Drought Tolerant Perennial Plants for a Dry Landscape

There are so many plants that need moist soil or frequent waterings to survive. If you are in an area like I am, you know its going to be feast or famine on the rainfall. My Georgia gardens are in a constant state of drought and I'm always looking to find new plants to put into the yard that will work with me rather than against me. Planting those water-hungry plants are just going to require constant monitoring and water irrigation. Finding better suited plants for the area, those that are drought-tolerant, are a better way to garden I've found out. These selected perennial plants are all native to the United States and are drought-tolerant according to NPIN, the Native Plant Information Network. All are designed to thrive in drought situations and dry soils. Try one or try all of them, they're here for your thirsty soil.

Havana Snakeroot (Ageratina havanensis)

Also known as white mistflower, shrubby boneset, or Eupatorium havanense, this native plant is from the Aster family of plants. It grows two to six feet high with triangular leaf blades and clusters of pink-white flowers. Leaves are pointed at the tip and have coarse teeth. Flowers are fragrant and in fuzzy clusters. It prefers full sun and a dry well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and very adaptable. Propagate by seeds, softwood cuttings, or semi-hardwood cuttings.

Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Also known as coral yucca, redflower false yucca, samandoque, and yellow yucca, this native is a member of the Century-plant family. The flowering stalk grows five feet high and has yucca-like leaves that are evergreen and soft. Flowers are on pink stems. Blooms are red in color, tubular in shape, and very showy. Leaves are blue-green and turn purplish in winter. It is drought-tolerant and adaptable. It prefers to grow in full sun with a dry nearly neutral pH soil. Propagate by seed or by offsets.

Heartleaf Rosemallow (Hibiscus martianus)

Also known as Tulipan del monte or heartleaf hibiscus, this native is a member of the mallow family of plants. It grows one to three feet high with a leafy stem. Flowers are red and solitary on the ends of the branches. Leaves are simple and alternate, heart-shaped, and are silvery in color. This can bloom all the time if planted in a frost-free zone. Plant a heartleaf rosemallow in full sun or partial shade with a dry well-drained soil. Propagate by seed.

Cenizo (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Also known as Texas ranger, purple sage, Texas sage, Texas silverleaf, Terania frutescens, or Texas barometer bush, this native is a member of the figwort family. It grows two to five feet high with silver-haired leaves and pinkish-lavender flowers. Soft leaves are silver-gray or greenish and tapered with smooth margins. Flowers are pink, violet, or purple and bell-shaped, blooming spring to fall. Cenizo prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade with a well-drained soil. It is cold, heat, and drought tolerant. Propagate by seeds, softwood cuttings, or semi-hardwood cuttings.

Related Content:

Drought Tolerant Native Trees for Xeriscaping

Fast Growing Trees That Are Drought Tolerant

Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Your Garden

Sources:

NPIN: Havana Snakeroot

NPIN: Red Yucca

NPIN: Heartleaf Rosemallow

NPIN: Cenizo