Five Favorites: Low Water Plants

With many parts of the country facing hot, dry weather this time of year, we’re rounded up five of our favorite plants for xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is the art of landscaping with drought-tolerant flowers and foliage that bring color and beauty to the garden, while reducing the need for supplemental watering. Read on to learn more about our go-to plants for beating the heat!

Salvia (1l): With over 1,000 varieties, Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the mint family. We particularly love the ‘Victoria Blue’ and ‘Evolution’ cultivars, which feature beautiful, purple flowers during the summer. Not only drought-tolerant, Salvia can also help keep garden pests like deer and rabbits at bay.

Sedum (1r): A broad genus that includes annuals and perennials alike, Sedum are flowering plants that are predominantly leaf succulents. Because they can store lots of moisture in their leaves, they only need occasional watering. The best part? Sedum look beautiful all season long, and often maintain their green appearance through the winter months, after their flowers die back. Sedum plants thrive in full sun with well-drained soil, and make for great groundcover.

Yarrow (2): Native to the Northern Hemisphere, yarrow is most recognized for its wide clusters of delicate, colorful flowers. Used medicinally throughout history, it is known as a healing herb, proving a great astringent, tonic, and mild aromatic. It is also edible and was once used in beer and soups. Yarrow is a common component of butterfly gardens and does well in an array of climates, requiring little maintenance.

Echinacea (3l): Known for its daisy-like flowers, Echinacea is native to North America and commonly found in wild meadows and prairie gardens. Its colorful blooms grace gardens from midsummer through fall, requiring little care and propagating readily. Also known as Coneflower, this bright perennial is often used in herbal remedies.

Lavender (3r): With its signature, soothing scent, lavender is a garden favorite that also happens to be incredibly hardy! Whether grown for medicinal, culinary, or aesthetic use, it is sure to delight season after season. Its blooms can also be dried to create beautiful, fragrant bouquets. Lavender flourishes in dry, well-drained soil and full sun.