With 17 countries around the world facing high water stress and drought, you might be asking yourself, what can we do to help save water? In addition to practicing water smart behavior in the home like saving wastewater and repairing leaky faucets, changing the way you look at the outside of your home can make a big difference, too.
Planting drought-resistant native plants in your yard will help cut down on your personal water usage and support local ecosystems. Here are a few drought-resistant plant options to consider.
- Aloe. Succulents are the most famous dry climate-loving plants and aloe is a perfect choice as it also offers medicinal benefits for sunburns and dry skin.
- Agave. This perennial succulent is beautiful year round and consumes very little water.
- Artichokes. These veggies love dry climates and aren’t easily knocked over by high winds. Pick them for eating or leave them on the stalk to see their gorgeous purple flowers emerge.
- Lavender. This plant will make your yard smell great, plus the blooms are great for summer craft projects like scented dresser pouches.
- Coneflower. These blooms are highly drought-tolerant and attract birds, butterflies, and bees. They’re a great option for supporting pollinators through dry weather.
- Cistus. These beautiful flowers come in all different shades of pink and require far less water than other similar blooms.
- Wild grasses. Kentucky Bluegrass, Buffalo grass, Lawngrass, or Scutchgrass are all drought-resistant and are great alternatives to a traditional water-sucking lawn.
- Butterfly bush. These beautiful bushes don’t only attract butterflies. They will also lure bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to your yard. Please note these are considered invasive in some regions, so talk to your local nursery or naturalist before planting.
- Panicle hydrangeas. Of all hydrangeas, the panicle variety is the most drought-resistant and still produces those classic beautiful blooms.
