Drought-tolerant landscaping focuses on plants that naturally handle dry conditions. These species typically have deep root systems, small or waxy leaves that reduce water loss, or the ability to store moisture during dry periods.
Sections
6
Perennials
Shrubs
Ornamental Grasses
Groundcovers
Trees
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Perennials
Perennials provide reliable color in gardens because they return each year. Many native perennials evolved in dry or well-drained soils and handle drought conditions well once established.
Tolerates poor soil and drought once established. Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
Black Eyed Susans
Deep roots allow it to access moisture below the soil surface. Available in purple, pink, white, and orange varieties.
Purple Coneflower
Produces bright yellow flowers for extended periods. Requires minimal fertilization or watering.
Coreopsis Lanceolata
North Carolina’s state wildflower. Thrives in sandy soils.
Coreopsis verticillata
Extremely tolerant of heat and drought. Long blooming season.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
Shrubs
Shrubs provide structure, screening, and seasonal interest in a landscape. Several shrubs perform particularly well in dry conditions throughout Zones 8a and 8b.
Handles sandy soil and salt exposure. Fast-growing and useful for privacy hedges.
Southern Wax Myrtle
Native evergreen shrub or small tree. Highly adaptable to various soil types.
Dwarf Yaupon Holly
Produces clusters of bright purple berries in fall. Tolerates dry soil once established.
American Beautyberry Bush
Evergreen herb that doubles as a landscape shrub. Prefers dry soil and full sun.
Rosemary
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses provide movement and texture while requiring very little maintenance.
Native to the southeastern United States. Produces dramatic pink plumes in fall.
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Native prairie grass with deep root systems. Helps stabilize soil.
Switchgrass
Native grass known for blue-green summer foliage. Turns copper and orange in fall.
Little Bluestem Grass
Groundcovers
Groundcovers reduce exposed soil, which slows moisture evaporation and prevents erosion.
Extremely drought tolerant. Can tolerate light foot traffic.
Creeping Thyme
Succulent plant that stores water in its leaves. Very drought tolerant.
Sedum Sunsparkler® 'Wildfire' (Stonecrop)
Produces small white flowers that attract pollinators. Sometimes used as an alternative to turf grass.
Frogfruit (phyla nodiflora)
Trees
Choosing the right trees helps anchor a drought-tolerant landscape while providing shade and structure.
Iconic tree throughout coastal North Carolina. Extremely resilient once established.
Southern live oak (quercus virginiana
Native evergreen tree. Glossy leaves and large fragrant flowers.
Southern magnolia (magnolia grandiflora)
Very tolerant of drought and poor soil. Provides year-round screening.
Eastern red cedar (juniperus virginiana)
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Visit my blog to learn more about all of these selections.
Visit my blog to learn more about all of these selections.
Drought-Resistant Plants That are Great for Zones 8a and 8b
