When most people think of drought-resistant plants, their minds immediately go to cacti and succulents. While these are certainly excellent choices for water-wise gardens, there is a much wider world of drought-tolerant plants that can add incredible variety, color, and texture to your landscape.
Flowering Perennials
Many spectacular flowering perennials thrive with minimal water once established. Lavender, with its fragrant purple blooms and silvery foliage, is a classic choice. Salvia species offer an enormous range of flower colors and heights. Agapanthus produces beautiful globe-like flowers in blue and white and is surprisingly drought-tolerant once mature.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses add movement, texture, and architectural interest to any garden. Many species are highly drought-tolerant, and their maintenance requirements are minimal. Consider Mexican feather grass for a soft, wispy effect, or the bold, upright form of blue oat grass for a more structural statement.