Drought-Tolerant Gardening: Beautiful, Low-Water Landscaping

Creating a stunning garden doesn’t have to mean constant watering and maintenance. By designing a drought-tolerant landscape, you can enjoy lush, colorful plants while conserving water and supporting the environment. In this post, we will look at considerations to maintain a resilient, low-water garden that thrives in the Mid-Atlantic's changing climate and some recommended plants to use to create these 7 different styles of garden spaces: Natives

Cottage
Modern/Minimalist
Southwest/Desert
Coastal
Tropical
Japanese/Asian
Mediterranean

Choose the Right Plants

Selecting drought-hardy plants is key to success. Native plants such as Black-eyed Susans, Coneflowers, and Butterfly Weed have deep root systems that help them survive dry spells. Ornamental grasses like Little Bluestem and Switchgrass add texture and movement while requiring minimal watering. Perennials such as Russian Sage and Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ provide vibrant color with little fuss.

Improve Your Soil

Healthy soil retains moisture better. Start with a soil test for large garden areas. Native soils in our region tend to be acidic. Adjust the pH and nutrient needs to suit the plants that are chosen in the design. Adding organic matter like compost, mulched leaves or dried manure improves drainage and helps the soil hold onto water longer. A 1-inch layer of mulch around plants, not touching the stem or base, prevents evaporation and suppresses weeds, further reducing water competition.

Water Wisely

Even drought-tolerant gardens need occasional watering. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more resilient. Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and fungal diseases.

Incorporate Hardscaping

Stone pathways, decorative gravel, and raised beds not only add beauty but also reduce areas that need water. A well-placed bench or birdbath can create an inviting retreat while enhancing your landscape’s visual appeal. Pollinator water stations encourage pollinators to assist in plant health and reproduction of natives. Keep in mind stones absorb heat during the day and should be placed around plants that prefer more heat.

Smart Planting Design

Grouping plants with similar water needs together (a technique called hydrozoning) ensures efficient watering. Position thirstier plants in naturally moist areas and place hardy varieties in drier spots. Use ground covers like Creeping Thyme to reduce exposed soil and retain moisture.

Themed Gardens

Selecting plants that are drought-resistant and can provide a look that compliments your property’s architecture or your personal preferences can greatly enhance your property value. Here are some plants to consider that group together to create a themed flow.

7 garden styles

1. Cottage Style Drought-Tolerant Garden (Zones 6b-8)

A charming mix of colorful flowers and soft textures for a romantic, informal look. This theme can incorporate hardy natives with different blooming times and lengths that support pollinators and are low-maintenance. Spring flowering small trees, colorful fall deciduous trees and flowering shrubs for shade, structure or backdrop enhance a cottage garden theme.

Good Choices for Zones 6b-8:

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) - Hardy in Zones 3-9

Rudebeckia (sp. various) - Hardy in Zones 4-9

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Hardy in Zones 3-9

Catmint (Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’) – Hardy in Zones 4-9

Leucanthemum xsuperbum (Shasta Daisy) - Hardy in Zones 4-9

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) – Hardy in Zones 3-8
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Hardy in Zones 5-9 with basic (soils (high pH) and good drainage. Lavender does not like wet roots.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’ or ‘Hill Hardy’) – Hardy in Zones 6-10 with excellent drainage. Rosemary does not tolerate wet winters well.

Avoid: Many traditional Mediterranean perennials can struggle in Zone 6b winters. Roses are a beautiful addition to a cottage-style garden, however, they are not drought-tolerant and require more maintenance than the suggested plants.

2. Modern & Minimalist Drought-Tolerant Garden (Zones 6b-8)

A structured and clean design with bold plants or only a few species arranged in a sparse and formal pattern. Use of concrete, straight lines with sharp edges and structured plantings achieves this look while being easy to maintain. Low maintenance ornamental sedges, grasses or evergreens planted in stone are good options.

Good Choices for Zones 6b-8:

Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) – Hardy in Zones 4-9

Sedums sp. Hardy in Zones 6-9

Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks) Zones 6-10 with excellent drainage. Does not like wet winters.

Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) – Zones 6-11 with excellent drainage. Does not like wet winters.

Echeveria (Echeveria spp.) – Hardy in Zones 7-10 (May need winter protection in 6b) with excellent drainage. Does not like wet winters.

Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) – Treat as an annual in Zone 6b and 7, overwinters Zones 8-11. Does not like wet winters.

Desert Spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri) – Hardy in Zones 6-10 with excellent drainage. Does not like wet winters.

Avoid: Some succulents and large agaves may not tolerate Zone 6b winters. Most above plants will not tolerate wet winters without excellent drainage such as deep stones and sand.

3. Southwestern/Desert Style Drought-Tolerant Garden (Zones 6b-8)

Inspired by arid landscapes with sculptural plants. Use of succulents, sand and stone can achieve this look. For more delicate succulents or plants such as agave and aloe, place in neutral low-glaze ceramic or terracotta pots and bring inside prior to freezing weather. Desert garden

Good Choices for Zones 6b-8:

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.) – Hardy in Zones 4-9 with excellent drainage and full sun.

Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) – Hardy in Zones 6-10.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) – Hardy in Zones 8-11 or summer in deck pots and brought inside for winter. Does not tolerate wet roots or wet, cold winters.

Avoid: Many true desert plants (like large agave species) are too tender for Zone 6b and do not tolerate wet roots. To grow in the landscape, garden areas should be full-sun and amended to deeply incorporate stone and sand to allow drainage for dry roots in the winter.

4. Coastal Style Drought-Tolerant Garden (Zones 6b-8)

Inspired by coastal landscapes, with soft textures and sandy hues. Ornamental grasses, sand, small stones, driftwood, and small blooming natives fit well in this theme. coastal garden

Good Choices for Zones 6b-8:

Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) – Hardy in Zones 4-9

Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) – Hardy in Zones 4-9

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) – Hardy in Zones 3-10

Yucca (Yucca filamentosa, ‘Color Guard’) – Hardy in Zones 4-10

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – Hardy in Zones 4-9

Drift Roses (Rosa ‘Drift’ Series) – Hardy in Zones 4-10

5. Tropical Style Drought-Tolerant Garden (Zones 6b-8)

While it sounds counter-intuitive, you can create a poolside tropical feeling design with plants that are drought-tolerant. To achieve a tropical look, mix tall, bold plants with medium height large leaf plants, accent with bright colored flowering vines and flowers and fill with grasses and tropical potted plants. Tropical pool garden

Tall:

Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) – Hardy in Zone 8-11, slow-growing but has true palm fronds. May die back and regrow in colder zones with protection.

Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) – Hardy to Zone 8, may regrow in colder zones with some protection.

Hardy Banana (Musa basjoo) – Hardy to Zone 6b with mulch in winter; dies back but regrows quickly.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) – Zone 6-9, vibrant summer blooms with smooth bark.

Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) – Semi-evergreen in Zone 7+, glossy tropical-style leaves.

Medium:

Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta ‘Chicago Hardy’) – Hardy to Zone 7; dig bulbs to overwinter in colder zones.

Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) – Grows as an annual in Zone 6b-8; large, tropical-looking leaves. **Plant is deadly to pets and people.

Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) – Zone 5-9, large tropical-looking flowers in summer.

Canna Lilies (Canna indica hybrids) – Hardy to Zone 7, lift or mulch over winter; tropical red, orange, or yellow blooms.

Fatsia (Fatsia japonica) – Hardy to Zone 7, glossy, large leaves for a jungle vibe.

Grasses and Fillers:

Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) – Annual in Zone 6b, but stunning in summer.

Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) – Clumping bamboo, hardy in Zone 6-9, non-invasive.

Liriope (Liriope muscari) – Hardy in Zone 6-9, dense, tropical-like ground cover.

Hardy Ginger (Hedychium coronarium - White Butterfly Ginger) – Zone 7-10, fragrant and lush

Flowering:

Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana) – Hardy in Zone 7+, purple blooms and tropical foliage.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) – Zone 6-9, fast-growing, tropical-like orange flowers.

Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata) – Annual but vigorous, orange-yellow blooms.

Crocosmia (Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’) – Hardy to Zone 6b, exotic red-orange blooms.

Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) – Hardy in Zone 4-10, spiky foliage adds a desert-tropical touch.

Potted:

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) – Keep in a pot and bring indoors for winter.

Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii) – Not winter-hardy but thrives in containers.

Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.) – Beautiful vine with pink, red, or white flowers; bring inside in winter.
Other potted plants such as hibiscus, elephant ears and ornamental banana trees can be brought in for the winter.

6. Japanese or Asian-Style Drought-Tolerant Garden (Zones 6b-8)

A Japanese- or Asian-inspired drought-tolerant garden focuses on balance, simplicity, and natural beauty while using low-water plants, stone elements, and thoughtful design to minimize irrigation needs. Pines, bonsai, and evergreens define the space. Asian garden

Drought-Tolerant Ornamental Trees to provide structure and seasonal interest.

Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) – Hardy in Zones 5-9, sculptural form, highly drought-tolerant.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) – Hardy in Zones 3-9, evergreen, dense texture, and drought-resistant.

Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) – Hardy in Zones 6-9, drought-hardy with stunning fall color.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) – Hardy in Zones 6-9, requires little water once established, and has vibrant summer blooms.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) – Hardy in Zones 4-9, unique fan-shaped leaves, ancient drought-resistant species.

Low-Maintenance Shrubs that mimic classic Asian aesthetics while being water-efficient. Evergreen and able to be pruned and shaped artistically help achieve the theme.

Dwarf Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’) – Hardy in Zones 4-8, elegant and drought-tolerant once established.

Dwarf Nandina (Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’) – Hardy in Zones 6-9, drought-tolerant and adds red-orange foliage for seasonal color. **Toxic to pets and similar to bamboo, it is listed as invasive and should be contained if planted.

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – Hardy in Zones 5-9, classic for Asian gardens, withstands drought once established. Buy Boxwood Blight resistant varieties.

Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) – Hardy in Zones 3-9, low-water and flowering to provide bright fall color.

Spirea (Spiraea japonica) – Hardy in Zones 4-9, requires little water and provides delicate pink or white flowers.

Ground Covers and Ornamental Grasses provide soft textures and filling spaces with minimal water needs.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) – Hardy in Zones 4-9, mimics moss and thrives in dry areas.

Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) – Hardy in Zones 6-9, low-growing and drought-resistant.

Sedum (Sedum acre, Sedum ‘Angelina’) – Hardy in Zones 4-9, water-wise with a soft texture.

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) – Hardy in Zones 5-9, drought-tolerant once established.

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) – Hardy in Zones 6-9, airy texture that resembles bamboo.

Add Hardscape Elements & Dry Garden Features since a traditional Japanese garden incorporates water, a drought-friendly version uses stone and gravel to symbolize water.

Dry Riverbed Landscaping – Use smooth river stones or gravel to mimic flowing water.

Raked Gravel Zen Garden – Represents water while requiring no irrigation.

Strategic Rock Placement – Large boulders provide structure and reduce plant needs.

Stone Basins (Tsukubai) – Can be used as a dry feature or collect rainwater for birds.

Bamboo or Wooden Accents – Simple fencing, screens, or bridges add authenticity.

Minimalist Paving Stones – Stepping stones through gravel or ground cover create a tranquil path.

Pottery - Ornate asian-style ceramic pottery planters with flowers or bonsai

Mulch – Adding a layer of brown hardwood or pine mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds flows well in an Asia- style landscape. However, in the Mid-Atlantic region, avoid making mulch too thick (1 inch is ideal) and avoid placing against crown or stems since we have wet winters.

7. Mediterranean-Style Drought-Tolerant Garden (Zones 6b-8)

A mix of fragrant herbs, silvery and sage foliage, and warm-colored blooms. Terracotta pottery, warm stone terraces with overflowing masses of blooms placed on terraces can recreate the feel of a Mediterranean garden.

Good Choices for Zones 6b-8:

Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus) – Hardy in Zones 6-9

Salvia (Salvia nemorosa, Salvia officinalis ‘Berggarten’) – Hardy in Zones 4-9

Thyme (Thymus serpyllum, Thymus vulgaris) – Hardy in Zones 4-9

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’ or ‘Hill Hardy’) – Hardy in Zones 6-10 - does not tolerate wet winters.

Rockrose (Cistus × hybridus, Cistus ladanifer ‘Snow White’) – Hardy in Zones 7-10 (May need protection in 6b)

Avoid: Olive trees are marginal in Zone 8 and typically will not survive in 6b. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) are iconic in Mediterranean landscapes, however, may not overwinter Zones below 8. There are some hardy substitutes that can be used to recreate a similar vision. Read more about designing a Mediterranean-Style Garden in the Mid-Atlantic here.

Final Thoughts

For Zones 6b-8, the best drought-tolerant plants that can be used across multiple themes include lavender, Russian sage, yarrow, coneflowers, yucca, thyme, salvia, and ornamental grasses. Some Mediterranean and desert plants may require mulching or protection in colder months. Group plants that require similar amounts of water and create a flowing theme to the space and be inspired to create a garden zone to enjoy with hardy and easy to maintain plants!