Water Needs: Drought Tolerant

“Drought Tolerant” plants are exceptionally resilient and have the ability to survive, and often thrive, during prolonged periods with little to no supplemental water once they are well-established. These are champions of water conservation in the garden. While they may still benefit from occasional deep watering during extreme or extended droughts, especially to look their best, their survival doesn’t depend on frequent irrigation. Many drought-tolerant plants are native to arid regions and have developed remarkable adaptations, such as deep root systems, silver or hairy foliage to reflect sunlight, or the ability to go dormant during dry spells. Establishing these plants usually requires consistent watering for the first year or so, but afterward, they become very low-maintenance in terms of water use, making them ideal for xeriscaping and water-conscious gardening.