Save Water and Time with These 8 Drought-Tolerant Plants
Summer watering restrictions don't have to impact your landscape when you have a drought-tolerant design. Water-savvy plants that are well suited for the San Diego climate can add color to your outdoor space in an environmentally-friendly way. And we aren't just talking about cactuses.
You may be surprised to learn about how many options you have regardless of where you live in the county. Generally, drought-tolerant plants have built-in features to minimize water loss. This includes glossy or waxy leaves, light-reflecting colors, and water-storing leaves. To help you design a summer-ready landscape, here are 8 of the best drought-tolerant plants you can add.
1. Texas Sundrops
Texas Sundrops give you beautiful soft yellow flowers that bloom all summer long. They are heat-loving and drought-tolerant plants that are great for rock gardens, mass plantings, or as border plants for flowerbeds. These low-growing subshrub perennials prefer well-drained soils and full sun. They grow around 12 to 15 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.
2. Artichoke Agave
Succulents are a great choice for drought-tolerant landscape designs for a reason. The Artichoke Agave is great for the San Diego's mild winters and can thrive during water-starved summers. You could probably forget to water them, and they'll still grow. They get their name from the dense rosette of leaves that look like artichoke thistles. Although slow-growing, they will reach a height of 2 to 3 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet.
3. Bromeliads
Colorful with interesting patterns, Bromeliads are a low-maintenance addition to any landscape. They're so drought-tolerant you have to be careful not to overwater them. These plants prefer well-drained soils; however, you can grow them in containers, attached to fences, or mounted in trees. They can grow up to 3 feet tall.
4. Willow Leaved Peppermint
If you want a small fragrant tree with orange-red bark and blue-green leaves, consider the Willow Leaved Peppermint. It's one of the most fine-textured Eucalyptus tree species and a hardy addition to your landscape. They are very drought tolerant and, once established, will need little to no additional watering during the summer. Another benefit is it's not bothered by pests or diseases. This plant loves full sun and well-drained soil and will grow up to 25 feet tall once mature.
5. Desert Bluebells
As their name suggests, Desert Bluebells naturally grow in southern California deserts. They have brilliant blue flowers and can thrive in tight spaces such as in front of flowerbeds or between pavers. Make sure you plant them in full sun areas and fast-draining soils. They grow around 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 3 to 8 inches.
6. Ceanothus' Dark Star'
The Ceanothus' Dark Star,' also known as California Lilac, blooms heavily and requires very little water, making it a great bedding plant. The gorgeous purple flowers and lush leaves are great to add a splash of color to your yard. They are compact and dense shrubs that grow around 6 feet tall. They prefer well-drained soils and can tolerate nutrient-poor soils.
7. Bush Anemone
A California native, Bush Anemones have attractive flowers with white petals and yellow stamens. They're a great ornamental shrub to attract bees and butterflies to your yard. They grow between 5 to 15 feet tall and spread 1 to 5 feet. Once established, these plants are drought tolerant and do best in acidic organic-amended soil. They are also deer resistant!
8. White Lily of the Nile
You never have to worry about replanting the White Lily of the Nile. They are hardy plants that love the sun and don't mind drought, humidity, or heat. They are also resistant to diseases and pests while attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden with their giant white blooms. They can grow up to 15 inches tall and prefer well-drained soils supplemented with compost or peat moss.
Let us help you design and plant your summer landscape with options best suited for the San Diego climate. At Right Way Landscaping, we are experts in drought-tolerant landscapes and partner with homeowners and property management companies. Contact us today to request your free job walk and estimate.