20 Drought-Tolerant Plants That Will Thrive in a Heatwave
Dry spells have nothing on these water-wise plants.
The season ahead is looking hot and dry in the national weather forecasts across the country. So when the rain takes a hiatus in the middle of a summer drought, your garden doesn’t have to suffer. In fact, some of the prettiest summer flowers, shrubs, and leaves actually prefer heatwaves and dry spells. Drought-tolerant plants don’t need constant maintenance or frequent watering to bloom brightly. Instead, they’re easy-care plants that bring effortless beauty and charm to yards, even in the hottest and driest conditions.
Whether it’s spiky flowers that tower above your lawn, ground covers that spill over borders, or green leaves that glisten in the sunshine, drought-tolerant plants are resilient warriors that make a statement without the fuss. Not only do these heat-loving varieties prove that endless watering isn’t required for a beautiful garden, but they also suit so many types of layouts: porch containers, sunny garden edging, and more ideas. If you’re looking for low-maintenance greenery and flowers to add to your summer garden, give these drought-tolerant plants a try. From sculptural succulents to flowering perennials, these picks will have your garden looking gorgeous without the upkeep. Ready to give it a grow? Here are some of the best drought-tolerant plants to try this season.
More plants to grow in your summer garden:
Lavender
Lavender loves the sun and dry soil. Once established, it barely needs water to thrive, and it’ll fill your garden with fragrant purple blooms all summer long. Plus, pollinators can’t resist it!
Zones: 5 to 9
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-draining soil
Sedum
These low-growing succulents beat the heat by storing water in their fleshy leaves. They come in tons of colors and textures, so you can mix and match to create a vibrant, drought-proof border.
Zones: 3 to 9
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-draining soil
Agave
Agave plants bring serious sculptural drama to your yard with their bold, spiky leaves. They’re also super tough and store water so efficiently that they barely need any help from you.
Zones: 5 to 11
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-draining soil
Russian Sage
With silvery leaves and soft purple flowers, Russian sage brightens up dry spots in your garden. It thrives in full sun and poor soil, adding texture and movement with its delicate stems.
Zones: 4 to 9
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Yarrow
This pretty wildflower is known for its clusters of tiny blooms in shades of yellow, pink, and white. Yarrow is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that attracts butterflies and thrives in dry soil.
Zones: 3 to 9
Care requirements: Full sun; lean, well-draining soil
Coneflower
Coneflowers have bold, daisy-like flowers that bees and butterflies love. These native perennials can easily handle dry spells, and they keep blooming all summer long.
Zones: 3 to 9
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Salvia
With tall spikes of vibrant flowers, salvia is a pollinator magnet. Most varieties are drought-tolerant once established and often bloom again if you give them a quick trim.
Zones: 3 to 11
Care requirements: Full sun; slightly acidic, well-draining soil
Rosemary
Rosemary isn’t just for cooking—it’s also a beautiful, fragrant shrub that thrives in dry conditions. Its woody stems and needle-like leaves stand up to heat and poor soil like a pro.
Zones: 8 to 11
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-draining soil
California Poppy
With cheerful orange blooms, California poppies practically thrive on neglect. They reseed easily, so you'll get a carpet of bright color with very little effort.
Zones: 8 to 10
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy or rocky, well-draining soil
Blanket Flower
Blanket flowers boast sunset-colored blooms that last for months. They love hot, dry spots and keeps flowering even when other plants give up.
Zones: 3 to 10
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Cactus
Cactus plants are the ultimate drought survivors, storing water in their thick stems and pads. There are endless varieties to choose from, whether it’s a towering plant or something low and sprawling.
Zones: 4 to 11
Care requirements: Full sun; gritty, well-draining soil
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea vines feature papery flowers in bold shades of pink, red, and orange. Once established, they thrive in dry, sunny spots with barely any water.
Zones: 9 to 11
Care requirements: Full sun; slightly acidic, fast-draining soil
Verbena
Verbena is a fast-growing ground cover or trailing plant with clusters of purple or pink flowers. It’s drought-tolerant and perfect for adding color to garden beds or hanging baskets.
Zones: 7 to 11
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Ice Plant
Ice plants stay close to the ground with succulent leaves and neon flowers that open wide in the sun. They’re heat-loving and drought-resistant, making them a no-fuss choice for rock gardens.
Zones: 5 to 11
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy or gravelly, well-draining soil
Ornamental Grasses
Many ornamental grasses like Blue Fescue or Feather Reed Grass thrive on little water and add soft movement to your landscape. Plus, their feathery plumes bring texture and contrast to dry spaces.
Zones: 3 to 10
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Moss Rose
Moss roses produce small, jewel-toned blooms, and they love hot, sunny spots. Their succulent leaves hold moisture, which helps them power through dry spells.
Zones: 2 to 9
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy or rocky, well-draining soil
Lamb’s-Ear
Lamb’s ear has soft, silvery leaves that look just as good in dry shade as in full sun. It’s super low-maintenance and adds a soft, fuzzy texture to your garden.
Zones: 4 to 9
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil
Rockrose
Rockrose shrubs bloom with simple, papery flowers and thrive on rocky, dry hillsides. They're tough, drought-tolerant, and perfect for filling in bare sunny spots.
Zones: 6 to 10
Care requirements: Full sun; dry, well-draining soil
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera stores water in its thick, spiky leaves and barely needs watering once it’s settled in. Plus, you can break off a leaf for a little soothing gel if you get a sunburn.
Zones: 9 to 11
Care requirements: Full sun; fast-draining soil
Houseleeks
Houseleeks are hardy succulents that multiply quickly, filling containers and garden beds with pretty rosettes. Drought and poor soil don't stand a chance against them.
Zones: 3 to 9
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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