According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the average temperature across the United States for June, July, and August 2023 was 72.8 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), which is 1.8°F above the 20th century average. This makes it the sixth warmest summer on record and it’s all due to climate change. Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, including droughts. Droughts can have a devastating impact on gardens, leaving plants stressed and more prone to dying as well as being prime fuel for wildfires.
But just because we have hotter days, doesn’t mean that we should let these circumstances kill our desires of having a lush looking landscape especially if you’re a homeowner who takes pride in having a nice looking yard. There are a number of things that homeowners can do to make their gardens more drought-resistant. One of the most important things is to choose drought-tolerant plants.
Here are the top 10 drought resistant plants for homeowners to use in their gardens:
- Agave: Agaves are succulents that are native to desert regions. They can store water in their leaves, making them very drought tolerant. There are over 200 species of agave plants, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some agave plants are small and ground-hugging, while others can grow to be several meters tall. It is the Blue Agave that is widely known as the main ingredient for making tequila.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is another succulent plant that is native to desert regions. It is also known for its medicinal properties that many of us have taken advantage of at some point in our life. Aloe vera plants are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
- Yucca: Yuccas are succulents that are native to North America. They have long, sharp leaves that can store water. Yucca plants are easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, but they can tolerate some shade and poor soil conditions. Yucca plants are also relatively pest- and disease-resistant.
- Cacti: Cacti are succulents that are native to desert regions. They have spines that help to prevent water loss. There are over 1,700 species of cacti, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some cacti are small and shrub-like, while others can grow to be very large.
- Lavender: Lavender is a Mediterranean plant that is drought tolerant. It has fragrant flowers that are used in aromatherapy. Lavender is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. There are over 40 species of lavender, native to the Mediterranean region. The name “lavender” comes from the Latin word “lavare,” which means “to wash.” The ancient Greeks and Romans used lavender to scent their baths.
- Olive: Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean region and are drought tolerant.They are known for their long lifespan, with some trees living for over 1,000 years. Olive trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and have a spreading canopy. If you haven’t guessed by its name by now, these trees produce olive oil, which is a healthy and versatile cooking oil. Olive trees are a symbol of peace and prosperity in many cultures. They are often planted in gardens and courtyards as a sign of good luck.
- Rosemary: Rosemary is a Mediterranean plant that is drought tolerant. It has fragrant leaves that are used in cooking and in traditional medicines for treating a variety of ailments, including headaches, muscle pain, and digestive problems. Rosemary plants can be propagated by cuttings or by seed. Cuttings are the preferred method, as they are more likely to be successful. To propagate rosemary from a cutting, simply take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant and plant it in a pot of well-drained soil.
- Salvia: There are over 900 species of salvia, found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Salvia plants are known for their showy flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, red, and white. Salvia plants are popular ornamental plants, and they can be grown in gardens, pots, or even window boxes. They are also a great way to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
- Sedum: Sedum is a succulent plant that is native to many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.. It has small, round leaves that store water. Sedum plants are also known for their medicinal properties. Some sedums have been used to treat cuts, bruises, and burns. Others have been used to relieve pain and inflammation. A popular type of sedum is the sedum rubroplantum, also known as “jellybeans”, which is a low-growing sedum that forms plump fleshy mats of pink or red leaves.
- Zebra grass: Zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) is a type of ornamental grass that is native to China. It is known for its striped leaves, which are green with yellow or white stripes. Zebra grass can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It is a clump-forming grass, which means that it grows in a tight cluster.
In addition to choosing drought-tolerant plants, there are other things that homeowners can do to make their gardens more drought-resistant. These include:
- Deep watering: When you water your plants, water them deeply so that the water reaches the roots. This will help the plants to store water for longer periods of time.
- Mulching: Mulching helps to keep the soil moist and cool, which can help plants to conserve water.
- Grouping plants together: Planting drought-tolerant plants together can help them to create a microclimate that is more favorable for them.
- Watering in the morning:* Watering your plants in the morning will help the water to soak into the soil before it evaporates.
- Avoiding watering at night:* Watering your plants at night can lead to the development of fungal diseases.
- Irrigating with drip irrigation:* Drip irrigation is a more efficient way to water plants than overhead watering. It helps to deliver water directly to the roots of the plants, where it is most needed.
By following these tips, homeowners can help to make their gardens more drought-resistant, diverse, and reduce their water usage. The average cost of drought-resistant plants can vary depending on the type of plant, the size of the plant, and the location where you purchase it. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50 for a single drought-resistant plant.