Drought-tolerant flowers have always been wise options for the garden. They are low-maintenance, save money, and can thrive in periods with no rain. Most summers have occasional dry spells (and there are regions that typically have zero to low rainfall), but climate change is exacerbating these conditions. The time between rains is often stretched out, which can cause stress on the perennials, shrubs, and trees in your yard. Planting a garden resilient to drought is a good strategy as your plants will have a greater chance of surviving—even without being watered.

Well-established perennials may experience some stress from periods of drought, but they should rebound the following year. That’s not to say you may not lose the odd plant. Besides a lack of rain, heat and poor soil can also add stress to a plant.

Watering drought-tolerant flowers

Despite checking boxes for drought tolerance, new drought-resistant plants need to be watered regularly until they become established. So while you can plant perennials in the summer, it’s best to time your planting with the spring or fall months. Always check the label to determine the best growing conditions for your new plant.

I don’t typically water my ornamental gardens at all, but I’ll pay attention to newly planted perennials to ensure they survive in their new home. Water new perennials daily for the first couple of weeks or so, then every other day for a few weeks (depending on how much rain falls).

What to plant in a drought-resistant garden

Native plants are great options for a water-wise garden because they are already well-adapted to your region’s growing conditions. Check for the native plant section at your local nursery. In my area, there are native-plant-specific nurseries offering plants that I know will thrive in my area.

The list I’ve compiled here features some of my favorite drought-tolerant perennials. I’ve started with the plants that flower in spring and continued the list through summer and fall. Instead of mentioning specific growing zones, I’ve mentioned the lowest temperatures in which these plants can survive in the winter.

Prairie smoke

A new-to-me favorite in recent years, I look forward to my Prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) flowering in the early spring. The little flowers face downwards until they start to form their seed heads, at which point the flowers turn towards the sky and turn into these fluffy threads that remind me of a troll doll. It is low growing, making it perfect for borders at the front of a garden. [-40°F to -31°F (-40°C to -35°C)]

Canada columbine

Canada columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) flowers are so pretty, even though they turn their pretty faces upside down. The long stems with their flowers at the end usually bloom in late spring/early summer. The plants manage to thrive in poor soils and are magnets for bees and other pollinators. Plant them in rock gardens or as a border plant. [-40°F to -31°F (-40°C to -35°C)]

Hairy beardtongue

Hairy beardtongue, also known as hairy penstemon (Penstemon hirsutus) is native to many parts of North America. Plants have tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. And it is the larval host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. Hairy beardtongue’s native habitat is dry woods and rocky fields, so it’s a great drought-tolerant candidate for the garden. [-40°F to -31°F (-40°C to -35°C)]

Dense blazing star

Prairie feather, gayfeather, dense blazing star, Liatris spicata has a lot of common names. I just call mine Liatris when referring to it. My plants live in a very dry, full sun area of my front garden and continue to (very gradually) multiply in small clumps. To me this is a four-season interest plant because the green spires eventually produce these gorgeous purple feathery filaments. The spikes bloom from the top down and once they fade, the seed heads feed the birds and look like bottle brushes in the garden. [-40°F to -31°F (-40°C to -35°C)]

Spotted beebalm

I discovered this unusual perennial in my local native seed library and grew it by winter sowing. A member of the mint family, spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) apparently loves hot, dry conditions of the garden and sandier soils. When it flowers, mine is covered in different types of bees and beneficial parasitic wasps. [-40°F to -31°F (-40°C to -35°C)]

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are among the wildflowers you’ll often see at the side of the road or a field. But they also fit right into the garden among other summer-blooming perennials. This is a long-blooming plant, but don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t flower in its second year. Black-eyed Susans bloom biennially. [-40°F to -31°F (-40°C to -35°C)]

Perennial basil

Perennial or wild basil (Clinopodium Vulgare) is one of those native plants I always used to admire in the woods in late summer. It provides a beautiful ground cover in the forest. I got some from a local native plant nursery for my own garden. I love the delicate light purple flowers of this mint family member. [-30°F to -20°F (-34.4°C to -28.9°C)]

Purple coneflower

I think purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) have become very ubiquitous in perennial gardens. They are easy to grow in well-drained soil, survive our tough winters, and have long-lasting blooms throughout the summer. They are also pollinator magnets. [-31°F to -20°F (-35°C to -29°C)]

Wild bergamot

I love the Muppet-like flowers of wild bergamot (Monarada fistulosa). They’re often vible when I’m biking along our local rail trail. I also added some to my perennial garden. Wild bergamot thrives in many different soil conditions, including dry soils. And the pollinators love it. [-40°F to -31°F (-40°C to -35°C)]

English lavender

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is native to the Mediterranean region—Spain, France, Italy. While it is not a native plant in North America, it does not spread easily. And, because of its origins, it does very well in dry conditions. English lavender comes back reliably each year and is very drought tolerant—and deer resistant. [-20°F to -10°F (-28.9°C to -23.3°C)]

Asters

Asters provide an abundance of flowers in the late-summer garden and even look stellar after the first frosts of fall. Most of the asters in my yard weren’t planted, they just appeared out of nowhere, but I welcome them because late in the season they provide food for pollinators. I have never had to water one of these perennial native plants. From the white petals of white wood asters to the pink centers of heart leaved asters to the delicate lavender hue of smooth blue, there are lots of options for your fall garden. [some varieties -40°F to -31°F (-40°C to -35°C)]

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a very low-maintenance plant. For me the yellow flowers on the plant plant spell “harvest time,” when all the sun-loving crops are maturing and fall plants are starting to appear in stores. Goldenrods don’t mind dry soils and thrive in full sun to partial shade to full shade. I will say that some goldenrods are bullies, so do be careful where you plant them. [some varieties -40°F to -31°F (-40°C to -35°C)]

More drought-tolerant plant suggestions and tips

• 12 strategies for climate change gardening
• The benefits of a rain garden
• Drought-tolerant shade plants
• Tips to create a water-wise garden
• Meadow grass options