20 Drought tolerant plants for the forgetful gardener

July 12, 2023

Do you love to garden but hate watering? So many gardeners long for a beautiful lush garden but suck at remembering to water. We all know that if you aren’t properly watering your garden, it will not grow as lushly as it could. I’ve got a list of 20 plants that you can forget to water and still have that nice garden you want.

Here are 20 drought tolerant plants to grow for the forgetful gardener:

Before you plant these in ground make sure to check your gardening zone. Not all plants are hardy to all garden zones. If you are not sure how to check your zone, read this post!

Agave – This succulent plant is known for its sharp spines and spiky leaves. It can grow in a wide range of soil types and is very drought tolerant.
Aloe vera – This succulent plant is known for its medicinal properties and ability to survive in dry conditions. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
Artemisia – This genus of plants includes a variety of drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials. They are known for their silvery foliage and airy flowers.
Bougainvillea – These colorful shrubs are drought-tolerant and can grow in a range of soil types. They are known for their vibrant bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers.
Coneflower – This genus of perennials includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their daisy-like blooms and tall, sturdy stems.
Feverfew – This perennial plant is known for its daisy-like flowers and ability to repel mosquitoes. It is a good choice for gardens in hot, dry climates.
Gaillardia – This genus of perennials includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their daisy-like blooms and bright colors.
Lavender – This fragrant herb is a popular choice for gardens in hot, dry climates. It is known for its purple flowers and ability to attract bees and butterflies.
Penstemon – This genus of perennials includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their tubular flowers and long blooming season.
Russian sage – This shrub is known for its silvery foliage and spikes of blue flowers. It is a good choice for gardens in hot, dry climates.
Sedum – This genus of succulents includes a variety of drought-tolerant plants. They are known for their fleshy leaves and colorful flowers.
Sempervivum – This genus of succulents includes a variety of drought-tolerant plants. They are known for their rosettes of fleshy leaves and ability to survive in harsh conditions.
Stonecrop – This genus of succulents includes a variety of drought-tolerant plants. They are known for their fleshy leaves and ability to survive in harsh conditions.
Verbena – This genus of annuals and perennials includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their bright colors and long blooming season.
Zinnia – This genus of annuals includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their bright colors and daisy-like blooms.

Many of these seeds are easily started from seed! Here is a seed starting guide to help you get started!

These are just a few of the many drought tolerant plants that are available. With so many options to choose from, you can find the perfect plants to add beauty and color to your garden, even in the driest of climates and the most forgetful gardeners.

Happy Gardening