Drought & Heat Resistant Shrubs

Hibiscus

• Hibiscus plants are most hardy in zones 5 through 9, although zone 5 provides their best growing environment. They produce pink and red flowers with black-colored berries. Flowers bloom from summer to early fall. The leaves are dark green during the summer but fade to yellow in the fall. Hibiscus can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide when grown in optimal conditions, which include a moderate climate in partial or full sun. Water heavily during the warmer months and feed with organic fertilizer every two months except for during the winter.

Esperanza

• Esperanza thrives in Northern Mexico and Texas, which can be notably dry during most of the year. Also known as the gold star plant, esperanza shrubs bloom yellow, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from spring to winter. The nectar attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Esperanza requires well-drained or amended soil that should be mixed with slow-release fertilizer for optimal growing. Plant them in containers or as part of a tropical-style garden. They can grow up to 5 feet but possibly larger in areas with no frost. Plant Esperanza in zones 9 and above.

Acuba

• Also known as the gold dust plant, the acuba's leaves appear to have yellow specks of yellow paint. They can thrive in the shade but also tolerate high heat when provided a little extra water during the summer. Acuba's foliage is dense and bushy, growing up to 6 feet in height and 5 feet in width. Plant acuba shrubs in zones 7 through 10 in well-drained soil. Feed with organic plant food during the spring after new growth emerges.

Primrose Jasmine

• Primrose jasmine originate in China, but they can grow in zones 8 through 10 all over the world. Their branches are tender with star-shaped flowers that bloom during spring and summer. The delicate nature of the primrose jasmine may require a little extra care but they can still tolerate heavy sun year-round. Use warm water for watering and feed with an acidic, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.