Last summer, my water bill hit $400 as I desperately tried to keep my garden alive during the worst drought we’d seen in years.
That’s when I knew something had to change.
Today, I’m excited to share my favorite drought-tolerant plants that have completely transformed my garden (and my water bill!) into something I can actually manage – even in the hottest months.
My 20 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants
1. Aster
I absolutely adore these North American natives!
In my garden, they’re the showstoppers of late summer, painting the landscape with gorgeous purples, blues, whites, and pinks.
What I love most is how they attract butterflies and bees, turning my garden into a bustling wildlife haven.
They’re surprisingly adaptable too – I’ve had success growing them in various spots around my yard.
2. Beardtongue (Penstemon)
This was such a game-changer in my garden!
The tubular flowers come in stunning colors, and I’ve used shorter varieties in my rock garden while letting the taller ones create drama in my borders.
The hummingbirds absolutely can’t resist them!
3. Black-Eyed Susan
These cheerful flowers have become my go-to for reliable color.
Their gold and bronze blooms last forever, and I never worry about deer – they completely ignore them!
They’ve spread beautifully through my cottage garden, creating that casual, meadow-like feel I love.
4. Blanket Flower
I planted these prairie natives along my driveway where nothing else would grow, and they’ve been a complete triumph!
The red, orange, and coral blooms keep going strong even in the worst heat waves.
My kids love watching the goldfinches feast on their seeds in late summer.
5. Bugle Weed
This has been my secret weapon for those tricky shaded slopes where grass refuses to grow.
The purple and green foliage creates a gorgeous carpet.
I’ve found it’s much easier to control than I initially feared – just limit the water and it behaves beautifully.
6. Blue Fescue
What a delightful grass this has been in my garden!
I’ve tucked it into containers on my patio, where its blue-gray spikes provide year-round interest.
It looks especially stunning when paired with my purple salvias.
7. Crane’s Bill Geranium
These hardy perennials have become my reliable friends for tough spots.
I use them everywhere – along pathways, in rock gardens, and even on that challenging slope by my driveway.
They just keep going strong year after year.
8. Lantana
Talk about a versatile plant!
I have these brightening up my containers and spilling over my garden walls.
In my climate, they come back every year, and the butterflies simply cannot resist them – the rainbow-colored blooms are a constant source of joy.
9. Hen and Chicks
These charming succulents have stolen my heart!
I’ve tucked them into the crevices of my rock wall and created adorable container arrangements.
Their rosette patterns add such interesting texture, and they practically thrive on neglect.
10. Catmint
I originally planted catmint alongside my ornamental grasses, and what a lovely combination it’s turned out to be!
The soft blue flower spikes bloom for months, and the pollinators absolutely adore them.
It’s become one of my most reliable performers.
11. Moss Rose
These little beauties have transformed my hot, sunny window boxes!
Their rose-like blooms in bright, cheerful colors keep blooming even during scorching summer days.
They’re perfect for those spots where I can’t be bothered to water frequently.
12. Dianthus
The sweet fragrance of these flowers brings back memories of my grandmother’s garden.
I’ve planted them along my pathway edges, where their low-growing habit and frilly blooms create a charming border.
They’re especially gorgeous in spring.
13. Lavender
My absolute favorite for both beauty and fragrance!
I’ve created a stunning border along my front walkway, and the purple blooms against silver foliage stop visitors in their tracks.
Plus, I dry the flowers for sachets and cooking.
14. Purple Coneflower
These native beauties have become the backbone of my butterfly garden.
Not only do they provide stunning summer blooms, but I leave the seedheads standing through winter to feed the birds.
It’s like having two plants in one!
15. Russian Sage
The tall, airy spikes of my Russian sage create the perfect backdrop for shorter perennials.
I love how they sway in the breeze, adding movement to my garden.
Once established, they’re virtually indestructible.
16. Spurge
These architectural plants add such unique texture to my garden.
While I’m careful with the milky sap when pruning, their unusual flowers and drought tolerance make them worth the extra caution.
They’re especially striking in my rock garden.
17. Sage
What a workhorse in the garden!
My salvias bloom continuously from spring through fall, attracting every hummingbird in the neighborhood.
I’ve planted several varieties for a succession of colors throughout the season.
18. Stonecrop
These succulents have been amazing problem-solvers in my garden.
The low-growing varieties make excellent ground covers, while the taller ones provide late-season color.
They look especially stunning when frost crystals form on their flower heads.
19. Wormwood
The silvery foliage of wormwood adds a beautiful contrast to my other plants.
I keep it in check by planting it in containers, where its aromatic leaves add texture and interest to my drought-resistant container arrangements.
20. Yarrow
This tough-as-nails plant has become one of my garden’s greatest assets.
The flat flower heads in shades of yellow, white, pink, orange, and red create perfect landing pads for butterflies.
Even in the poorest soil, yarrow puts on a spectacular show.