Flowering Perennials That Can Grow in Dry Conditions
Below you will find a list of flowering perennials from our plant database that can grow in dry climates. If you click on any of the photos, you will see a Virtual Plant Tag that may contain plant descriptions, usage suggestions and a link to where you can buy that plant.
Certain varieties of drought tolerant perennial plants can handle lower soil moisture levels for months on end and can flourish in areas where there is little or no precipitation for much of the year. While these perennials have drought tolerance and can grow for long periods in dry conditions, many also grow equally well in moderate and even moist conditions too.
Many of these perennials with drought tolerance originate in hot, dry climates in Africa, East Asia, Russia, the Mediterranean and Africa. Some of these tough plants have very complex parentage in the hybridization work over the years. Perpetual, Fibrous-rooted or Wax Begonias (B. semperflorens-cultorum) have a rather firm, rigid leaf surface that conserves water, yet they look like they would be fragile. Even more delicate looking are the Tuberous Begonias (B. tuberhybrida-cultorum) which is a loose grouping of species and hybrids with similar characteristics but can be Half-Hardy or perennial depending on where you garden. They are best enjoyed in decorative containers or even in mixed containers with other types of plants like annuals and ornamental grasses. Black Hoardhound and 'Variegata' cultivar (Ballota nigra) flower purple in the heat of summer. Purple Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi) and Rock Jasmine (Androsace lactiflora) grace spring gardens with dainty flowers. Northern Maidenhair Fern has lacy foliage for shade.
Perennials that withstand heat and dry conditions are perfect for raised or hanging containers of any sort since any plant that is not directly in the ground dries out faster. To make gardening easier and more satisfactory, several quick and easy steps can be taken to help plants keep from drying out as quickly. One thing that can be done is to be sure to grow the plants in a container sized large enough that the roots won't outgrow it during the growing season. Leave plenty of fresh potting soil for the roots to grow into. Second, there are amazing soil moisture polymers that absorb moisture and release it back to the plant's roots as the soil dries. It is sold in most garden centers and can make gardening more fun. Another easy solution to help keep decorative pots from drying out as fast is to put the containers in a more sheltered location where they can get some shade during the afternoon.
