Create a vibrant garden even during dry spells by choosing resilient shrubs that require minimal irrigation.
When planning your garden, it’s important to consider the average rain levels in your area, the type of soil you have, and the watering needs of different plants.
For those living in drought-prone regions or for gardeners wanting to conserve water, selecting drought-tolerant shrubs can help keep your outdoor space lush and beautiful with less watering.
Here, we highlight expertly recommended shrubs that can flourish in a variety of climates, including many native varieties that benefit local wildlife and pollinators.
Drought-Resistant Shrubs
- Thuja (Arborvitae)
- Hardiness Zones: 2 to 8
- Size Range: 10 to 60 feet tall, 3 to 15 feet wide
- Care Tips: Prefers sunny spots with well-draining soil.
- Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)
- Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
- Size Range: 3 to 6 feet tall, 3 to 5 feet wide
- Care Tips: Flourishes in full sun with sandy to loamy soils.
- American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
- Hardiness Zones: 5 to 11
- Size Range: 3 to 8 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
- Care Tips: Enjoys full sun to partial shade and can adapt to varying moisture levels.
- False Indigo (Baptisia australis)
- Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
- Size Range: 4 to 12 feet tall, 6 to 15 feet wide
- Care Tips: Prefers full sun to dappled shade and adapts well to different soil conditions.
- Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
- Hardiness Zones: 5 to 10
- Size Range: 6 to 12 feet tall, 2 to 8 feet wide
- Care Tips: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and does well in acidic or sandy soil, whether moist or dry.
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
- Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
- Size Range: 3 to 10 feet tall, 3 to 10 feet wide
- Care Tips: Adapts to most soil types and grows best in sunny locations.
- Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
- Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
- Size Range: 4 feet tall, 4 feet wide
- Care Tips: Prefers full sun and is adaptable to various soil types.
- Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
- Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
- Size Range: 10 feet tall, 10 feet wide
- Care Tips: Enjoys full sun and tolerates a range of soil conditions.
- Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris × clandonensis)
- Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
- Size Range: 4 feet tall, 4 feet wide
- Care Tips: Prefers full sun to partial shade and does best in loose, well-draining soil.
- Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
- Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
- Size Range: 3 to 4 feet tall, 3 to 4 feet wide
- Care Tips: Grows well in full sun to partial shade and can thrive in various soil types.
- Three-Leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata)
- Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
- Size Range: 4 to 6 feet tall, 4 to 6 feet wide
- Care Tips: Thrives in sunny areas and prefers well-drained soil.
Benefits of Drought-Resistant Shrubs
These robust shrubs not only enhance the beauty of your landscape but also promote sustainable water practices during dry spells.
Whether you’re planning a new garden or looking to enhance an existing space, these selections promise resilience and ecological benefits.
Source: Marthastewart