As dry weather becomes more frequent and longer-lasting each summer, growing drought-tolerant plants is crucial in creating a durable, reliable, and low-maintenance garden. Try one of these garden plants that rarely need water; seasoned grower Jerad Bryant shares 15 of the best ones below.
Choosing the right plant for the right spot makes your garden look put-together while keeping maintenance low. This is especially helpful if you don’t want to fuss with changing your garden’s natural conditions. Got a sunny, dry area? Pick plants that love well-draining soil and lots of direct sunlight.
But sunny spots aren’t the only places where low-water plants can thrive. Dry shade is one of the toughest conditions for most plants—yet some handle it like champs.
The secret to a low-moisture yard? Help plants get established in their first year. Once they develop strong roots, you can gradually reduce watering until they don’t need any extra. Your local climate also plays a big role. Wet regions (like the Pacific Northwest) suit different plants than dry ones (like the Southwest).
Now, let’s dive in! Here are 15 garden plants that barely need watering. You’ll find native species, reliable heirlooms, and top-performing cultivars—something for every gardener in the U.S.
Agave
Sun: Full sun
Height: 1-10’
Zones: 6-11
Agaves are spiny, tough succulents that hardly ever need water. They love warm, desert-like conditions, thriving across the southern U.S. Some are native here, while others come from Mexico. Most prefer sunny, dry spots, but a few can handle light frost.
For colder areas, try century plant (Agave americana, hardy to Zone 8) or Parry’s agave (A. parryi, hardy to Zone 6).
In desert or dry tropical climates, you’ve got tons of agave options! They’re perfect for xeriscaping—mix different types for cool textures, colors, and sizes.
Aloe
Sun: Full sun
Height: 1-10’
Zones: 8-12
Aloes are like agave’s cousins—succulent, spiky, and drought-loving. The most famous is Aloe vera, but there are tons of others with unique shapes and colors.
Take spiral aloe (A. polyphylla)—it grows in a stunning spiral pattern.
These plants thrive in hot, dry gardens. In the southern U.S., they might need water every few weeks in summer. If leaves turn yellow or tips brown, it’s thirsty!
Broadleaf Sage
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 1-3’
Zones: 4-8
This herb’s fuzzy, fragrant leaves are a kitchen staple. It handles dry spells better than most plants, making it great for low-water gardens.
Not as tough as agaves, but it still holds up well in borders or wild plantings. I’ve got three in full sun with no extra water—they do fine in my rainy Pacific Northwest garden.
If yours droop or look weak, they need a drink.
Daffodil
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 1-3’
Zones: 3-9
Bulb plants are survival experts—they store water and nutrients underground. Daffodils, with their cheerful trumpet blooms, are a perfect example.
They love cold winters (not great for warm climates). They need moisture while growing but are tough once dormant.
There are so many varieties—check local nurseries for unique picks!
Hardy Ice Plant
Sun: Full sun
Height: 1-6”
Zones: 5-8
This low-growing succulent forms a colorful mat with bright blooms in spring and summer. Pollinators love it!
Flowers come in pink, orange, yellow, white, purple, and red—some even mix colors.
They’re hardy but might need water in long dry spells. Wrinkly leaves = thirsty plant.
Lavender
Sun: Full sun
Height: 1-4’
Zones: 5-9
Lavender’s a Mediterranean superstar—fragrant, evergreen, and pollinator-friendly. Plus, it survives frost!
Its woody stems and thick leaves hold moisture, so it handles drought well. Plant it in borders or walkways—it keeps its shape and can be trimmed neatly.
Water maybe once a month in hot climates.
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 3-5’
Zones: 2-11
This old-fashioned favorite has long, dramatic flower spikes (some up to 2 feet!). Most are deep red, but ‘Coral Fountain’ offers pink-orange blooms.
It’s an annual—start seeds after the last frost. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant.
Manzanita
Sun: Full sun
Height: 3-25’
Zones: 2-10
A rugged, native Western shrub that laughs at heat, drought, and frost. You’ll spot it along roadsides in California, Oregon, and Washington.
For big shrubs/small trees, try common manzanita (A. manzanita, Zones 8+). For groundcover, go for hybrid manzanita (A. x media).
Mexican Sunflower
Sun: Full sun
Height: 3-8’
Zones: 2-11
Not a true sunflower, but just as bold! Its fiery orange-red blooms brighten any garden.
Drought-tolerant once established. Start seeds indoors or sow after frost. ‘Torch’ has especially vibrant colors.
(Skip if invasive in your area.)
Nasturtium
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 1-10’
Zones: 2-11
These self-seeding annuals pop up year after year (sometimes too enthusiastically!). Their bright blooms come in peach, yellow, red, orange, white, and pink.
Great for heat and drought, but avoid planting where they might spread uncontrollably (like Southern California coasts).
Oregon Grape
Sun: Partial to full shade
Height: 3-6’
Zones: 5-8
A dry-shade champion! Water it the first year, then let it adapt.
Native to the Pacific Northwest but works elsewhere—just watch soil pH (it likes slightly acidic).
Rosemary
Sun: Full sun
Height: 4-5’
Zones: 8-10
A must-have herb for sunny, dry spots. Its fragrant leaves flavor dishes, and the flowers are edible too.
If stems go limp, give it water. Otherwise, it’s happy with minimal care.
Sedum
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 3-24”
Zones: 3-9
Rare cold-hardy succulents! They form dense mats with cheerful summer flowers.
Some U.S. natives:
- Oregon stonecrop (S. oreganum) for the West.
- Woodland stonecrop (S. ternatum) for the East.
Water young plants until established.
Thyme
Sun: Full sun
Height: 2-12”
Zones: 4-9
Culinary thyme (T. vulgaris) is perfect for dry herb gardens. Creeping thyme makes a great groundcover—try fuzzy woolly thyme for fun texture.
Tulip
Sun: Full sun
Height: 1-2’
Zones: 3-8
Like daffodils, tulips store energy in bulbs, making them drought-tolerant when dormant. But they need spring moisture to thrive.
Hundreds of varieties exist—plant your favorites and divide bulbs every few years to keep them happy.
