40 Drought-Resistant Flowers and Plants for Your Garden

Courtesy Leah Tatina

40 Drought-Resistant Plants

We selected more than 40 tough plants that will thrive in climates that see both periods of rain and drought. Plants that are tolerant of difficult conditions may be invasive in certain areas, so do some research or contact your local extension service before planting.

1. Agastache
2. Amsonia
3. Artemisia
4. Autumn sage (Salvia greggii)
5. Balloon flower
6. Bearded irises
7. Blue flax (Linum perenne)
8. Blue spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
9. Broom (Cystisus and Genista)
10. Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
11. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
12. Catmint (Nepeta)
13. Creeping phlox
14. Creeping thyme; wooly thyme
15. Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis)
16. Dianthus, including Cheddar Pink and others
17. Gaillardia
18. Gaura
19. Gayfeather (Liatris)
20. Globe thistle (Echinops)
21. Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
22. Hens-and-chicks
23. Ice plant (Delosperma)
24. Lambs’ ears
25. Lavender
26. Oregano, including ornamental-flowered varieties
27. Ornamental grasses (non-invasive varieties)
28. Pine-leaf penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius)
29. Purpletop verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
30. Red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
31. Red-hot poker
32. Rock rose (Cistus)
33. Rosemary
34. Salvia
35. Sea holly (Eryngium)
36. Sedum
37. Sun rose (Helianthemum)
38. Thread-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)
39. Veronica
40. Yarrow