What are the best low-maintenance drought-resistant plants?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.To create a beautiful garden with minimal effort, you will want to select some extremely low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants. At the top of the list are some sedum, lavender, catmint, and ornamental grasses. This group of varieties requires little care after it is first established. They are resistant to most pests and diseases, and do well in dry conditions as well. I have designed gardens that thrive with only two times of yearly maintenance.
Sedum Varieties
- Require zero pruning beyond removing winter-damaged stems
- Spread naturally to fill spaces without division
- Survive temperatures from -30°F to 110°F
Lavender
- Naturally repels deer and rabbits with fragrant oils
- Needs only annual light shearing after flowering
- Thrives in poor soils without fertilization
Ornamental Grasses
- Require just one annual trim in early spring
- Self-supporting stems never need staking
- Provide year-round interest with seed heads
Catmint
- Blooms repeatedly without deadheading spent flowers
- Resists powdery mildew and other common diseases
- Attracts pollinators while deterring problem insects
Planting must occur in good-draining soil and utilize gravel mulch to prevent weeds. Scheduled spacing must be accurate to promote natural growth without overcrowding. Water deeply to establish roots, but reduce frequency over time. These plants become stronger with a bit of neglect. My clients tell me they use less than 20% of their time maintaining these gardens.
Use combinations of textures to sustain interest continually. Group upright blue oat grass with spreading sedum. Include lavender to add fragrance and color contrast. This treatment yields an ever-blooming, self-sustaining landscape that requires no replanting throughout the various seasons. In addition, these mixtures support their pollinators without artificial means through their growing periods.
Avoid common errors such as overwatering or over-fertilizing. These plants excel when planted in soils with little nutrition. Too much care can cause a leggy growth pattern, which means plants are less drought-resistant. Enjoy watching the seasonal changes that they undergo with little intervention. Their inherent beauty shines through when they are allowed to grow undisturbed.
Read the full article: Top 10 Drought Resistant Plants for Gardens
