As climate change intensifies, drought-tolerant plants are becoming increasingly vital for sustainable landscaping. These resilient species have evolved to thrive in water-scarce environments, making them ideal choices for regions experiencing frequent dry spells.
Drought-tolerant plants possess unique characteristics that minimize water loss and maximize uptake, such as deep root systems, gray foliage, or small, waxy leaves.
Beyond water conservation, these plants offer numerous benefits, including reduced maintenance, lower water bills, and increased wildlife habitat. Outdoor water use accounts for 30% of household water consumption1, with up to 50% potentially wasted due to inefficient irrigation.2
These 15 drought-tolerant plants can reduce the need for constant watering and weed-pulling.
1. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is a fragrant, low-growing herb that forms a dense mat, effectively smothering weeds. Its tiny leaves release a delightful aroma when stepped on, making it perfect for pathways. In summer, it bursts into a sea of pink or purple flowers, attracting pollinators.
Planting Guide:
- Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart
- Water regularly until established, then reduce
- Trim after flowering to maintain shape
2. Sedum ‘Angelina’
This attractive succulent boasts golden-yellow foliage that turns copper in the fall. ‘Angelina’ sedum spreads quickly, creating a weed-resistant carpet. Its drought tolerance is exceptional, and it thrives in poor soil and full sun.
Planting Guide:
- Select a location with full sun and well-draining soil
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Water sparingly after plants are established
- Prune in early spring to encourage dense growth
3. Lantana
Lantana is a vibrant, drought-tolerant plant that serves as an excellent ground cover for weed suppression. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for hot, dry areas.
Lantana forms a dense, low-growing mat that effectively crowds out weeds.
Planting Guide:
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Water regularly until established, then reduce
- Prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
4. Lamb’s Ear
Known for its soft, velvety leaves, lamb’s ear is a tactile delight in the garden. This drought-resistant plant spreads steadily, creating a dense cover that discourages weed growth. Its silvery foliage adds a unique texture to landscapes.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Provide well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Remove flower stalks to maintain foliage appearance
5. Ice Plant
With succulent leaves and daisy-like flowers, ice plant is a colorful ground cover for hot, dry areas. It spreads rapidly, forming a thick carpet that chokes out weeds. This plant thrives in poor soil and coastal conditions.
Planting Guide:
- Choose a spot with full sun exposure
- Ensure excellent drainage
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Water sparingly; avoid overwatering
6. Creeping Mazus
This low-growing perennial forms a dense mat of tiny leaves, effectively suppressing weeds. Mazus tolerates light foot traffic and produces delicate orchid-like flowers in spring. It’s an excellent choice for filling gaps between pavers or in rock gardens.
Planting Guide:
- Select a site with partial to full sun
- Ensure soil is moist but well-draining
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart
- Water regularly until established, then reduce
7. Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a fast-spreading ground cover that quickly fills in bare spots, leaving no room for weeds. Its dense foliage comes in various colors, from deep green to bronze. In spring, spikes of blue flowers add visual interest.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in partial shade to full sun
- Provide moist, well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Trim edges to control spread if necessary
8. Yarrow
Yarrow is a tough, drought-resistant plant that forms clumps of feathery foliage. Its flat-topped flower clusters come in various colors and attract butterflies. This hardy perennial spreads to create a weed-suppressing cover.
Planting Guide:
- Choose a sunny location
- Ensure soil is well-draining
- Plant 1-2 feet apart
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
9. Dianthus ‘Firewitch’
This low-growing perennial forms mounds of blue-gray foliage topped with fragrant, hot pink blooms. ‘Firewitch’ dianthus is exceptionally drought-tolerant and helps prevent weed growth. Its compact size makes it ideal for rock gardens or borders.
Planting Guide:
- Select a spot with full sun
- Provide well-draining soil
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Trim after flowering to encourage reblooming
10. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff is a shade-loving ground cover that spreads to form a dense, weed-suppressing mat. Its whorled leaves release a pleasant fragrance when crushed. In spring, tiny white flowers appear, adding charm to woodland gardens.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Ensure soil is rich and moist
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Water regularly until established
11. Blue Fescue
This ornamental grass forms compact, blue-gray tufts that add texture and color to the landscape. Blue fescue is drought-tolerant and helps prevent weed growth. Its clumping habit makes it perfect for borders or mass plantings.
Planting Guide:
- Choose a location with full sun to light shade
- Provide well-draining soil
- Plant 12-15 inches apart
- Comb out dead foliage in early spring
12. Creeping Mahonia
This evergreen ground cover boasts holly-like leaves that turn bronze in winter. Creeping mahonia spreads slowly but surely, creating a dense mat that inhibits weed growth. Yellow flowers in spring are followed by blue berries that attract wildlife.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Ensure soil is well-draining
- Space 2-3 feet apart
- Water deeply but infrequently once established
13. Epimedium
Also known as barrenwort, epimedium is a shade-loving perennial that forms a dense, weed-suppressing cover. Its heart-shaped leaves are often tinged with red or bronze. Delicate, spurred flowers appear in spring, adding to its charm.
Planting Guide:
- Select a spot with partial to full shade
- Provide rich, well-draining soil
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Trim old foliage in late winter before new growth emerges
14. Moss Phlox
This low-growing perennial creates a carpet of needle-like foliage that bursts into bloom in spring. Moss phlox is drought-tolerant and helps prevent weed growth. Its cascading habit makes it ideal for rock gardens or slopes.
Planting Guide:
- Choose a sunny location
- Ensure soil is well-draining
- Space plants 15-18 inches apart
- Trim after flowering to maintain shape
15. Ostrich Fern
While not typically considered a ground cover, ostrich fern can create a lush, weed-suppressing canopy in shady areas. Its tall, arching fronds add drama to the landscape. This hardy fern spreads via underground rhizomes, filling in bare spots.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Provide rich, moist soil
- Space 2-3 feet apart
- Water regularly until established, then as needed during dry spells
Adding these drought-tolerant, weed-suppressing plants into your landscape will create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that thrives even in challenging conditions. Remember to choose plants that suit your specific climate and soil type for the best results.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.