University of Connecticut

Drought Tolerant Annuals and Perennials

There is an increased awareness of the need for efficient water use and water conservation practices in the home landscape.  Water bans or restrictions force us to examine the water requirements of some of our favorite plants.  Certain species of annuals and perennials are more drought tolerant than others and will make attractive additions to our gardens.  Drought tolerant plants still require water to survive, but have the ability to tolerate periods of little water.

All plants require a fair amount of water to become established.  It is a good idea to incorporate compost of organic matter into the soil before planting to increase the soil=s ability to retain moisture.  Plants may be watered more efficiently by using soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems.  Organic mulches such as grass clippings, buckwheat hulls, composted leaves or other weed-free material will help to reduce evaporation from the soil=s surface.  Black plastic mulch or landscape fabrics may also be used.

Try some of the following annuals or perennials for their beautiful colors and textures as well as their tolerance to drought.  Consult seed and plant catalogs, garden centers or horticultural reference books for growth habits such as height, spread and color of the plants indicated.

Annuals

Ageratum

Amaranthus

Arctotis

Brachycome - Swan River Daisy

Catharanthus - Vinca

Celosia - Cockscomb

Centaurea - Bachelor Buttons

Cosmos

Cynoglossum

Dimorphotheca - African Daisy

Eschscholzia - California Poppy

Gaillardia - Annual Blanket Flower

Gomphrena

 Gourds - ornamental

Gypsophila - Baby=s Breath

Helipterum

Ipomoea - Morning Glory

Mesembryanthemum - Ice Plant

Mirabilis - Four O=Clock

Nolana - Chilean Bell Flower

Petunia

Portulaca - Moss Rose

Salvia

Sanvitalia - Creeping zinnia

Tropaeolum - Nasturium

Verbena

Perrenials

Achillia - Yarrow

Anthemis - Golden Marguerite

Armeria - Sea Thrift

Amsonia - Blue Star

Artemisia

Antennaria - Pussy Toes

Aurinia - Basket of Gold

Boltonia

Catanache - Cupid=s Dart

Certastium - Snow In Summer

Coreopsis

Echinacea - Cone Flower

Echinops

Epimedium

Erynigium - Sea Holly

Euphorbia - Spurge

Gaillardia - Blanket Flower

Gypsophila - Baby=s Breath

Hedera helix - English Ivy

Iberis - Candytuft

Lychnis

Malva - Mallow

Pachysandra

Perovskia - Russian Sage

Rudbeckia - Black-eyed Susan

Sedum

Sempervivum - Hen and Chicks

Stachys - Lamb=s Ears

Verbascum - Mullein

Yucca

For pesticide recommendation, call UConn Home and Garden Education Center at 877-486-6271.

The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.