What are the most drought-tolerant shrubs for landscaping?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Using advocate evaluation with drought-resistant shrubs beautifully addresses the challenges presented by drought. Once established, these resilient plants can withstand dry spells by using minimal irrigation. This will help you create sustainable gardens that conserve water, time, and effort on maintenance. Russian Sage and Yucca are at the top of the list for drought resistance.
Russian Sage
- Silvery foliage reflects sunlight reducing water loss
- Lavender flower spikes bloom mid-summer to early fall
- Thrives in USDA zones 5-9 with full sun exposure
Blue Star Juniper
- Waxy steel-blue needles lock in moisture year-round
- Slow growth to 3 feet (0.9 m) suits rock gardens
- Tolerates temperature extremes from -30°F to 100°F
Yucca
- Sword-shaped leaves store water in thick tissues
- Deep taproots access groundwater unavailable to other plants
- White flower spikes reach 6 feet (1.8 m) in height
These shrubs employ some clever survival strategies during dry periods. Yucca grows deep taproots that extend down to underground water reserves. Russian sage's fuzzy leaves help the plant retain moisture, reducing evaporation. Blue star juniper has waxy leaves that provide a seal against the moisture seepage that can happen with drying. Given these adaptations, these shrubs last longer than regular plants in extended periods of drought.
Proper location enhances the drought tolerance of these shrubs. Place Russian Sage in sunny garden locations facing south, where it receives as much sun and heat as possible. It is possible to grow Blue Star Juniper in well-draining or rocky slopes as well as in rockeries. Yucca thrives best in areas with minimal rainfall and high temperatures, conditions that closely resemble a desert environment. It is also always helpful to group these types of plants if they have similar water needs.
Establishing plants initially requires strategic watering. During the first season, water new shrubs deeply three times a week. This deep watering encourages deep root growth, which is critical for survival during drought conditions. For new plants, I implement drip irrigation with emitters directly targeted to the root zone. Reduce frequency gradually over a period of twelve months.
These robust shrubs make a valuable contribution to local ecosystems. Russian Sage, for instance, supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies during the summer. Yucca flowers are another source of nighttime nectar for moths. Blue Star Juniper shelters birds throughout the year. You are creating habitats while saving resources.
Read the full article: Top Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Every Garden
