Drought Tolerant Landscape Plants for the Northeast

Drought Tolerant Plants for the Northeast

In some cases landscape design calls for plantings which are more "drought tolerant". Plants defined as drought tolerant" require watering until established and then can survive on minimal water from natural rainwater and occasional irrigation in hotter climates. The goal is to create a space which is both aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance at the same time.  In this article I am going to focus on "drought tolerant" selections that I have found to be most productive here on Long Island (Zone 7) and that are hardy in a range of zones from 3-9. 

Coreopsis Zagreb

The first in a line of drought tolerant perennials is Coreopsis Zagreb.  This daisy-like flower grows on fine stalks and displays yellow blooms from June until late September. Coreopsis grows to approximately 15 inches in height and prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun.

Sedum Aurea and Daylily

  Next is Sedum Aurea.  Sedum is very drought tolerant and serves nicely in rock gardens as seen here.  It is accompanied by Daylily Stella D Oro, which is drought tolerant once established.  Sedum Aurea only grows to approximately 4 inches in height while Stella D Oro grows to 12-18 inches in height.  Both prefer a well-drained soil and full sun.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

  Gaillardia or Blanket Flower is known for its drought tolerance and display of vibrant yellow-red blooms lasting from June until August. Gaillardia grows to a height of 12-15 inches and prefers a slightly acidic, well -drained dry soil in full sun.  Here on Long Island I have found Gaillardia to be reliable once established but not as long lived as the other perennials mentioned (average lifespan three to four years).

Perennial Geranium

Perennial Geranium tolerates a variety of conditions (full sun to partial shade) and displays violet blue flowers from June until frost and grows to a height of approximately 15-18 inches. Once established it seems to thrive on neglect.

Rudbeckia Goldstrum

Rudbeckia is another drought tolerant perennial that seems to thrive on neglect.  Plant it in an area where there is plenty of space.  Rudbeckia is perfect for informal mass plantings such as along and woodland border and prefer full sun to partial shade and a well-drained slightly acidic soil.  Rudbeckia will re-seed themselves and spread quickly. Bloom time is from late summer into fall.

Nepeta Mussinii

 Nepeta is available in a number of heights ranging from 18-36 inches and is very hardy to zones 3-8. It displays lavender-blue flowers from June to fall. For smaller spaces, Walkers Low is a newer variety only growing 12-18 inches tall. Nepeta thrives in a range of conditions, prefers full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant. 

Sedum Brilliant (Pink)

Sedum forms clumps of orange-pink flowers on large heads in late summer into fall and require little watering.  The variety shown here is Sedum Brilliant, a more compact variety that grows to approximately 12-18 inches tall. Sedum is complemented nicely by ornamental grasses.

Barberry Rosy Glow 

Barberry is a deciduous drought tolerant shrub with deep burgundy foliage that lasts from spring into fall.  There are many varieties of Barberry ranging from Royal Burgundy which grows to 2-3 feet in height to Rosy Glow (shown above) that reaches to 5-6 feet.   Barberry requires full direct sun and a slightly acidic, well drained soil. It is nicely complemented by some of the perennials listed here such as Coreopsis and Nepeta.

Fountain Grass

Ornamental grasses add movement and grace to any landscape. Ranging in a number of varieties and sizes, fountain grasses are hardy to a range of zones from 5-9 and prefer full sun and a dry, well-drained soil. Grasses are often used in xeriscaping, requiring little irrigation.

Juniperus Blue Star

    Juniperus Blue Star is a beautiful blue-green evergreen that thrives in a slightly-acidic, well drained soil.  Once established it requires little to no watering and it serves nicely in either a formal or informal garden.   This small juniper grows to a mature height and width of 2-3 feet.

 Pinus Mugo

 Mugo Pine is another evergreen that stays relatively compact (mature height and width of approximately 3 feet) and thrives in a slightly acidic, well drained, dry soil.  It is drought tolerant once established and serves nicely in a rock garden planting. 

 Other "drought tolerant" plantings not mentioned above include Spirea Vanhoutte (Bridal Wreath), Buddleia (Butterfly Bush),Vibernum Carlesii, Lilac, Lavender, Liatris, Stachys (Lambs Ear), Yarrow, Salvia, and Russian Sage. With the movement towards sustainable landscaping these drought tolerant varieties are colorful and low maintenance additions to either the residential or commercial garden.

As Always...Happy Gardening!


Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved