Labrador violet
Viola labradorica
Hardier than pansies, violets tolerate cold to -20° as well as summer heat. Plants form … Continued
Drought-tolerant and drought-resistant plants may still need supplemental water from time to time, but they can survive periods of dryness without dying.
Drought-resistant plants like cactus, hens and chicks, and sedums can go for very long periods without water and do not tolerate poorly drained locations. Drought-resistant tropical plants grown indoors in winter like cactus, Sansevieria, Echeveria, and other succulents sometimes fail due to overwatering.
Drought-tolerant plants grow in many textures and sizes and have different adaptations that help them get through periods of drought:
The latter two types of plants are drought tolerant once established because any new planting, regardless of drought tolerance, needs to be watered during the first growing season to allow roots to reach the depths needed to access moisture during dry periods.
It’s also important to note that survival may not mean that the plant will look its best during this time. Watering weekly for a longer period of time will result in the best-looking gardens with the highest tolerance for drought. During the hottest, dryest times in summer, watering deeply twice a week is recommended. These less frequent waterings will encourage root systems to expand, making it easier for plants to access moisture when their environment is dry.
Winter drought has become a bigger problem in recent years as snowfall declines. Evergreen plants are especially vulnerable during winter drought because their foliage continues to shed moisture while dormant deciduous plants have shed their leaves and can conserve moisture in woody stems and underground. Watering shrubs and trees in winter on days when the temperature allows (above freezing) will help ensure their healthy return in spring.
Here are some drought-tolerant and drought-resistant plants to grow—
Viola labradorica
Hardier than pansies, violets tolerate cold to -20° as well as summer heat. Plants form … Continued
Vitex agnus-castus
Grown in as a vase-shaped multi-trunk shrub to 10-15′ tall or trained as a single … Continued
Vitis coignetiae
This fast-growing ornamental grape vine has vibrant flaming red fall color! Can be pruned hard … Continued
Vitis spp.
‘Himrod Seedless’ produces seedless, golden-yellow fruit on large, loose clusters. It’s a great choice for table … Continued
Opuntia cochenillifera f. variegata
Cousin of the native prickly pear, this rare cactus features swirling variegation on the pads. … Continued
Crataegus pruinosa
Waxy-fruited hawthorn is a native large shrub or small tree in the rose family found … Continued
Weigela florida 'Bramwell'
With a dense and upright form and dark foliage providing incredible contrast to the deep … Continued
Weigela florida 'Elvera'
A Proven Winners selection with dark metallic purple-black foliage for season long interest and color … Continued
Weigela florida 'Minuet'
This dwarf shrub with showy flowers and foliage makes a hedge or accent in small … Continued
Weigela florida 'Variegata'
Gracefully arching branches are covered with 1″ funnel-shaped pale pink blooms which are especially attractive … Continued
Weigela florida 'Alexandra'
This dark-leaf variety, has bold, dark purple foliage that holds its color all summer long … Continued
Carex albicans
Sometimes called oak sedge, this clumping sedge grows to 15-20″ tall. It is native to … Continued