Plants for Xeriscape Gardens

Groundcovers

• Some xeriscapers remove grass lawns and replace turf with gravel, sand, mulch or stone. If this seems too arid for your vegetative tastes then choose low-moisture lawn grasses like bermuda grass and zoysia grass. These two grasses do well in Florida, while centipede grass grows well throughout the southeast. These grasses regain their lush color after it rains. For regions lacking the southeast's humidity and rainfall, choose soft, low-growing groundcovers like blue grama or Serbian yarrow, which are capable of withstanding foot traffic. Ornamental grasses such as fountain grass, pampas grass and saltgrass help to hold soil in place and prevent erosion. Their height and texture draws the eye up from the bare ground.

Trees

• Trees, even those with low moisture needs, require more water than other xeric plantings, but they can be essential for homeowners who like the shade, height and privacy trees provide. Though juniper and mesquite are well-known drought-tolerant species, they are not the only trees capable of withstanding low water conditions. Large trees like thornless honey locust add green to a landscape in summer and provide yellow fall foliage. Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum), bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum), and apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) are all suited for xeriscape gardens. Drought-tolerant trees still require moisture. Xeriscape gardening techniques like mulching and drip irrigation ensure that trees receive the moisture they require, especially when they are young.

Shrubs

• Low woody plants and shrubs are important in traditional gardens. These integral landscape plants mark boundaries, provide privacy and are used as focal points. Xeriscape shrubs capable of fulfilling these landscape requirements include: Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), fernbush (Chamaebatiaria millefolium) and sand cherry (Prunus besseyi). Though these shrubs are drought tolerant, they may not do well if they are not sited correctly. Lay mulch around the shrub's base and site it near other plants with similar water needs.

Flowers

• Flowers that are indigenous to your area perform well in xeriscape gardens because they have adapted to your area's climate over thousands of years. One way to find out which native plants appeal to your aesthetic is to visit your local botanical gardens or experimental gardens. Some drought-resistant perennials that may be suited to your growing zone include: daisy-shaped rudbekia, echinacea or penstemon. These flowers grow in a wide range of colors, from creamy whites to deep auburn. California poppies are bright, prolific drought-resistant flowers. Many native flowers, even annuals, reseed so that it may not be necessary to continue buying seed packets or starts after the flowers are established.