Easy-Care, Drought-Resistant Plants for Effortless Borders
Drought-Tolerant Plants for Water Conservation in USDA Zones 7-11
In response to the growing challenge of climate change, water conservation in landscapes has become increasingly important. Here are some low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7-11 that can help achieve this goal.
Mexican Feather Grass is a drought-tolerant ornamental grass that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, suitable for zones around 7-10. Its delicate, feathery foliage adds a charming texture to any garden.
Abelia is an evergreen shrub hardy to USDA zones 4-11. It has delicate leaves, arching stems, bell-shaped flowers, and thrives in either full sun or partial shade, in well-draining soil. Abelia is a great choice for zones 7-11, where it tolerates drought once established.
Creeping Juniper is a low-growing evergreen groundcover that tolerates dry conditions well and is hardy from zones 3-9. In zones 7-11, it can grow up to 10 feet in spread, forming a blue-green carpet that requires no pruning unless it gets out of bounds.
Barberry is a drought-tolerant shrub with colorful foliage, suitable for zones 4-8. Many varieties adapt well up to zone 11 if conditions are right. Barberry shrubs can be pruned if desired, and come in various sizes, from dwarf forms to larger bushes nearly 6 feet tall. The classic Barberry leaves are oval or round, and can be brilliantly colored, with the most common being burgundy. Some varieties even offer gold and variegated versions.
Hebe is an attractive evergreen shrub that requires minimal maintenance. Hebe plants produce little bottle brush flowers in hues of purple or white. They are drought tolerant and can tolerate salt spray and browsing creatures. Hebe leaves stack upon each other perfectly, and come in variegated, green, and pink-leaved varieties. Most cultivars of Hebe are hardy to USDA zones 7-11.
Loropetalum is another great option for zones 7-11. This evergreen shrub has striking foliage and flowers. Loropetalum, or the Chinese fringe shrub, features deeply purple-red leaves and slender, woody stems that persist all year long. In spring, it produces fringe petaled flowers in hues of pink. Loropetalum is an acid-loving plant, perfect for those with a soil pH of around 5.5. It needs little but half a day of sun, well-draining soil, and room to grow.
Other drought-tolerant plants recommended for zones 7-11 include the Olive Tree (Olea europaea), Palo Verde (Parkinsonia spp.), Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Yarrow (Achillea spp.), Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.), Bougainvillea, Flannel Bush (Fremontodendron californicum), and White Sage (Salvia apiana).
When choosing plants, it's important to consider the garden's attributes such as well-draining soil, sun exposure, ease of access, and other factors. Selecting drought-tolerant plants is a recommended approach for water conservation and saving on bills.
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In the realm of home-and-garden landscaping, considering drought-tolerant plants like Mexican Feather Grass, Abelia, Creeping Juniper, Barberry, Hebe, and Loropetalum can help in water conservation, especially for USDA zones 7-11. Adjusting one's gardening lifestyle to include these plants can lead to a more sustainable home-and-garden. [1] [2] [3]
