Drought conditions due to hot, dry weather reached record levels in fall 2024, affecting every state but Alaska and Kentucky, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska. With the gardening and outdoor living season only weeks away for most of the country, it makes sense that mitigating drought is top-of-mind for many. Solutions may be as close as the backyard.

Incorporating practices that conserve and protect water, such as adding drought-tolerant plants, is more than a trend in suburban, rural and even urban landscapes. “Each summer brings hotter temperatures than the previous year. It also brings more erratic weather patterns,” says Ashley Buzan, a plant expert with Woldhuis Farms Sunrise Greenhouse, in Grant Park, Illinois. “It makes sense for gardeners to consider utilizing drought-tolerant plants.”

According to Nikki Melin, a horticulturist with Midwest Groundcovers, in St. Charles, Illinois, “Planting for drought-tolerance is definitely a best practice.” Although mulching and installing a rain barrel are important, so are strategically placed bioswales that direct and filter runoff naturally. Another solution is to add water-smart plants such as ornamental grasses, deep-rooted perennials and hardy shrubs that support drainage and stabilize slopes. These techniques move water to where it’s needed.

Other conservation methods include installing a rain garden or pondless waterfall or stream to recapture and reuse water. Replacing hard surfaces with porous materials or permeable pavers enables water to seep into the soil, supporting plant health. Before incorporating changes in the landscape, ask what is allowed by the city or town and obtain the necessary permits.

“Planting to keep water on your property to avoid runoff is a benefit to the greater environment,” says Melin. “Plants support overall water quality, which is a larger-scale benefit than your own backyard. Planting water-wise plants can help reduce the need for excess irrigation in times of drought, and this is where water conservation comes into play. Overall, there is a huge benefit in including plants that are water-wise.”

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) lists water-wise gardening as one of its top gardening trends for 2025. Such plants are drought-tolerant, which means they do not require frequent watering. Because they are typically adapted to the local climate, they hold their aesthetic appeal in times of stress.

“For home gardeners feeling frustrated with the constant maintenance of watering and keeping their gardens thriving in increasingly dry climates, water-wise gardening offers a solution,” says Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at PHS. “From designing full gravel and crevice gardens to simply incorporating drought-tolerant plants, this sustainable approach reduces maintenance and helps create resilient gardens, even with increasing periods of drought.”

By planting a little tighter, plants will knit together faster, which does a few things. “Not only will it shade the soil and prevent weeds from germinating, it also works like mulch by keeping the soil a little cooler, and that translates into less watering,” says Heather Blackmore, a lifelong gardener and popular Hear She Grows blogger. “Keep in mind that the first year after planting you may require mulch, but after that, the plants will do most of the work so you won’t have to.”

Planting for conservation and protection offers benefits to the homeowner. “Less use of irrigation water means lower personal cost and saved time,” says Melin. “No more dragging a hose around or experiencing flagging plants when there is either too little or too much water.” Reading the plant tag provides information about lighting, watering and where to plant. The National Gardening Association, National Garden Bureau, local public gardens and plant-based community organizations provide educational resources for regional recommendations.

“Light makes a big difference in what type of drought-tolerant plants you choose,” Buzan says, “For example, are they going to be planted in full sun up against a brick building, or in dappled light on the outskirts of your yard?” For hot, dry spaces, Buzan recommends Sedum ‘Carl’ (stonecrop); Sesleria autumnalis, commonly known as autumn moor grass; and Calamintha nepeta ‘Montrose White’. Others are Perovskia ‘Denim ’n Lace’ Russian sage, Baptisia ‘Lemon Meringue’, Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Lemon’ and Thymus vulgaris ‘Common Thyme’.

Buzan cautions that new plants—even drought-tolerant varieties—need to be watered well through their first season to establish strong root systems. Be sure to water the soil, not the foliage, and consider using triple-ground hardwood bark mulch. “A decent drink three times per week should suffice, if they’re bedded down properly with hardwood mulch,” she says. “One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is putting down some form of non-permeable landscape barrier and then topping it with a few inches of rock. That’s a great way to cook your plants.”

We lessen the workload and conserve resources by educating ourselves about plants and practices that are good for people and the planet. “You don’t know what you don’t know,” says Blackmore. “I find that when I attend a garden walk, for example, I always come away with a bit more knowledge. And gardeners tend to be very generous with their knowledge.”

Sue Markgraf is a reporter, editor, columnist, field producer and media relations practitioner specializing in horticulture, environment and agriculture communications. Connect at GreenMarkPR.com.

Drought-Resistant Texas Native Plants

According to Texas A&M AgriLife, some of the best drought-resistant plants for North Texas can tolerate dry conditions and thrive in the North Texas climate. Key attributes of these plants include:

·   Lantana: A popular choice with vibrant flowers in a variety of colors, known for its exceptional drought tolerance.

·   Texas Sage: A shrub with purple flowers that is well-suited to the Texas climate.

·   Red Yucca: A striking plant with tall, red flower stalks.

·   Liriope: A low-growing, grassy plant with purple flowers that requires minimal water.

·   Dwarf Yaupon Holly: A smaller variety of holly with less prickly leaves, making it a good choice for landscaping.

·   Barberry: A shrub with colorful berries that can tolerate drought conditions.

·   Nandina: A versatile plant with attractive foliage that can handle dry spells.

·   Wavy Cloak Fern: A hardy fern with gracefully wavy, dark green fronds, known for its ability to thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas with minimal water.

·   Agave: A striking succulent with thick, spiky leaves, highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscaping.