Drought Tolerant Landscaping
That Thrives on Rain Alone

What is drought tolerant landscaping?

Drought tolerant landscaping (also called xeriscape) uses plants that thrive on natural rainfall with minimal supplemental irrigation. It combines efficient irrigation, mulch, and plants adapted to dry conditions to reduce outdoor water use by 50–75%.

What are the best drought tolerant plants?

Top picks by region: Southwest — Agave, Penstemon, Desert Willow, Brittlebush. Southeast — Crape Myrtle, Liriope, Indian Hawthorn. Midwest — Russian Sage, Prairie Dropseed, Coneflower. Pacific Northwest — Lavender, Manzanita, Salvia. Your Yardcast design uses plants specific to your climate zone.

Does drought tolerant landscaping look good?

Some of the most photographed residential gardens are xeriscapes. The key is layering: low groundcovers, mid-height perennials, and architectural specimen plants (agave, ornamental grass, dwarf tree). Color, texture, and structure replace the need for constant water.

How much water does xeriscape save?

A well-designed xeriscape reduces outdoor water use by 50–75%. Outdoor watering typically accounts for 30–60% of total household water use. In water-restricted areas, this can mean $300–$1,000+ per year in savings.

Is drought tolerant landscaping expensive to install?

The plants are often less expensive than traditional nursery stock since natives and xeriscape plants are increasingly common. The drip irrigation system adds $300–$800 upfront but pays for itself within 2–3 years. Gravel mulch costs about $1–3 per sq ft installed.