennial Flowers for Dry Gardens

As our climate continues to change and weather patterns become hard to predict, it is wise to fill our gardens with perennial plants that are both aesthetically pleasing and resistant to heavy rain and drought conditions. 

Since living and growing in New Hampshire, we see drought conditions every other year. As we build up our perennial plots, we seek flowers that will come back and perform well year after year, even with little to no water other than what Mother Nature provides. 

Native plants will always be the best option, no matter what growing zone you are in. They are the most resilient and forgiving, providing garden beauty and color all season. Connect with your local nursery and ask for their advice on what to plant in your area and your landscape. 

If you’ve always been interested in the art of dry gardening and learning how to conserve water resources, here are 27 plants perfect for dry gardens. But first, let’s dive into a brief intro to what dry gardening is. 

What’s Dry Gardening?

Dry gardening is a method of gardening that minimizes watering to conserve gardeners’ resources. This requires strategic planning and focuses on using ornamentals and native plants. 

Dry gardening is also called xeriscaping and has gained popularity among gardeners in drier parts of the United States. Drought-tolerant perennial flowers adapted to dry gardening need less attention, thrive in poor conditions and soils, and are more forgiving when neglected. 

Yarrow

	botanical name Achillea millefolium
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height Up to 3 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 9

Yarrow often pops up along highways and on seemingly barren land all over the country. It germinates and spreads easily, is low-maintenance, and can tolerate many types of soil. 

There are both native and cultivated varieties of yarrow in the lower 48 United States, ranging from white to pink and deep magenta. Its ability to thrive anywhere it sprouts makes it an attractive option for dry gardens. Plus, there are many benefits to having it in your garden, including attracting beneficial insects, pest resistance, and erosion prevention. 

Plant yarrow near plants with similar needs and provide ample drainage. Yarrow plants benefit greatly from occasional deadheading, and a heavy prune mid-season may get you a second fall flush of blooms. 

Sedum

	botanical name Sedum spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial sun
	height Varies by species
	hardiness zones 3 to 9

There are many different types of sedum, and they will thrive in hot climates with very little water. A favorite backyard beauty is ‘Autumn Joy,’ a late summer and fall bloomer with pink and mauve tones, but its groundcover cousins are gaining popularity. 

Perfect for stone walls, rock gardens, and along borders, creeping sedums, or stonecrops as they’re called, are easy to grow and add beauty to otherwise unsightly gaps and cracks. They spread easily and suppress weeds, giving gardeners more time to enjoy their garden than working in it. 

Don’t worry about the soil quality, either. Sedums don’t mind low fertility! Ensure good drainage, though, as they won’t appreciate soggy areas or standing water. Try ‘Cherry Tart’ for an interesting burgundy succulent-like display. 

Anise Hyssop

	botanical name Agastache foeniculum
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3 to 5 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

Anise hyssop is native to prairies, plains, and fields throughout the Midwest and Great Plains up into Canada, thriving in dry and sunny conditions. It’s not just beautiful, but its deliciously spicy fragrance will keep many garden pests at bay. 

Once established, this drought-tolerant perennial flower needs little attention. It will also do well in well-draining, moist soil. 

Plant this member of the mint family in an area that needs naturalizing or somewhere it can safely spread, as it easily does by underground rhizomes. It boasts a fun and fluffy purple flower spike that pollinators flock to.

Goldenrod

	botanical name Solidago
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2 to 6 feet
	hardiness zones 2 to 8

Goldenrod will grow without much effort just about anywhere and doesn’t suffer from many diseases or pest issues. Due to their rhizomatous growth, they’ll perform best along borders or property lines rather than garden plots. 

They will thrive in drought conditions or swamps and thickets. Native to North America, goldenrod plants are very forgiving. 

Pollinators adore them for their dense flowers and high pollen and nectar volumes. Plant them near your blue and violet asters and purple echinacea for a vibrant pop of color. Harvest goldenrod stems early before the pollen is heavy and use them as a wildflower bouquet filler. 

Yucca

	botanical name Yucca spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2 to 4 feet or up to 30 feet, variety dependent
	hardiness zones 4 to 11

Yucca plants make a striking centerpiece in a backyard landscape and are grown for their flower spikes and sword-like leaves. Species like Yucca brevifolia, or the Joshua Tree, are large and commanding, while others are more compact, like the variegated Yucca flaccida.

These incredible drought-tolerant perennial flowers have adapted to survive both harsh, dry climates and extreme temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C). They demand little to no effort from gardeners. Clay soil or low pH? Yucca plants won’t care! 

The waxy leaves of yucca won’t dry out in a drought. However, plants used in landscaping will look better if they’re watered about once a week.  

Coneflower

	botanical name Echinacea purpurea
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

Coneflowers will thrive anywhere with full sun and well-draining soil. They may help with the pollination of annual vegetables by attracting hummingbirds, birds, and flowers.

Provide them with garden neighbors who have similar watering needs. While they’ll tolerate drought conditions, plan to water them when the soil is almost completely dry, especially newly established plants. 

The most maintenance that will be required is to prevent them from self-seeding, and that’s only if you want to! The seedheads will continue to provide food for wildlife, even as the flowers fade. 

Flowering Quince

	botanical name Chaenomeles speciosa
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6 to 12 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

Young flowering quince plants should be watered weekly during dry spells. They’ll perform well in mild drought conditions once established. Plant them along a garden border and mulch at the base to help retain moisture to extend the time allotted between watering sessions. 

While leaves may drop during extreme drought and heat spells, new foliage should sprout in the cooler temperatures and rain of fall. There seem to be few lasting negative effects on the plant from prolonged drought.

Try ‘Geisha Girl’ for a more compact variety that boasts a lovely apricot-colored bloom in late spring when annuals have begun to fade.

Beardtongues 

	botanical name Penstemon digitalis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

Add these spiky white flowering plants to xeriscapes, naturalized areas, or parts of your garden you are “rewilding.” They prefer well-draining soil in full sun but will also perform well in dry, partial shade. 

Heavy clays and wet soils may lead to crown rot in some varieties. Beardtongues will readily self-seed and attract many types of pollinators. 

Beardtongues need consistent watering when newly added to your landscape until they become established. Failing to do so will result in smaller plants and reduced flowering. Once they’ve settled in, these drought-tolerant perennial flowers will be a reliable bloomer in the garden.  

Winter Jasmine

	botanical name Jasminum nudiflorum
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 10 to 15 feet
	hardiness zones 6 to 10

If you’re looking for an early blooming drought-tolerant perennial, look no further than winter jasmine, whose flowers emerge before the leaves in late winter or early spring. Its nickname in Chinese translates to “flower that welcomes spring.” 

Consistently beautiful and high-performing with or without rainfall or irrigation, winter jasmine is a four-season stunner. Its yellow blooms will remain attractive from winter to spring, providing rare winter flowers even when snow is present. Its mounding branches will arch down or vine up, depending on their garden placement and trellis provided.

Mass plant winter jasmine on slopes to help with erosion or allow its vines to trail along rock walls. 

Coreopsis

	botanical name Coreopsis tinctoria
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 2 to 11

These cheerful and bright flowers are yellow, orange, red, or bi-color. They bloom in late spring to late summer. Native to North America and nicknamed tickseed, they’ve adapted to all sorts of climates and soil types. 

Coreopsis is an heirloom, slightly wild in appearance, and is often planted in rock and cottage gardens. It’s also a popular choice for pollinator mixes. It’s easy to start from seed and often flowers in its first year. 

Quick to spread and easy to divide, this member of the aster family is moderately drought and heat-tolerant. We love it for its ability to thrive in unirrigated and naturalized areas. 

Hens and Chicks

	botanical name Sempervivum spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial sun
	height Varies by species
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

These forgiving and drought-tolerant succulents will add interest to any backyard rock garden and will spread out each year without much assistance. Choose from a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that fit your garden aesthetics, ranging from bright greens, fiery red, and orange to bi-color green and pink.  

Hens and chicks are named for the juicy leaves that form larger rosettes (the hens) and the smaller baby plants (the chicks). 

They can survive in soils that most other plants cannot, so pop them in along rock walls, in small cracks, and where soil is limited. Water when newly planted, then rely on rainfall alone. 

Lamb’s Ear

	botanical name Stachys byzantina
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 10 to 18 inches
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

Lamb’s ear thrives in conditions similar to its native area, the Middle East. It likes hot and dry weather, will tolerate poor soils, and performs well in partially shaded areas. Some varieties flower, but lamb’s ears, or wooly hedge nettle as it’s lovingly called, are mostly grown for their fluffy and adorable soft, gray petals (ears). Deadhead flowers to prevent self-seeding.

Plant them in mass along borders, along rock walls, or anywhere the soil isn’t particularly fertile in full sun and ensure proper drainage. 

‘Silver Carpet’ is a non-flowering variety that boats big and ultra-fuzzy petals. Water all varieties well until they’re established, when they become drought-tolerant, and you can reduce watering. 

Blanket Flower 

	botanical name Gaillardia
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1 to 3 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 10

This interesting daisy-like perennial has wildflower parents and gets its nickname from its low-spreading growth habit that forms a sort of blanket throughout the garden.

These drought-tolerant perennial flowers thrive in full sun with dry conditions and prefer poor soil. It also doesn’t care much about pH levels or how well the soil drains. Plant blanket flowers around other sun-loving perennials in an area where they can grow freely. Water deeply when first seeded or planted to allow them to establish, then hold off unless conditions are extremely dry. Established plants are very tolerant of drought. 

Growing it from seed is easy, but it typically won’t flower until its second year. Start seeds indoors about four to six weeks before your last frost. While they’ll easily self-seed, future plants may vary in appearance. 

Globe Thistle

	botanical name Echinops ritro
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 2 to 8

Another beauty that doesn’t mind poor fertility or dry soil, the globe thistle is a unique perennial that looks great in a wide range of garden styles. Its steely blue, spherical flower heads look whimsical in a field of wildflowers and add texture to a fresh or dried bouquet. 

Add globe thistle to a perennial or annual border where the soil drains properly. Deer and rabbits won’t be a bother. Wear gloves when handling to keep the spikes from pricking your fingers! 

Pro tip: Plant globe thistle in areas where you want to attract ladybugs, like near annual vegetables. It works well alongside other pollinator attractants, like catmint and bee balm. 

Desert Spoon

	botanical name Dasylirion wheeleri
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4 to 8 feet, 10 to 15 feet with flower spike
	hardiness zones 8 to 11

You can guess by the name desert spoon’s tolerance to dry climates and sandy soils. It’s native to desert environments, so as long as the soil is well-draining and gritty, you shouldn’t have to pay much attention to this plant for it to thrive. 

It features thick, broad, and glossy evergreen leaves but also boasts an impressive flower spike that can add up to ten additional feet to its height. 

Though not required, you can fertilize your plant in the spring, but don’t overdo it. Hold off on watering once it’s well established. 

Little Bluestem

	botanical name Schizachyrium scoparium
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 9

The unique blend of blue, green, and purple blades transition into reds, coppers, and oranges in the fall, supplying constant, ever-changing seasonal beauty. Little bluestem provides valuable nesting area, cover for local critters, seeds for birds, and attracts native pollinators. 

This ornamental grass thrives in poor soil conditions across prairies, planes, on slopes, and in naturalized areas is easy to grow in most zones across the United States. Little bluestem serves as an important part of local ecosystems, hosting butterflies, pollinators, and small animals throughout the year. 

While mainly prized for its foliage, little bluestem blooms from June to December and spreads by self-seeding. This characteristic lends itself well to areas at risk for erosion. Try ‘Jazz’ for a short cultivar that transitions from blue-green to purple in the fall. 

Lilacs

	botanical name Syringa
	sun requirements Full sun to partial sun
	height Range from 3-foot ornamental shrubs to 30-foot trees
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

These fragrant and beautiful flowering shrubs are surprisingly drought-tolerant, needing supplemental water only in extreme cases. Utah State University Extension horticulturist Jerry Goodspeed says they’re “one of the most drought-tolerant plants”. 

Mulch at the base of newly planted lilacs to help them retain moisture and protect the root system in colder climates during the first few years of establishment and keep weeds at bay. Prune in the spring, but avoid it for the first five years. Deadhead at the end of the season to maintain healthy plants. 

Lilacs vary in height and can be used as stand-alone statement pieces, mixed into borders with other shrubs, or as flowering hedges. 

Catmint

	botanical name Nepeta racemosa
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6 to 18 inches
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

Catmint is a versatile drought-tolerant perennial flower. They’re great to add to new garden areas for their ability to tolerate poor or unknown soil fertility. 

While it should be watered as needed during extended periods of extreme heat for best performance, catmint can survive on once-a-month watering sessions. 

Overall, this perennial is very easy to care for. It’s deer-resistant and makes an excellent ornamental bloomer. You can also dry it to use as a soothing herbal tea. 

Glossy Abelia 

	botanical name Linnaea x grandiflora
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3 to 12 feet, variety dependent
	hardiness zones 6 to 9

Glossy abelia is a hybrid developed by crossing Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora. The result was an evergreen and easy-to-shape deciduous shrub that thrives in extreme temperatures and seems to perform best when it’s neglected. 

This low-maintenance and hardy, flowering shrub is lovely planted in mass as a natural privacy fence or border. Enjoy its foliage and crisp white, tinged pink blooms from spring to fall. 

Glossy abelia doesn’t suffer from many pests or disease pressure. Provide well-draining soil of any fertility level, but note its intolerance of salty soil. 

Creeping Phlox 

	botanical name Phlox subulata
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 4 to 6 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 9

This delicate-looking flowering perennial is alarmingly tolerant of drought once established and can also manage extended periods of rain without support. White, pink, and purple flowers bloom in spring and summer.

Creeping phlox will form a carpet of flowers in the garden, performing well in rock gardens, along retaining walls, on sloped land, and will fill in gaps and cracks. The bright rose-colored variety ‘McDaniel’s Cushion’ has been given the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, and for good reason! 

Divide your plants every few years in the spring to make new plants and keep production high. Water new plants well until established. Overwatering will increase the risk of powdery mildew. 

Salvia 

	botanical name Salvia nemorosa
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1 to 3 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

Salvia is a drought-tolerant perennial flower that thrives in full sun and heat, requiring little attention once established. It’s recommended to provide some water during extended periods of drought, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. 

Its deep violet flowers complement bright orange and yellow annuals and are commonly used in cottage and cutting gardens, and along borders. 

To promote growth and extended blooming season, add a slow-release, well-balanced fertilizer in the spring when new growth is emerging. Pollinators love salvia, and deer and rabbits leave it alone!

Bearded Irises

	botanical name Iris × germanica
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 10

Another beauty that can withstand neglect and thrives with little maintenance. The bearded iris loves sun and heat, and while some varieties can tolerate temperatures to -25°F (-32°C), they won’t always produce as many flowers in cooler climates. 

As long as you plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, their drought tolerance is incredible. While not required, water them in the morning as needed to avoid wet leaves overnight and reduce the risk of bacterial rots. 

Underground rhizomes will spread easily, but you can also split them in the fall to create new plants. Plant them right after splitting to allow time for roots to set before winter. Starting bearded irises from seed is not recommended. 

Ornamental Alliums

	botanical name Allium
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1 to 5 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

The wide range of alliums is perfect for a dry garden for their desire to be grown on the drier side. If flowers are small or the leaves are thin and droopy during extended dry spells, provide supplemental water. Plant alliums with other perennials that have similar watering needs to avoid rot. 

Their spherical flower heads are multi-purpose. They provide garden beauty and are excellent in dried flower crafts. In the garden, they are pollinator attractants and deer repellents. They range from white to different shades of purple, whose petals are slightly onion-scented. Note ornamental alliums are not edible plants. 

Try growing Allium giganteum to make a real statement. 

Daylilies

	botanical name Hemerocallis
	sun requirements Full sun or partial shade
	height 1 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 11, variety dependent

Daylilies are gorgeous, adaptable, and easy to care for. What more could you ask for in a perennial? They tolerate heat and cold, grow well in both dry and moist climates, and tolerate a wide range of soil types, including heavy clay and low fertility. Look for extended and re-blooming varieties that offer longer bloom periods. 

Have an area that suffers from annual soil erosion? The tuberous roots of daylilies will prevent it. Containers to fill? Daylilies look great in them. Extended periods of drought? Daylilies won’t mind. The stored nutrition in their tuberous roots allows them to make it through. 

Fun fact: Daylilies aren’t true lilies but rather members of the genus Hemerocallis in the Asphodelaceae family. 

Pink Muhly Grass

	botanical name Muhlenbergia capillaris
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2 to 3 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

Looking for a tall and interesting ornamental grass that’s beautiful, long-lasting, and low-maintenance? Look no further; pink muhly grass is all of the above! Its tall, thin, and green blades are graced with a plethora of tiny pink flowers, giving the illusion of a blade that’s half green, half pink from afar. Pink muhly grass blows whimsically in the wind but doesn’t need support. 

The roots run deep, so plants can fend for themselves during extended periods of drought. However, if you notice the soil surrounding your plants is overly dry, supplemental water will be appreciated. 

Leave several feet between pink muhly grass plants to allow them to spread out. Prune and divide them every few years to keep them fresh and healthy. They require little more than that for maintenance. Pink muhly grass is the perfect addition to xeriscapes, tolerating sandy slopes and road salts, but pH should not be higher than 7.0 for peak performance. 

Lavender 

	botanical name Lavandula angustifolia
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1 to 3 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

This semi-woody herbaceous perennial is easy to grow, transplant, split, and care for. I started plants from seed several years ago and noticed they weren’t loving the heavy, rich soil of the field I first planted them in. After transplanting them to a less maintained area, they have lived happily for three seasons. 

I mulch them to protect the crowns from our harsh winters but don’t give them a second thought during drought years. They happily flower every summer, providing lots of deliciously fragrant purple flowers. Lavender plants are perfectly lovely with and without flowers, making them an easy choice for dry gardens. 

Grow lavender with other perennial herbs in a rock garden or nearby annual vegetables to attract pollinators. 

Artemisia

	botanical name Artemisia spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1 to 5 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 10

Consider this perennial herb if you’re seeking lush foliage without many blooms. There are over 450 species that thrive in full sun and are drought-resistant. 

Artemisia ‘Power Castle’ is an upright, mounding variety that blooms inconspicuously in the fall and complements pink and purple flowers and ornamental grasses. Prune to the shape you desire and cut plants back in the fall.

Pro tip: Do your research on species before planting and confirm its invasive species status. Artemisia vulgaris, or common mugwort, is considered a noxious weed in some parts of the country. The pure species tend to be less invasive than cultivars.