Shrubs for XeriscapingBest Drought Tolerant Shrubs for your Xeric GardenRanging in size from sub shrubs such as Paxistima canbyi, to Jostaberry, the choice of xeric shrubs is immense. The range of types and growth habits is as wide.Most shrubs with good drought tolerance and other drought smart strategies tend to grow slowly and require little in the way of pruning except for shaping. Most combine well with other xeric plants and groundcovers. Many are useful in hedgerows and shelterbelts or grown for use in rustic crafts. In addition to attracting birds and wildlife, they can also be beautiful either in bloom, autumn colour or as winter silhouettes. Fast growing shrubs contribute their shelter and protection to slower plants, providing nesting spots and forage for birds until the more valuable plantings are established. All the shrubs on this list are hardy to Zone 5b using Canadian Plant Hardiness Map.
It forms a thicket of architectural grey trunks, and the wood is extremely hard and durable. I use it a lot for making twig items such as handles for tools or planters. Following the blooms are dark blue berries, which usually are taken by birds or chipmunks before I get a chance to pick them.
The branches are prized by florists for their unique character. In time, with great age, this shrub can produce a few delicious little hazel nuts. Usually grafted onto a seedling, you have to watch for any upright growth, and prune it out immediately or it will take over as it's much more vigorous than the twisty growth. In summer, clothed in the crinkly large leaves it doesn't show it's true and amazing shape - only cast against a backdrop of snow does it reveal the character of the twisting branches. Twinkling lights accent this little tree to perfection.
The spines are a little off-putting, great for keeping dogs or wildlife away, but the surprise of their purple pea like blooms makes up for it's prickliness. Resistant to salt as the name implies, it's a useful ornamental shrub for very harsh conditions once established - along driveways and roads where winter salt spreading won't deter it at all.
Paxistima myrsinites - larger version of the above, this one gets its name from the delicate, elusive scent of the almost invisible pink flowers in spring. Also used by florists; both of these shrubs have a very long shelf life once cut, making them a very desirable addition to floral displays.
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Xeriscaping - Landscaping with Less Water
Gardening with a Light Hand on the Land
The focus is on landscaping with easy care drought tolerant plants like Sedum, Sempervivum and thyme and using natural materials to build rock retaining walls and it's easy to see why.
It used to be that once in a while these kinds of plants would come to the fore, and successfully maneuver dry summers, but now it's obvious that these are the most suited to what is becoming the norm.
Interested in learning how to build a patio? See this page for patio design ideas.
Seeing how beautiful these unique landscapes are and how well they perform in challenging conditions will encourage others to find unique plants to use in their own xeric garden.
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