40 Drought-Resistant Plants to Boost Your Home's Exterior Charm

1. Lantana (Lantana camara)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Perennial in Zones 9 through 11, but can be grown as a summer annual in Zones 1 through 8
• Color Varieties Red, pink, orange, yellow, blue, white
• Size Up to 6 feet high and 6 feet wide

Lantana, a vibrant and heat-tolerant flower, is celebrated for its diverse colors and sprawling growth. It’s a top pick for gardeners seeking a fast-growing, pollinator-attracting plant. "Lantana stands out for its vivid hues," notes Johnson. "Available in both ground cover and shrub varieties, it draws butterflies effortlessly and blooms prolifically throughout the season."

2. Coneflower (Echinacea)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 8
• Color Varieties Red, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, white
• Size Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide

Bright, resilient, and adaptable, coneflower is a hardy bloom that flourishes with minimal care, bringing vibrant splashes of color to any garden. "Coneflower is an excellent choice for drought-resistant gardening, as it handles heat and dry spells with ease," explains Iappini. "Plus, it’s a magnet for butterflies!"

3. Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

• Sun Exposure Full to partial
• Soil Dry, well-drained
• Zones Zones 5 through 11
• Color Varieties Pink, pinkish red
• Size Up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide

With its delicate, cotton-candy-like plumes, pink muhly grass brings a whimsical and enchanting touch to any garden. "I recommend planting these grasses in clusters of three or five," advises Johnson. "Their stunning burgundy plumes in autumn also provide striking seasonal appeal."

4. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 9
• Color Varieties Red, orange, yellow, purple, white, bicolored
• Size Up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide

"This plant blooms most vigorously in May and June, making it ideal for adding seasonal color to your garden with shades like pink, purple, and yellow," says Chris Lambton, a professional landscaper and host of DIY Network's Yard Crashers. "Pair it with early spring bloomers like tulips or late summer flowers such as black-eyed Susans." It excels in hot climates and can also thrive at higher elevations.

5. Lavender (Lavandula)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Dry, well-drained
• Zones Zones 5 through 9
• Color Varieties Purple
• Size Up to 3 feet tall and four feet wide

A beloved feature of cottage gardens, lavender adds a natural, wildflower charm to your yard while requiring minimal water. "Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil," explains Iappini. Available in shades like blue, purple, and white, "lavender offers a delightful fragrance, attracts pollinators, and grows more robust with each passing year."

6. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained sandy
• Zones Zones 5 through 8
• Color Varieties Blue-purple flowers
• Size Up to 2.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide

While commonly associated with vegetable gardens, sage is also an excellent choice for landscapes, especially for those seeking drought-resistant plants. "Bush sage, meadow sage, and Russian sage are all beautiful, flowering perennials that thrive in dry conditions," notes Iappini. "They enhance your garden’s visual appeal while supporting hummingbirds and other pollinators."

7. Red Emu Bush (Eremophila maculata 'Valentine')

• Sun Exposure Full to partial
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 8 through 11
• Color Varieties Red
• Size Up to 6 feet tall and wide

The red emu bush is a standout drought-resistant plant, offering both striking red bell-shaped flowers and lush foliage. "It’s perfect for adding winter and spring color when most other plants are dormant," says Johnson. "The reddish-pink blooms brighten up bare garden areas. Planting them in clusters of three creates a stunning visual impact."

8. Shrubby Germander (Teucrium fruticans)

• Sun Exposure Full to partial
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 4 through 10
• Color Varieties Pink, blue, purple, white
• Size Up to 6 feet tall and wide

Belonging to the mint family, shrubby germander is a dense, woody shrub featuring gray-green leaves and a subtle, pleasant fragrance. "Its gray-blue foliage pairs beautifully with green ground covers and shrubs, making it an excellent choice for planting beneath windows," explains Johnson. "The vibrant blue flowers that bloom from winter to spring are truly captivating."

9. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

• Sun Exposure Full to partial
• Soil Well drained
• Zones Zones 4 through 9
• Color Varieties Purple
• Size Up to 1.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide

This perennial herb is known for its soft, velvety texture. "It thrives in partial to full sun and is ideal for dry climates, as it doesn’t fare well in hot, humid conditions," says Lambton. In colder regions, it may seem dormant during winter but revives in spring. Lambton advises caution: "This plant spreads as it grows, so plan its placement carefully."

10. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Dry and well-drained
• Zones Zones 4 through 9
• Color Varieties Orange, yellow
• Size Up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide

"These plants produce stunning clusters of vibrant orange flowers that are a magnet for butterflies, particularly monarchs," explains garden expert Christy Dailey of christygardens. Thriving in well-drained, sandy soils, this perennial is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water, and blooms from May through September.

11. Russian Sage (Salvia yangii, formerly Perovskia atiplicifolia)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 4 through 9
• Color Varieties Blue, purple
• Size Up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide

"These airy, fragrant stems produce lovely purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies," says Dailey. "They bloom from late spring until October." Mature plants reach heights of 3 to 5 feet and thrive in full sun. They are resilient, capable of enduring wind and chilly temperatures.

12. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Sandy, well-drained
• Zones Zones 7 through 10 (can be grown as an annual or brought indoors for the winter)
• Color Varieties Green
• Size Up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide

Rosemary is a versatile garden plant, offering both aesthetic appeal and culinary uses. "As an evergreen, regular pruning helps maintain its shape and ensures the freshest flavor for cooking," advises Lambton. "It thrives in sunny, dry conditions." In warmer areas, rosemary grows year-round, while in colder regions, it can be replaced seasonally or brought indoors if potted.

13. Stonecrop (Sedum)

• Sun Exposure Full to partial
• Soil Sandy, well-drained
• Zones Zones 4 through 9
• Color Varieties Red, pink, yellow, white
• Size Up to 2 feet tall and wide

The succulent leaves of this plant enable it to store water, making it ideal for dry environments. "It’s available in various shapes and sizes," explains Dailey. "Some varieties grow upright, while others spread close to the ground, all featuring striking blooms in shades of hot pink, lime green, and other vivid colors." They flourish in well-draining soil.

14. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Moist, well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 10
• Color Varieties Red, orange, and yellow
• Size Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide

These vibrant, daisy-like flowers boast golden petals with a dark brown-black center and flourish in challenging environments, particularly dry and sunny areas. "Black-eyed Susans are native to a broad range and are highly attractive to pollinators," notes Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen. "They’re a staple in meadow-style landscapes."

15. Bougainvillea

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 9 through 11
• Color Varieties Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white
• Size Up to 20 feet tall and 40 feet wide

For those in warmer regions, this resilient climbing plant can bring vibrant color to your garden. (It can spread up to 40 feet wide!) Bougainvillea comes in a variety of shades, including bright pinks, purples, oranges, yellows, and whites. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or kept in containers to overwinter indoors.

"Bougainvillea is a highly versatile shrub and vine," says Kate Singleton, director of design for Tilly. "Known for blooming more profusely in dry conditions, it’s a standout feature in any landscape."

16. Trumpet Vine (Campsis Radicans)

• Sun Exposure Full to partial
• Soil Sandy, moist, well-drained
• Zones Zones 4 through 10
• Color Varieties Red, orange, and yellow
• Size Up to 40 feet tall and 10 feet wide

Once established, the trumpet vine, with its striking orange and red flowers, thrives even in dry conditions. It grows rapidly, reaching lengths of up to 40 feet, making it ideal for covering structures such as trellises.

17. Asters (Symphyotrichum)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 8
• Color Varieties Pink, blue, purple, and white
• Size Up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide

This resilient plant features long-lasting flowers with vibrant purple petals and golden centers, drawing in pollinators. It adapts well to various sunlight, soil, and water conditions, including drought.

18. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Moist, well-drained
• Zones Zones 9 through 11
• Color Varieties Pink, purple
• Size Up to 10 feet tall and 1 foot wide

While this vine won’t produce sweet potatoes, it offers a range of striking colors, such as bright lime green and deep purple, to enhance your landscape—no flowers needed.

19. Agave

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Sandy, well-drained
• Zones Zones 9 through 11
• Color Varieties Yellow, green, and white
• Size Up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide

Succulents are excellent for drought-prone areas, and the striking agave makes a dramatic addition to any landscape, with some varieties reaching up to 10 feet. "There’s a wide selection of agaves available," notes Lenhart. "We particularly like the compact A. victoria reginae and the elegant, less spiky A. attenuata."

20. Summer Snapdragon (Angelonia)

• Sun Exposure Full, partial
• Soil Moist, well-draining
• Zones Zones 9 through 11 (as a perennial)
• Color Varieties Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, white
• Size Up to 4 feet tall and 1 foot wide

These vibrant flowers resemble snapdragons but have a longer blooming period and return annually. Though they prefer some moisture, they continue to flourish even during dry spells.

21. Dianthus

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Moist, well-drained
• Zones Zones 4 through 9
• Color Varieties Red, pink, lilac, and white
• Size Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide

These charming, long-flowering plants, available as annuals, biennials, or perennials, can withstand drought but thrive best in cooler climates.

22. Salvia (Salvia Sylvestris)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 5 through 10
• Color Varieties Red, indigo, purple, white
• Size Up to 2 feet tall and 1 feet wide

Whether you choose perennial or annual varieties (available in shades like indigo, red, white, and violet), salvia offers long-lasting blooms and thrives in dry conditions. (Plus, it’s a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies.)

23. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

• Sun Exposure Partial
• Soil Moist, well-drained
• Zones Zones 6 through 8
• Color Varieties Pink, orange, yellow, and white
• Size Up to 20 feet tall and 6 feet wide

Honeysuckle’s intensely fragrant flowers make it a favorite for climbing structures like trellises and pergolas. While it requires regular watering during establishment, it becomes drought-tolerant after a few years.

24. Catmint (Nepeta)

• Sun Exposure Full to partial
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 8
• Color Varieties Pink, purple, and white
• Size Up to 2 feet tall and wide

"With its sprawling stems adorned with soft lavender flowers, catmint is an excellent edging plant," says Lenhart. It thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, blooming from summer through fall.

25. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia Nummularia)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 8
• Color Varieties Yellow
• Size Up to 4 inches tall and 1.5 feet wide

A member of the primrose family, creeping Jenny (also known as moneywort) is a vibrant plant that fills gaps between other plants, thrives in full sun or partial shade, and tolerates drought. "Creeping Jenny adds a striking lime green hue to the landscape," says Singleton. "It’s particularly effective when planted at the edge of a raised bed, allowing it to cascade over."

26. Bergenia (Bergenia Cordifolia)

• Sun Exposure Partial to full shade
• Soil Moist
• Zones Zones 3 through 8
• Color Varieties Red, pink, and white
• Size Up to 2 feet tall and wide

Bergenia, a drought-tolerant perennial, excels in shaded areas, making it ideal for filling out shade gardens. While it prefers moist soil, those planted in deep shade can endure dry periods.

27. Coreopsis

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Sandy, well-drained
• Zones Zones 2 through 11
• Color Varieties Red, pink, orange, yellow, and white
• Size Up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide

Coreopsis flowers bring vibrant, long-lasting color to drought-resistant gardens. They’re an excellent low-maintenance choice for novice gardeners. While they need regular watering in their first year, they become drought-tolerant thereafter.

28. Hardy Geranium (Geranium Sanguineum)

• Sun Exposure Full to partial
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 9
• Color Varieties Pink, blue, lavender, purple, and white
• Size Up to 3 feet tall and wide

Also called bloody geranium or bloody cranesbill, hardy geranium forms large mounds of foliage and flowers that adapt to various conditions, from full sun to partial shade and moist to dry soil. They’re among the most heat-resistant plants available.

29. Bearded Iris (Iris X Germanica)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Sandy
• Zones Zones 4 through 9
• Color Varieties Pink, yellow, blue, violet, and white
• Size Up to 3 feet tall

Irises display stunning blooms in spring and summer, showcasing shades of white, gold, and purple. The bearded iris, a hardy perennial, is particularly resilient—resistant to disease and tolerant of drought.

30. Juniper (Juniperus Communis)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 2 through 8
• Color Varieties Green
• Size Up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide

Juniper is available in various forms—whether as ground cover or a taller landscape feature, this resilient shrub can withstand neglect, poor soil, and drought. "Junipers are an excellent drought-tolerant choice for landscaping," says Singleton. "From upright to sprawling varieties, junipers offer versatile evergreen options."

31. Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 4 through 8
• Color Varieties Green
• Size Up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide

Many Mediterranean herbs, including the perennial oregano, flourish in dry conditions. Oregano also produces attractive, edible flowers that can be used in cooking alongside its leaves. It’s one of the best herbs for low-water gardens.

32. Hellebore

• Sun Exposure Shade
• Soil Moist, well-drained
• Zones Zones 5 through 8
• Color Varieties Pink, yellow, purple, and white
• Size Up to 2 feet tall and wide

For a drought-resistant shade plant, hellebore is an excellent choice for your garden. While it needs watering during its early growth stages, it becomes drought-tolerant once established.

33. Marigold (Tagetes)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Moist, well-drained
• Zones Zones 2 through 11
• Color Varieties Red, orange, gold, yellow, white, and bicolor
• Size Up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide

These vibrant, long-lasting annuals are a favorite among gardeners, especially for their pest-repellent qualities. While they require regular watering initially, they become drought-tolerant as the summer progresses.

34. Santolina (Santolina Chamaecyparissus)

• Sun Exposure Full to partial
• Soil Sandy, well-drained
• Zones Zones 6 through 9
• Color Varieties Gold or yellow
• Size Up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide

"Santolina, a Mediterranean native, thrives in dry environments," says Lenhart. "Its vivid yellow flowers are complemented by its pale, sun-bleached foliage." This resilient plant can withstand both drought and poor soil conditions.

35. Butterfly bush (Buddleja Davidii)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 5 through 9
• Color Varieties Pink, yellow, blue, purple, and white
• Size Up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide

This attractive shrub lives up to its name, as its vibrant, spiky flowers draw butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. Butterfly bushes thrive with minimal care and, while they prefer some moisture, they are highly drought-tolerant.

36. Yucca (Yucca gloriosa)

• Sun Exposure Full or partial
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 7 through 11
• Color Varieties Red, purple, cream, white
• Size Up to 16 feet tall and 8 feet wide

This succulent, commonly called the Spanish Dagger, thrives in warm climates. It blooms with beautiful flowers in spring and summer and can also serve as an attractive indoor plant.

37. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 10
• Color Varieties Red, orange, peach, and yellow
• Size Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide

These colorful perennials flourish even in poor soil and are highly drought-resistant. They are prolific bloomers, producing flowers continuously from summer through fall.

38. Beardtongue (Penstemon)

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 8
• Color Varieties Red, pink, orange, yellow, blue, purple, and white
• Size Up to 8 feet tall and 20 feet wide

These plants, related to spiky blooms like snapdragons, produce similar flowers. They thrive in sandy, well-draining soil, as they originate from prairie regions.

39. Aloe

• Sun Exposure Full
• Soil Well-drained
• Zones Zones 10 through 12
• Color Varieties Green
• Size Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide

These popular houseplants can also thrive outdoors in warmer climates. Like most succulents, aloe plants require minimal water and prefer sandy soils that resemble their native desert habitats.

40. Bee Balm (Monarda)

• Sun Exposure Full or partial
• Soil Moist and well-drained
• Zones Zones 3 through 9
• Color Varieties Red, pink, lavender, purple, and white
• Size Up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide

These colorful flowers bloom from mid-summer through fall and are a magnet for pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. While they can grow in partial shade, they flourish most in full sunlight.