by William Preston
(Henderson, NV)
Looking for the best outdoor plants that will not require a lot of maintenance and that can easily long periods without water? Look no further, as we are about to introduce you to the seven best drought tolerant plants out there!
Introducing Drought Tolerant Plants
One thing is sure. All plants need water to survive! And regardless of where you live, dry spells are always a possibility. You can never tell what Mother Nature is planning next, especially in those places with long, torrid summers. However, some outdoor plants are more resilient than others and can go for more extended periods without water. Even if you have the best garden hose reel and the best watering system, the drought can still affect and harm your plants! As such, one of the best solutions would be to populate your garden with drought-tolerant plants, so we have decided to compile a list with the seven most resistant outdoor plants you could go for:
- Agave
Agaves are low, drought-tolerant plants to which professional gardeners often resource. The most resilient species are Agave Salmiana and Agave Tequilana, also known as the Blue Agave, both originating from the deserts of Mexico. Not only will they make for great-looking stylish outdoor plants, but as you’ve probably guessed already, the second species is the base ingredient of Tequila! So after you’re done planting them, bottoms up! - Portulaca
Never heard of this one? Chances are you probably have, only under its more common denomination, “Moss Rose.” These are beautiful outdoor plants that thrive in dry soil, being able to last a very long time without any water at all. They come in a variety of colors, the most frequent one being red, yellow, and purple. - Caryopteris
Mostly known as Bluebeard, these blue-flowering drought-tolerant plants are the pollinators’ delight. They are late bloomers, usually by the end of summer, and they can they don’t need much care at all, as they can grow in full sun. - Lithops
Lithops are by far the most exciting species of outdoor plants that can withstand drought. They are commonly referred to as “Living Stones,” and that’s because they grow and live inside stones. They are straightforward to maintain, requiring minimal watering, and their predominant color is yellow. - Gaillardia
Gaillardia is commonly referred to as “The Blanket Flower” and is usually at the opposite pole to a needy plant. They are quite stylish outdoor plants that will not have you grabbing that garden hose reel too often. They tend to bloom prolifically all on their own, throughout the whole summer. They are brilliant drought-tolerant plants specific used to warm tropical climates.
- Baptisia
Also known as the “False Indigo,” Baptisia is an elegant early bloomer, usually until the end of spring. They grow in unusual spikes, so if you’re going to plant some of these drought-tolerant plants in your outdoor garden, you’d better do it in borders. One of the most popular species is the Baptisia Australis from the Fabaceae family that can grow up to 4-feet tall and offer visually stunning blue flowers. - Verbena
And speaking of stunning flowers, Verbena is another excellent choice in matters of outdoor plants that can stand in the sun. They favor heat and high temperatures, and will only require a minimal amount of water, well-drained soil, and lots of suns. They are drought-tolerant plants that are used to both tropical and temperate climates, and their flowers offer a spectacular and intense nuance of purple.
Final Thoughts on Drought Tolerant Plants
And there you have it, seven spectacular species that are indeed Mother Nature’s most resistant “soldiers.” Each of them has its charm and unique particularities, but what they all have in common is their undeniable ability to last long periods with little or no watering at all. If you go for either one of these remarkable outdoor plants, it’s safe to say that your garden hose reel will not play an essential part in their growth!
Author Bio:
William Preston is a landscape designer and horticulturist who formerly worked as an Associate Professor of the School of Biological Sciences (The University of Western Australia). Currently living in Henderson, NV. Editor and blogger of the website Homemaker Guide
