Best Low Maintenance Plants that are Resistant to Drought

Editor: Hetal Bansal on Jul 22,2025

 

As the temperatures are increasing and only get warmer, and droughts are not an exception, more and more people want to plant something that may help them on a drought-proofing level. These are the plants that do not require much water, and they are not very demanding to have in a garden. When you want to scenery your backyard, or you simply want an environment that has greenery that does not require much work, then drought-resistant plants are just the right answer. So what are drought-resistant plants, why are they good, and what is the best kind you can get? Let us find out.

What Are Drought-Resistant Plants?

There are drought resistant plants that resume resisting drought conditions. They either conserve water by storing it in their roots, stems, or leaves, or they have deep roots or waxy surfaces to prevent the loss of water. Such plants perform well in hot climates, and low rainfall areas, or in places where we even need to save water.

Benefits of Growing Drought-Resistant Plants

  • Water Saving: They require less watering, reducing your water bills.
  • Low Maintenance: Perfect for people who don’t have time to garden.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Help conserve water and support sustainable gardening.
  • Survive Harsh Conditions: Thrive in heat and poor soil.
  • Variety of Choices: From grasses and shrubs to beautiful drought-resistant flowering plants.

Suggested readingTop 10 Low-Maintenance Indoor Succulents for Beginners

Best Drought-Resistant Perennial Plants

Perennial plants come back every year, saving you time and effort. Here are some of the best drought resistant perennial plants to include in your garden. They are hardy, long-lasting, and ideal for gardeners who want beauty. These plants can handle dry spells while still adding color.

Lavender

Lavender is not just beautiful and fragrant; it's also incredibly drought tolerant. This perennial thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil.

  • Blooms in summer
  • Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
  • Requires minimal care once established

Yarrow

Yarrow grows well in dry areas and poor soil. Its feathery leaves and colorful blooms make it a popular choice.

  • Great for borders and rock gardens
  • Available in white, yellow, and red
  • Spreads easily but is easy to control

Russian Sage

Russian Sage is another beautiful and hardy plant that adds texture to your garden. It produces purple flowers and silvery foliage.

  • Long blooming season
  • Tolerates heat and drought
  • Deer and pest resistant

Coneflower

Coneflowers are native to North America and adapted to survive tough conditions. They're bold and colorful, and come back year after year.

  • Thrives in full sun
  • Attracts birds and butterflies
  • Minimal water needed after the first year

Best Drought Resistant Flowering Plants

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

If you want color in your garden but can’t water often, choose drought resistant flowering plants. These give you blooms without the daily care. They brighten up your space while staying strong through heat and dry weather.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

This plant produces bright red, yellow, and orange flowers that resemble a warm blanket.

  • Blooms from early summer to fall
  • Tolerates poor, sandy soil
  • Very low water needs

Verbena

Verbena is a ground cover that spreads easily and produces small, vibrant flowers.

  • Blooms for several months
  • Ideal for borders and hanging baskets
  • Loves sunny, dry locations

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a tropical vine with bright, papery flowers in pink, purple, red, and orange.

  • Great for fences, trellises, or large pots
  • Thrives in hot, dry weather
  • Needs full sun to bloom heavily

Salvia

Salvia is available in many colors and is known for its fragrant foliage and long-lasting flowers.

  • Attracts bees and hummingbirds
  • Excellent for dry climates
  • Easy to grow and maintain

Shrubs and Bushes That Love the Heat

Shrubs add structure to your landscape, and many are plants resistant to drought. They provide year-round interest with minimal effort.

Rosemary

This herb is also a great drought-tolerant shrub. Use it in the kitchen or let it bloom in the garden.

  • Evergreen with blue flowers in spring
  • Needs full sun and well-drained soil
  • Very fragrant and useful

Oleander

Oleander is a fast-growing shrub that produces clusters of flowers in various colors.

  • Blooms in spring and summer
  • Handles dry, sandy soil
  • Be cautious—it's toxic if ingested

Texas Sage (Leucophyllum)

Also known as barometer bush, this shrub produces purple flowers and is extremely heat-tolerant.

  • Native to the southwestern U.S.
  • Requires little pruning or care
  • Ideal for privacy hedges

Ground Covers That Conserve Water

Ground covers reduce weeds, hold moisture, and make your garden look full and lush. Some ground covers are drought resistant plants, too!

Sedum

Also called stonecrop, sedum is a succulent with thick, water-storing leaves.

  • Many varieties with different colors
  • Great for rocky or poor soil
  • Blooms late in the season

Ice Plant

Despite its name, the Ice Plant loves the heat. It produces shiny, colorful flowers and spreads quickly.

  • Good for slopes or large areas
  • Needs well-drained soil
  • Requires little water

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme not only looks pretty but also smells amazing when stepped on.

  • Produces tiny purple or pink flowers
  • Great for pathways and borders
  • Tolerates foot traffic and dry spells

Cacti and Succulents: Ultimate Survivors

If you’re in a very dry region, cacti and succulents are the best choice. They store water in their thick leaves or stems and require almost no attention.

Agave

Agave has sharp, sculptural leaves and comes in many sizes.

  • Needs full sun
  • Grows slowly but lives long
  • Only blooms once before dying

Aloe Vera

Aloe is not just a healing plant but also an excellent drought survivor.

  • Useful for treating burns and skin problems
  • Grows well indoors and outdoors
  • Needs sandy soil and bright light

Barrel Cactus

This round cactus looks great in modern and desert-style landscapes.

  • Grows slowly
  • Produces flowers in summer
  • Requires very little water

Trees That Don't Mind Dry Spells

Even trees can be plants resistant to drought. If you want shade without needing to water often, try these options.

Olive Tree

The olive tree is a Mediterranean favorite and can survive hot, dry summers.

  • Evergreen with silver-green leaves
  • Produces small fruits
  • Needs full sun and well-drained soil

Mesquite Tree

Common in deserts, mesquite trees are tough and drought tolerant.

  • Grows fast
  • Provides filtered shade
  • Can survive on natural rainfall

Palo Verde

Known as the "green stick" tree, it has green bark and beautiful yellow blooms.

  • Native to arid regions
  • Great for xeriscaping
  • Very low water requirements

Conclusion

Whether you are just about to start planning how to get your space to be drought resistant, and most importantly, what drought resistant plants you can use, or you have identified the required plants at the beginning of the year, then you must move on to select the most suitable plants. You want pretty blooms, you vote in favor of fertile shrubs, or you appreciate the innovative trend to succulents; in any case, there are many drought-resistant plants to your liking. Not only will these alternatives make you save on water and labor, but they will also help you to give your landscape permanent beauty.

Begin by planting a few tough strains and see your drought resistance garden bloom nicely. Whether you want drought resistant perennial plants or drought resistant flowering plants, you are just a few plants away from having the dreamy low maintenance, and eco-friendly garden.


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