How Do I Choose the Best Drought-Resistant Plants?

One of the best ways to choose drought-resistant plants is to look for species that are native to the geographic area where you live and that are accustomed to the climate, rather than trying to make a non-native species thrive with less water, which will often have limited results. There are a number of drought-resistant plants that require relatively small amounts water and will thrive in a garden, including perennials, cacti, and succulents. In many cases, creating a garden that requires less water doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice having a variety of colors and textures.

The practice of creating landscapes that don't need a lot of water, and are therefore more drought-resistant, is also known as xeriscaping. People choose to garden in this way for a number of reasons, from trying to lower their water bills, to wanting to make their yards more eco-friendly. Some people simply want to spend less time taking care of the garden.

Whatever the reason, drought-resistant plants can make up an attractive and low-maintenance garden, and even improve the value of a home, if done well. Xeriscaped land is designed to take advantage of natural precipitation, and often does not require fertilizers to thrive.

The first step in choosing drought-resistant plants is to look at what types are native to your area. Native plants are naturally adapted to the local environment, it's soil types, precipitation rates, and levels of sunlight, and should grow well with less attention. If you aren't sure what flowers and trees are native to your area, check with a good nursery or gardening center. Many colleges and universities have agriculture or botany programs, and may be able to provide information on native drought-resistant plants. Some botanical gardens offer plant lists and sources for local residents who want to grow native plants, and may even offer this information online.

Types of plants that grow well in drought-prone areas tend to have small, thick leaves that help them hold in moisture. They may be smooth and glossy or slightly fuzzy, and often have a silver or gray tint to them. Many plants with narrow, needle-like leaves also need less water.

Succulents are a popular choice of drought-resistant plant because they are usually easy to care for and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. For example, there are numerous varieties of sedum, a deciduous succulent that grows well in rock gardens. Its leaves range from pale green to darker, bluish shades. One variety, called Autumn Joy, flowers in shades that can vary from bronze to pink, while Angelina turns orange and bronze in the autumn.

Aloe vera is another succulent that can make a good addition to a low water garden. Most varieties have long, V-shaped leaves with small spikes on the edges. They do flower, producing a spike with yellow, orange, or even pink flowers. Most people know that the leaves contain a cooling gel that can be used to soothe sunburns and other skin irritation.

If you like a wide variety, unusual shapes and ease of propagation as well as drought resistance, one good choice for a drought-resistant garden is commonly known as "hens and chicks," and includes several varieties from the Sempervivum and Jovibarba genuses. These succulents typically grow with a circular arrangement of thick leaves, which range from green to blue to reddish shades. One type adds drama to the garden as it covers itself in fine, silken-looking strands that look like a spider web. These plants have the added attraction of reproducing easily, with the "chicks" or babies forming directly from the mother plant or "hen."

Some herbs, such as the perennial rosemary with its needle leaves, also will do well in a grouping of drought-resistant plants. Some varieties grow to 5 feet (1.52 meters) tall, while other, smaller types are more suited for a compact herb garden. Lavender, too, has similar needle leaves that help it retain water; it produces bright purple, scented flowers that many people find appealing.

Another herb that can do well other drought-resistant plants is thyme. This herb grows to about 1 foot (0.304 meters) tall at most, and sports pale purple or white flowers. Sage can also be a good choice to include in a selection of drought-resistant plants. Although some varieties are considered invasive, yarrow is a popular choice in some areas, and comes in a variety of heights and colors.

Although many traditional "lawn" grasses are not very drought-resistant, a number of ornamental grasses grow well without much water. Maiden grass grows in clumps, and can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. Tufts of blue oatgrass, with its stiff leaves, produce blue-green flowers during the summer months. Pampas grass grows quickly, and reaching 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, and blooms with white and pink flowers. With it's pale yellow bands, zebra grass can add a unique look to a grouping of drought-resistant plants.

Several species of Echinacea are resistant to drought, and the purple coneflower is a popular choice in many areas. It's flower has a large, spherical center with many small, yellow-ish florets, and thin purple petals that extend down around the base. An added benefit of this particular flower is its attraction for wildlife, particularly bees, butterflies, and some birds, such as the American goldfinch, that flock to the seed heads.

Although these plants typically require less maintenance than other varieties, they do require some regular care. Find out how much water each type of plant does best with, and keep those that need the same amount of water together; planting a very low water plant with one that needs a little more means that one will be over-watered or the other won't be given enough. Make sure that the soil type is appropriate as well, as some plants will only prosper in soil that is well drained.

Consider where your planting each species as well. In the northern hemisphere, the southern and western sides of a house tend to get the most sun and therefore tend to be driest. Plants that need a little more moisture should be planted on the north and east sides.

When you do water your plants, it's best to do so in the early morning or evening, when the sun is not as hot. Add the water directly to the soil at the base of the plants, not to the leaves; it's more important that the water gets to the roots, and it's less likely to evaporate. Adding mulch around your plants can also help keep out weeds and keep water in.