Drought Tolerant Plants
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10 Drought Tolerant Plants That Can Survive Dry Climates

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We're big fans of succulents here in central Texas. From early summer to late summer, it is extremely hot. With little water coming in each summer, many of us are looking for drought-tolerant plants.

Succulents and cacti are popular choices for low-maintenance plants here in the south central. Of course, growing flowers that need full sun isn't the issue, what becomes the problem is the lack of rain. If you're looking for drought-resistant plants, here are some seeds with great customer reviews. With so many options, surely you'll find some favorite drought-resistant plants for a colorful garden year around.

What is a Hardiness Zone

CNET writes, "Hardiness zones are geographical areas divided up by climate that can be used to determine where different plants will grow best."

To sum things up, a hardiness zone gives you an idea of the climate in your zip code, so you know which plants have a great chance of surviving (or not) in your garden.

There are sites where you can enter your zip code to get your hardiness zone. You'll be surprised by how each zone varies. For example, someone a mile away from your house can be in a different zone than you.

Getting your exact hardiness zone may save you from planting seeds that aren't going to be successful in your garden. We all know some plants get all the love they need from us but just don't survive for some reason—it could be due to your hardiness zone and not your lack of green thumb, after all.

1. Agave

Thank God for agave. Especially blue agave, because that's the base of tequila. Just like our bodies after a few shots of tequila, agave uses stored water to survive. Not only are we fans of agave, but so are hummingbirds. They do well in dry conditions and well-drained soil. Plant agave in your rock garden for a southern theme.

Read More: These Wagon Planters Will Add Some Rustic Charm to Your Garden

2. Echinacea

Purple coneflowers like full sun! If you're in a dry area, these drought-tolerant perennials will do well during droughts. These beauties don't need a Mediterranean climate to thrive. The purple flowers can reach 2-3 feet in flowerbeds and flower pots. A major perk is that they're deer resistant as well. They do look kind of pink, so if you love pink flowers you may like these flowers as well.

3. Sedum

If you're looking for a drought tolerant ground cover, sedum plants are it. These red flowers are beautiful and are California native plants.

4. Russian sage

Plant these perennial seeds in late spring and watch them bloom!

5. Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans can bloom from early summer to early fall. These yellow flowers love the sun as well. A major perk of Black-eyed Susans is that they can reseed themselves. Be sure not to plant these seeds in poor soil. Well-draining soil is key. Water your plants when needed. Since these flowers can survive on less water, stick to a strict watering schedule.

6. Yucca

Yuccas produce beautiful white flowers perfect for early spring, summer, and winter aesthetics.

7. Lantana

Part of the verbena family, this shrub can cover much ground for your garden. Save gardening time with a shrub that will last over hot summers. If you love bright flowers, this plant will keep your garden looking vibrant and cheerful.

8. Yarrow

Yarrows also provide an opportunity to have a bright garden during drought periods. Nothing screams sunny and California like yellow flowers. Never again will you have a garden that suffers from a dry climate.

9. Gaillardia

"You give me butterflies." (Kacey Musgraves voice.) This blanket flower attracts butterflies (a pollinator) and can survive low water conditions. That's enough for me to plant some Gaillardia seeds!

10. Catmint

These purple and blue flowers need full sun. If you live somewhere sunny and dry, these are perfect for drought-tolerant landscaping. You should go this route if you think yellow and orange are too flashy for your garden.

Most drought-resistant plants just need enough watering in their first few weeks. After that, you may only need to water them once a week. An advantage of planting drought-tolerant plants is that you can vacation without worrying about watering your plants. Caring for plants that can survive without rain and daily watering is convenient and easy to keep up with, plus they are gorgeous! Also, you never know when you might have to conserve water when a dry spell hits.

This post was originally published on August 29, 2019.