Which perennials require minimal watering?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Drought-tolerant perennials, such as Russian Sage and Yarrow, are able to enliven dry landscapes into rich ecosystems. They are capable of surviving on little water. The feathery leaves of Yarrow deflect heat, and the silky silver stems of Russian Sage hold moisture. At my Utah projects, clients reduced irrigation by 50% by using these species.
Top Picks
- Blanket Flower: Thrives in zones 3-10 with just 10 inches of annual rain.
- Sedum: Stores water in fleshy leaves, surviving 6-month droughts.
- Lavender: Needs only 12-20 inches of water yearly in zones 5-9.
Survival Tactics
- Deep roots: Butterfly Weed taps groundwater 3-6 feet deep.
- Waxy coatings: Red-Hot Poker's leaves lock in moisture.
- Dormancy: Native grasses like Blue Fescue pause growth in extreme heat.
Soil preparation is important. If you have sandy soils, add compost to help hold moisture. In clay-heavy areas, additional gravel can help with drainage. One New Mexico client partnered Agave with decomposed granite, successfully growing into the sweltering 110°F summer heat with only two deep waterings during the whole season.
Mulch strategically. In zones 7-11, gravel reflects heat, while pine straw is the best mulch in humid zones 5-8. Near the stem, avoid wood chips as they hold moisture. One Arizona garden used lava rock around Barrel Cactus to reduce soil temperatures by 18°F while eliminating irrigation.
Prune for resilience. In early spring, cut back Sedum to promote bushier growth. For Lavender, shear off spent bloom stems to prevent them from becoming woody. A homeowner in Colorado used these methods and survived a record drought, while their neighbors' lawns turned brown.
Read the full article: 15 Top Drought Resistant Perennials for Water-Wise Gardens
