9 Xeriscape Plants for the Water-Wise Garden

Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Known for its fragrant flowers and drought tolerance, lavender adds beauty and aroma to any garden while requiring minimal water once established.

Sedum (Sedum spp.): These succulent plants come in various colors and forms, making them versatile additions to xeriscape gardens. They store water in their leaves, allowing them to withstand dry conditions.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is a hardy perennial with fern-like foliage and clusters of small, colorful flowers. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and is low-maintenance once established.

Agave (Agave spp.): Agaves are striking succulents with rosettes of thick, spiky leaves. They are well-suited to arid climates and require very little water, making them ideal for xeriscape gardens.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): With its silvery foliage and spires of lavender-blue flowers, Russian sage adds texture and color to water-wise landscapes. It is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria): Also known as torch lily, red hot poker produces tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. It thrives in sunny, dry conditions and is resistant to deer and rabbits.

Penstemon (Penstemon spp.): Penstemons are drought-tolerant perennials with tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. They come in a variety of colors and are well-suited to xeriscape gardens, especially in rocky or sandy soil.

Sage (Salvia spp.): Many species of sage, including culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) and ornamental varieties like purple sage (Salvia dorrii), are excellent choices for water-wise gardens. They have aromatic foliage and colorful flowers, and they thrive in dry conditions.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.): Blanket flowers are native to North America and feature daisy-like flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. They are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators, making them valuable additions to xeriscape gardens.