With increasing temperatures and water prices, drought tolerant plants are becoming more popular. The following lists provide some suggestions for hot, dry, and sunny areas.
Please refer to tags, books, or employees for growth info. Also keep in mind that plants are subject to seasonal availability.
These lists are by no means complete, but include suggestions to get you started. Many natives are drought tolerant as well. Some are included in this brochure, but there is also an entire section of natives located in the yard.
Drought tolerant plants can survive hot and dry situations due to various adaptations of the plant form or growth habit.
Many drought tolerant plants have small, leathery or hairy leaves, which help reduce the loss of water. Almost all drought tolerant plants send out an extensive taproot in search of water deep below the soil surface. This taproot is the key to the survival of your drought tolerant plants.
Most tap rooted plants need good drainage so the root does not rot in our wet winters. This means adding compost or pumice to the planting area because our soil is often heavy clay.
It is even important to amend on a sloped site to ensure some water will get to the plant roots.
This is especially important in the first year while the plants are sending out that deep taproot. We recommend watering new trees and shrubs for one hour per week.
Administer water slowly so it does not run off. Drought tolerant plants may need infrequent watering in the hottest parts of the summer for the second and third years as well. If the plants are starting to wilt, give them a good long drink.
Mulching beds that are in hot and dry situations helps maintain soil moisture, and promotes healthy soil microbes. We recommend mulching with compost at least once a year in the fall.
Plants with an * are evergreen.