15 Low Water Outdoor Plants That Survive Summer Heat

Whether you live in a drought-prone region or simply want to cut back on the water bill, you’ll enjoy the low maintenance requirements of these beautiful plants. Spend more time enjoying your garden and less time caring for it with plants that require little water, even in the height of summer.

 

Ornamental grasses

Mexican feather grass

This delicate, wispy plant needs only occasional watering once established. During its first growing season, water a couple times a week to help it grow healthy roots. Then the ornamental grass will be blowing in breeze for years to come with very little effort on your part.

 

 

Blue oat grass

The dryer the soil, the bluer the tint of this ornamental grass. It performs well in a variety of zones and its attractive cool-toned color can create a beautiful contrast with warm-toned flowering perennials or annuals. 

 

Purple fountain grass

This gorgeous grass is a fun addition to any container or garden. Like Mexican feather grass, it needs regular watering when first growing, but can then withstand very infrequent watering. It’s a great option for a quick dose of color!

 

 

Fast growing succulents

Cape blanco

These pale green succulents are a great option for ground cover in dry regions. Water just two to three times a month, and expect a beautiful carpet of yellow blooms at the end of the summer.

 

Angelina

Bright chartreuse creates attractive ground cover even in the poorest, driest of soil conditions. The plants will spread quickly and easily when foot traffic isn’t a problem. Planted in containers, they will cascade attractively over the side.

 

 

Sempervivum

You don’t become one of the most popular succulents on the market for no reason. Each sempervivum plant earns its keep in low maintenance gardens by producing a few new rosettes each growing season.

 

Attractive shrubs

Lavendula multifada

This beautiful shrub is a popular option for getting attractive blooms with little effort. The “California Lavender” can grow up to three feet tall and will have spikes of flowers all summer long.

 

 

Cleveland sage

For a big display of blue-violet flowers, try Cleveland sage, which looks gorgeous planted in large, statement-making containers. The flowers bloom all summer long and the plant grows to four feet tall.

 

Common thyme

You don’t have to plan on eating thyme for this herb to earn its place in your garden. Because this affordable, hardy shrub is so low maintenance, it’s a great option for base foliage in beds or containers.

 

 

Rock rose

This beautiful evergreen shrub tolerates poor soil and produces medium-sized blooms in the summer. Colors include white, pink, yellow and magenta depending on the variety. Fortunately for your watering habits, it’s said to “thrive on neglect!”

 

Pretty perennials

Agastache rugosa

Known for its mint-scented leaves and lavender-like flowers, this hyssop is better suited to the moist south than the arid west. While it likes humidity, it doesn’t need frequent watering, making it a great option for low water gardens outside of the western states.

 

New Zealand iris

This perennial has a grass-like appearance, due to stiff blades in a unique combination of green and orange. It produces pretty clusters of white flowers in early summer, and the stalks will turn a bright, attractive orange in the winter.

 

Verbena

Verbena is best known for giving long-lasting summer flowers all while withstanding summer heat and requiring little watering. The flower requires at least eight hours of sun each day, but only needs to be watered once a week.

 

 

Echinacea

For deep green foliage all year long and pink or purple blooms in the late summer, Echinacea is a no brainer. It grows well across the United States, especially the original, native varieties, and can be planted in small or large containers.

 

Penstemon

The magenta penstemon is a reliable perennial for late-summer flowers in most regions (everywhere but the most northern states). It likes full sun and low water. As a bonus, penstemon is a hummingbird favorite.

 

With a variety of low water outdoor plant options, you can get creative in the garden with minimal commitment. Mix and match these plants in beds and containers for easy-to-care for plants that last.