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Beyond Drought: 20 Plants That Can Handle Dry Conditions

This post is all about drought resistant plants.

drought resistant plants

Drought is a harsh reality for many gardeners and farmers, as prolonged periods of dry weather can spell disaster for plants. However, there is hope in the form of drought-resistant plants. These hardy varieties are able to thrive in even the driest conditions, making them a valuable asset for any gardener looking to create a water-wise garden.


With the changing climate and increasing water scarcity, it is more important than ever to consider using drought-resistant plants in our gardens and landscapes.Drought-resistant plants have adapted to survive in environments with limited water availability.


They have deep roots, thick leaves, and the ability to store water in their stems or leaves. This allows them to survive prolonged periods of dry weather, and still look beautiful and healthy. They don't just survive, they thrive.


Drought-resistant plants can help you create a sustainable and beautiful garden, that requires less water and maintenance.In this article, we will take a closer look at what makes a plant drought-resistant, and highlight some of the best options for adding these types of plants to your garden.


From succulents and native plants, to grasses and herbs, we will provide you with a list of 20 drought-resistant plants that can help you create a water-wise garden.



20 Drought Resistant Plants


1. Cactus

drought resistant plants

Cacti are one of the most well-known drought-resistant plants. They are able to store water in their thick stems and leaves, allowing them to survive prolonged periods of dry weather. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be a great addition to any garden.


2. Aloe

drought resistant plants

Aloe is a succulent that is also able to store water in its leaves. It is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow and can be used for medicinal purposes. Aloe can be planted in the ground or in pots and is a great option for a drought-resistant garden.


3. Jade plant

drought resistant plants

The jade plant is another type of succulent that is able to store water in its leaves. It is a slow-growing plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors, and is known for its thick, glossy leaves. It can also be pruned to create a bonsai-like appearance, making it a great addition to any garden.


4. Sagebrush

drought resistant plants

Sagebrush is a native plant that is well adapted to dry conditions. It is a hardy shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and has fragrant, gray-green leaves. It is drought-resistant and can be a great option for a garden in a dry climate.


5. Yucca

drought resistant plants

Yucca is a native plant that is known for its ability to survive in dry conditions. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall and has long, sword-like leaves. Yucca is drought-resistant and can be a great option for a garden in a dry climate.


6. Rabbitbrush

drought resistant plants

Rabbitbrush is a native plant that is well adapted to dry conditions. It is a hardy shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom in the fall. It is drought-resistant and can be a great option for a garden in a dry climate.


7. Buffalo grass

drought resistant plants

Buffalo grass is a drought-resistant grass that is native to the Great Plains of North America. It is a low-growing grass that can be used as a lawn alternative, and is able to go dormant during periods of dry weather.


8. Blue grama grass

Blue grama grass is another drought-resistant grass that is native to the Great Plains of North America. It is a low-growing grass that can be used as a lawn alternative, and is able to go dormant during periods of dry weather.


9. Little bluestem

Little bluestem is a drought-resistant grass that is native to North America. It is a low-growing grass that can be used as a lawn alternative, and is able to go dormant during periods of dry weather. It is also known for its attractive blue-green foliage and red-orange seed heads.


10. Rosemary

drought resistant plants

Rosemary is a hardy herb that is able to survive with little water. It is a versatile plant that can be used in cooking, and it also has a strong, fragrant aroma. It is drought-resistant and can be a great option for a garden in a dry climate.


11. Thyme

drought resistant plants

Thyme is a hardy herb that is able to survive with little water. It is a versatile plant that can be used in cooking, and it also has a strong, fragrant aroma. It is drought-resistant and can be a great option for a garden in a dry climate.


12. Oregano

drought resistant plants

Oregano is a hardy herb that is able to survive with little water. It is a versatile plant that can be used in cooking, and it also has a strong, fragrant aroma.It is drought-resistant and can be a great option for a garden in a dry climate.


13. Agave

drought resistant plants

Agave is a succulent that is known for its ability to survive in dry conditions. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and has large, spiky leaves. Agave is drought-resistant and can be a great option for a garden in a dry climate.


14. Sedum

drought resistant plants

Sedum is a succulent that is known for its ability to survive in dry conditions. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall and has small, fleshy leaves.


Sedum is drought-resistant and can be a great option for a garden in a dry climate.


15. Echinacea

drought resistant plants

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a drought-resistant perennial that is native to North America. It is known for its large, daisy-like flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, and can add a pop of color to any garden.


16. California poppy

drought resistant plants

California poppy is a drought-resistant annual that is native to the western United States. It is known for its bright orange, yellow or red flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. It is a great option for adding a splash of color to a drought-resistant garden.


17. Artemisia

Artemisia is a drought-resistant perennial that is known for its silver-gray foliage. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and is perfect for adding texture and contrast to a garden.


18. Lavender

drought resistant plants

Lavender is a drought-resistant perennial that is known for its fragrant flowers and foliage. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall and is perfect for adding both beauty and fragrance to a garden.


19. Ice plant

drought resistant plants

Ice plant is a drought-resistant perennial that is known for its bright, colorful flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 6 inches tall and is perfect for adding a pop of color to a drought-resistant garden.


20. Russian sage

drought resistant plants

Russian sage is a drought-resistant perennial that is known for its fragrant flowers and foliage. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall and is perfect for adding both beauty and fragrance to a garden.



Summary

Creating a drought-resistant garden is a great way to save water and create a sustainable landscape. With the right plants, you can have a beautiful garden that requires less water and maintenance.


By using drought-resistant plants, you can help conserve water and protect the environment.In this article, we have highlighted some of the best options for drought-resistant plants, including succulents, native plants, grasses, and herbs.


We have also provided you with a list of 20 drought-resistant plants that can help you create a water-wise garden. Remember, it is always a good idea to check with your local nursery or gardening expert to make sure the plant you choose will thrive in your specific location.


Overall, drought-resistant plants are an essential part of any water-wise garden. With their ability to thrive in even the driest conditions, these plants are a valuable asset for any gardener looking to create a sustainable and beautiful garden.


So, go ahead, add some drought-resistant plants to your garden and enjoy a beautiful and sustainable landscape that requires less water to maintain.

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