To establish the xeriscape plants successfully, make sure to deep water the plant consistently the first year; about twice a month in winter and once a week in summer. After that, the xeriscape plants only need water in hot, very dry summer months. Then, it’s good to deep water about once every two weeks.
Many choices exist for hearty drought-tolerant plants, but your individual site, soil and growing zone will determine the best choices for your garden.
Dusty Miller
The silver-gray leaves have yellow flowers during the season. This hearty plant loves full sun and is also wind, drought and cold-resistant. It can grow up to 20 inches tall.
Sea Lavender
This beauty consistently performs in the garden and self sows. It's also called statice and resembles baby's breath. The bright purple blooms can flower year-round in coastal gardens, then look lovely as a cut, dried flower. It will keep its dark purple cover for months when it is dry. It's easy to grow in full sun.
English Thyme
If you’re looking for a plant that will do double-duty, consider English Thyme. It is a fragrant ground cover whose leaves also can be used fresh or dried in recipes. This drought tolerant perennial sun lover is also deer resistant
French or Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender is also referred to as French Lavender, but whatever name you call it, the plant grows best in full sun. The plant does attract bees, but deer don’t like it. The purple foliage is fragrant and will bloom during the summer season. The plant grows about 3-feet tall and the blooms grow another foot.
Verbena
Many gardeners embrace verbena because of the year-round blooms. It flowers in red, yellow, pink, white, purple, and combinations. Plan a space at least 3-feet wide for the mature plant. It will also grow about 2-feet tall. It self-sows and grows best in full sun.
Rosemary
The fragrant leaves of this drought-tolerant plant are used in cooking. The dainty lavender flowers attract bees to the garden. This plant loves full sun and will grow about 2 feet tall and at least as wide.
Yarrow
Yarrow self-seeds so you need to keep an eye on it; otherwise it will take over the garden. The yellow or white flowers make good cut flowers, but they have no real fragrance. The plant will grow to about 2 feet tall in full sun. It is extremely drought tolerant.
Year-Round Plants
When drought tolerant plants are established with consistent water the first year, and planted in good soil and full sun, they will bring beauty to the garden for many years to come. If you are just starting with xeriscaping, check out the top five drought tolerant plants to start a garden or plants to incorporate that attract hummingbirds. There are also specific recommendations for plant choices for south-facing gardens.
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