Drought-tolerant perennial flowers return year after year in gardens where water comes at a premium. These hardy flowering plants need less water than their thirsty counterparts and attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Below are 31 perennial flowers that thrive in dry conditions and bring color to gardens in arid climates.
Anise hyssop
Anise hyssop (Agastache), also called giant hyssop or hummingbird mint, is a flowering perennial that grows best in lean, dry soil. The foliage reaches about 24 inches tall. Violet-blue flowers bloom throughout the summer if deadheaded regularly. Anise hyssop attracts bees, birds, and butterflies to dry gardens.
Beardtongue
Beardtongue (Penstemon) includes over 250 species native to North America. Plants range from tall and spiky to short and shrubby. Flowers come in shades from light blue to bright green. Beardtongue likes it dry and resists pests. The plants need little fertilizer and no soil amendments.
Blazing star
Blazing star (Liatris) has large pink flowers that attract bees and butterflies. The plant thrives in poor soil conditions and tolerates a lack of water. Blazing star spreads through underground roots, so one plant often covers a good area of the garden.
Blue wild indigo
Blue wild indigo (Baptisia) is a flowering perennial in the legume family. Flowers resemble lupins. The leafy foliage has a matte grey texture similar to eucalyptus. Blue wild indigo grows a deep tap root that reaches groundwater when surface soil dries out in warm weather.
Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush (Callistemon) includes many types that thrive in the heat of the southwest desert. Once established, bottlebrush plants tolerate drought well. Colorful flowers attract nectar-feeding birds and bees. Bottlebrush is easy to propagate from cuttings.
California fuchsia
California fuchsia (Epilobium canum) tolerates high heat extremely well. The plant flowers in summer when most other perennials have finished blooming. California fuchsia attracts hummingbirds to trumpet-shaped flowers. Cut the plant back to ground level after flowers die. California fuchsia self-seeds and spreads around the garden if allowed.
California lilac
California lilac (Ceanothus) grows best in full sun and tolerates poor, dry soil. The plant thrives in conditions similar to a wild habitat and is popular in the Sonoran desert. California lilac grows incredibly fast and produces prolific flowers. The plant also has exceptional cold hardiness.
Creeping phlox
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) makes an excellent ground cover in dry areas. The low-growing plant loves full sunshine and does well in dry environments. Creeping phlox resists deer and tolerates salty soil. The plant grows slowly but stays green year-round once established. Creeping phlox also grows well in colder climates and needs little care.
Crossvine
Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) adds vertical color to xeriscape gardens. The vine presents flowers at eye level and spreads up to 50 feet high and 9 feet wide. Crossvine flowers heavily with a distinctive mocha scent. The plant is very hardy and drought tolerant once established.
Cushion spurge
Cushion spurge (Euphorbia polychroma) tolerates full sun and also grows well under trees and shrubs. The mounding perennial tolerates dry, clay, rocky, or sandy soil. The milky sap from cushion spurge is toxic and causes rashes. This plant is not good to have around children or pets, and gardeners should wear protective gloves when handling it.
Daylily
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) flower for many years with little to no care once established. These plants are not true lilies and do not have bulbs. Daylilies survive with little water but appreciate moisture when available. The plants thrive in most soil conditions and resist pests and disease. Daylilies are well-known perennials that come back every year for a gorgeous summer display.
Desert honeysuckle
Desert honeysuckle (Anisacanthus quadrifidus) brings vibrant colors to xeriscape gardens. Hummingbirds and butterflies love this showy shrub. Desert honeysuckle loves heat and takes well to shearing. The plant can be used to create a low, dense hedge. Desert honeysuckle is virtually disease-free and needs almost no pruning.
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