- Our 17 favorite plants for xeriscaping<\/a>
- 1. Shore juniper (Juniperus conferta)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium)<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Germander sage (Salvia chamaedryoides)<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Whale\u2019s tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia)<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)<\/a><\/li>
- 7. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Largeflower tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Ice plant (Delosperma spp.)<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Showy penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis)<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Berlandier’s sundrops (Calylophus berlandieri)<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Spanish dagger (Yucca aloifolia)<\/a><\/li>
- 14. Carolina azalea (Rhododendron carolinianum)<\/a><\/li>
- 15. Golden currant (Ribes aureum)<\/a><\/li>
- 16. Bush’s coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa)<\/a><\/li>
- 17. Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to choose plants for xeriscaping<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about xeriscaping plants<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Nearly 50 percent of water used by homeowners goes to lawn and garden care. A xeriscape landscape design<\/a> can reduce water use by 60% or more. It does so by utilizing drought-tolerant plants and other materials that have zero or low water needs beyond what the environment naturally provides.<\/p>
Xeriscaping your property goes beyond planting water-wise vegetation like the plants on this list, though. It also includes replacing grass<\/a> with things like mulch, rocks, soil, and other hardscape materials.<\/p>
You can fill your entire front and back yard with xeriscape plants and materials that are low maintenance and contribute to water conservation. Without further ado, let\u2019s jump into the many plants that can give you a beautiful, diverse display of textures and colors while conserving water and giving back to the environment in multiple ways.<\/p>
Our 17 favorite plants for xeriscaping<\/span><\/h2>
1. Shore juniper (Juniperus conferta<\/em>) <\/span><\/h3>
![\"Shore](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Shore-juniper-Juniperus-conferta.jpg\")
Photo Credit: tc397<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Although your home and garden are in the United States, planting shore juniper allows you to bring a little of the European and Asian continents into your landscape. This evergreen is native to Sakhalin Island in Russia and the coasts of Japan. Winter turns the blue-green needles to a magnificent bronze-green to yellow-greenish color.<\/p>
This ground cover bears a berry-like, dark-colored fruit cone that becomes bluish-black with a silver bloom as it ages.<\/p>
If you need a plant for erosion control, shore juniper is the perennial for you. In addition to being drought-tolerant, it is deer-resistant<\/a> and air pollution-resistant. Plant it on slopes and in rock gardens. It is also excellent for use over retaining walls.<\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Ground cover or shrub<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>6-9<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> 6-12 inches tall; 6-8 feet wide<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Evergreen<\/li>
- Sunlight needs: <\/strong>Full sun; tolerates partial shade<\/li>
- Soil preferences: <\/strong>Well-drained sandy soil; adapts to poor soil <\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Medium<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>None known<\/li> <\/ul>
2. Broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Broadleaf](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Broadleaf-stonecrop-Sedum-spathulifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: weisschr<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you\u2019re looking for a water-wise ground cover that blossoms bright petals, look no further. Broadleaf stonecrop boasts yellow flowers in mid-spring. Its foliage also provides excitement to your landscape. The leaves come in a variety of colors but are usually bluish and turn to a red-purple hue when mature.<\/p>
Broadleaf stonecrop attracts bees and butterflies and is a host plant for caterpillars. <\/p>
If you have a sloped property, this herb will work well. It is natively found on slopes and ledges. For best results as a ground cover, buy several and plant them about 6 to 12 inches apart, as only a few of them will grow and flourish.<\/p>
- Growth habit:<\/strong> <\/strong>Herb, ground cover<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5-9 <\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>2 to 6 inches tall<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial <\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous<\/li>
- Sunlight needs: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade <\/li>
- Soil preferences: <\/strong>Dry, well-drained soil <\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>All parts are poisonous; low toxicity if eaten.<\/li> <\/ul>
3. Germander sage (Salvia chamaedryoides<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Germander](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Germander-sage-Salvia-chamaedryoides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: weisschr<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Germander sage is another ground cover that diversifies your xeriscape design by adding color and attracting beneficial insects. The shrub has silver-white leaves and blooms brilliant, rich, blue flowers. Germander is native to Mexico. <\/p>
The striking blue blossoms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This evergreen works well on properties that are visited by deer; germander sage is deer-resistant. It also thrives in wall-side borders and small city gardens. <\/p>
- Growth habit:<\/strong> Shrub <\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 7-11<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> 12-18 inches tall; 3-4 feet wide <\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Evergreen <\/li>
- Sunlight needs:<\/strong> Full sun; tolerates partial shade <\/li>
- Soil preferences:<\/strong> Loam, chalk, sand; well-drained soil<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Potential hazards:<\/strong> Generally non-toxic but can be harmful if consumed in large quantities (so keep curious pets and little kids away just to be extra safe)<\/li> <\/ul>
4. Whale\u2019s tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Whales](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Whales-tongue-agave-Agave-ovatifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mario Krpan<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Whale\u2019s tongue agave is a northeastern Mexican native cactus, and it\u2019s probably no surprise that the plants that thrive best in dry climates are Mexican natives. This plant is a succulent<\/a>, meaning it stores water in its leaves, stems, and roots, so it needs little water to thrive. It also withstands harsh winters. <\/p>
Whale\u2019s tongue sits low to the ground and sprouts full, thick layers of blue-green leaves. Wait long enough \u2013 about 10 years \u2013 and you can see the greenish-white flowers that bloom only once. <\/p>
Plant whale\u2019s tongue in city gardens and rock gardens, but make sure it is not near foot traffic. Take precautions if you have children. Whale\u2019s tongue has teeth along the margins of the leaves that are sharp and can be harmful to humans and pets. The sap produced by the leaves can also be a potential skin irritant. Birds, on the other hand, have no worries. They will flock to your yard, attracted to this Mexican native.<\/p>
- Growth habit:<\/strong> Cactus<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 7-11 <\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> 3-4 feet tall; 4-6 feet wide <\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial <\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Evergreen <\/li>
- Sunlight needs:<\/strong> Full sun or partial shade<\/li>
- Soil preferences:<\/strong> Loam, Chalk, Sandy, Rocky, and Well-drained<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low <\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>Not poisonous, but the leaves produce sap that is a potential skin irritant and can cause blisters. Sharp leaves can cause injury.<\/li> <\/ul>
5. Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Big](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Big-sagebrush-Artemisia-tridentata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: hstiver<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Big sagebrush is a shrub that can grow into a tree standing as high as 15 feet tall. It is also called Great Basin sagebrush and is native to the Great Basin region of the Western US. The small, silvery leaves are silky and give off a sweet, pungent smell. If you look close enough, you\u2019ll see the small yellow-green flowers that appear in June and stick around into November.<\/p>
Plant big sagebrush on slopes for erosion control. It also works well as a hedge. <\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Shrub or small tree<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>3-15 feet<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Evergreen<\/li>
- Sunlight needs: <\/strong>Full sun<\/li>
- Soil preferences: <\/strong>Dry, rocky soil<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Medium, drought-tolerant<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>They are very flammable and are not ideal where fire-resistant landscaping<\/a> is necessary. <\/li> <\/ul>
6. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"eye-level](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_28197801226_176c020ab0_c.jpg\")
alvaroreguly | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0 <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The purple coneflower is native to most of the continental US (excluding the Northeast). This flower boasts long petals that sit underneath a bushy pom-pom of smaller petals. Its pinkish-purplish color and double flowers are the reason it is also called \u2018Pink Double Delight.\u2019 The blossoms sprout in midsummer and bring a blast of color and texture until frost.<\/p>
Purple coneflower is a great addition to xeriscape designs often visited by deer; the flower is deer-resistant. Give it a home in a wildflower garden or cottage garden that receives a lot of sun and features other water-wise plants. <\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Flower<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3-8<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 2 to 5 feet<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial <\/strong><\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous<\/li>
- Sunlight needs: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil preference: <\/strong>Sandy<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Medium<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>None<\/li> <\/ul>
7. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"English](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/English-lavender-Lavandula-angustifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Natalila Paziura<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> These intensely fragrant flowers attract pollinators but repel deer<\/a> and rabbits. The beautiful purple petals that gather at the ends of the tall stems attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees. <\/p>
As you probably already know, lavender is used in essential oils and perfumes. But did you also know that the flowers can be a white-pink color and that the plant is used in cooking? It is also important to be mindful that, although lavender has many practical uses, it can be toxic if too much is ingested.<\/p>
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region. The shrub makes a wonderful addition to a water-wise pollinator garden.<\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Shrub<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5-9<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 1-3 feet tall; 1-3 feet wide<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial <\/strong><\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Evergreen<\/li>
- Sunlight needs: <\/strong>Full sun<\/li>
- Soil preference: <\/strong>Sand, chalk, or loam; well-drained; tolerates rocky soil<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>Can be toxic if a sufficient amount is ingested.<\/li> <\/ul>
8. Largeflower tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Largeflower](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Largeflower-tickseed-Coreopsis-grandiflora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: AYImages<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This herb, native to the Southeastern US, has striking bright yellow blossoms and fiery auburn blotches at the base of the petals. It\u2019s no surprise it is also called \u2018Sunfire.\u2019 Unfortunately, it only blossoms for a few weeks. But you can enjoy watching the butterflies and bees Sunfire attracts as the flowers bloom from summer to fall.<\/p>
Let these flowers add a blast of fiery sunshine to borders or city gardens. They even work great as container plants.<\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Herb<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>1.5 – 2.5 feet<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial, biennial<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5-9<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3-8<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 7-11 <\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 7-11<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5-9 <\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>6-9<\/li>
- 2. Broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium)<\/a><\/li>
- 1. Shore juniper (Juniperus conferta)<\/a><\/li>