Yarrow, hyssop, sea thrift, false indigo, coneflower, sedum and lavender handle Maine’s dry spells once established. Most have silver, fuzzy or succulent leaves that hold water.
- Yarrow — Thrives in poor, dry soil.
- Hyssop — Heat lover with long bloom.
- Sea Thrift — Handles sand, salt and drought.
- False Indigo — Deep roots find water.
- Coneflower — Tough once established.
- Stonecrop — Succulent leaves store water.
- Lavender — Loves sun and sharp drainage.
- Russian Sage — Silver and nearly indestructible.
- Tickseed — Blooms through dry summers.
- Ice Plant — Succulent groundcover for hot spots.
Barrenwort 'Rubrum'
Epimedium 'Rubrum'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Rabbit resistant
Barrenwort 'Versicolor Sulphureum'
Epimedium 'Versicolor Sulphureum'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Rabbit resistant
Barrenwort 'White Queen'
Epimedium 'White Queen'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Rabbit resistant
Beardtongue 'Blackbeard'
Penstemon 'Blackbeard'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
Beardtongue 'Dark Towers'
Penstemon 'Dark Towers'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
Beardtongue 'Elfin Pink'
Penstemon 'Elfin Pink'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
Beardtongue 'Husker Red Improved'
Penstemon 'Husker Red Improved'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
Beardtongue 'Midnight Masquerade'
Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
Beardtongue 'Onyx and Pearls'
Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
Beardtongue 'Pocahontas'
Penstemon 'Pocahontas'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
Beardtongue 'Prairie Dusk'
Penstemon 'Prairie Dusk'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Native
Beardtongue 'Purple Riding Hood'
Penstemon 'Purple Riding Hood'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
Tips
- Even drought-tolerant plants need regular water their first season.
- Water deeply and less often to grow deep roots.
- Mulch two to three inches deep to hold moisture.
Frequently asked questions
How long until drought-tolerant plants can handle dry spells?
Usually one full growing season of regular watering.
Do drought-tolerant plants need special soil?
Most prefer well-drained soil and rot in heavy, wet clay.
Are drought-tolerant plants low maintenance?
Generally yes — they need little water or fertilizer once established.
Which drought-tolerant plants are deer resistant?
Yarrow, lavender, Russian sage and hyssop are both.