Plant guides · Plant lists

Drought-tolerant plants.

A plant that stores water, roots deep, or simply grew up somewhere dry asks very little of a hosepipe ban. These are the plants in our guides rated highly drought tolerant, with their watering notes. Most still want water in their first season while the roots go down; after that they mostly want to be left alone.

332 plants

A

Aeonium
Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out entirely between sessions.
African milk tree Euphorbia trigona
Wait until the soil is bone dry before giving it a thorough drink.
Alfalfa Medicago sativa
Water deeply but infrequently, letting the top of the soil dry out between waterings, and never let it become waterlogged.
Aloe vera Aloe variegata
Water deeply only when the soil has dried out entirely.
Aloe Vera Aloe vera
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Amur honeysuckle Lonicera maackii
Water deeply during dry spells to keep the plant healthy.
Arizona cypress Cupressus arizonica
Water deeply but infrequently once the tree is established to encourage deep roots.
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Autumn sage Salvia greggii
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings once established.

B

Baby sage Salvia microphylla
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Bamboo muhly Muhlenbergia dumosa
Water deeply once established, but let the soil dry out between sessions.
Baobab Adansonia digitata
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during the dormant season.
Barrel Cactus Ferocactus
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially in winter.
Beach naupaka Scaevola taccada
Water deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Bear Paw Dactylopsis digitata
Only water when the soil is bone dry throughout the pot.
Bear's Paw Cotyledon tomentosa
Allow the soil to dry out entirely before you water again.
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Water deeply until established, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Bearded Iris Iris germanica
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Beavertail cactus Opuntia basilaris
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Beggarticks Bidens alba
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Big bluestem Andropogon gerardi
Water regularly during the first year, but mature plants handle dry spells well.
Bitter sneezeweed Helenium amarum
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Black horehound Ballota nigra
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Black knapweed Centaurea nigra
Water deeply during dry spells but allow the soil to dry out slightly between sessions.
Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia
Water deeply during the first year to help roots establish, then rely on rainfall.
Black medic Medicago lupulina
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Blanket flower Gaillardia aristata
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Blanket flower Gaillardia grandiflora
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Blue cypress Cupressus macrocarpa
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Blue Fescue Festuca glauca
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Blue grama Bouteloua gracilis
Water deeply but infrequently once the plant is established to encourage deep roots.
Blue Oat Grass Helictotrichon sempervirens
Water deeply but infrequently once the plant is established.
Boab Adansonia gregorii
Water deeply during the growing season but allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Boojum tree Fouquieria columnaris
Water sparingly from autumn to spring while the plant is in leaf, and keep almost completely dry during its summer dormancy.
Bottlebrush Callistemon
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Bougainvillea Bougainvillea glabra
Water deeply only when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Brittlebush Encelia farinosa
Water sparingly once established, as it is highly drought tolerant.
Broom Genista
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Bunny Ears Cactus Opuntia microdasys
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to keep the roots healthy.
Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
Young trees need regular moisture to establish, but mature specimens are quite drought tolerant.
burnet saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

C

Cactus
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.
California barrel cactus Ferocactus cylindraceus
Water deeply during the growing season but keep it dry in winter.
California poppy Eschscholzia californica
Water sparingly once the plants are established, as they prefer drier conditions.
California sagebrush Artemisia californica
Water sparingly once established, as this plant prefers dry conditions.
Canary Island date palm Phoenix canariensis
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Candelabra Spurge Euphorbia lactea
Water sparingly during the growing season and keep it almost dry in winter.
Cape Aloe Aloe ferox
Allow the soil to dry out entirely before providing a deep soak.
Cape honeysuckle Tecoma capensis
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Cape marguerite Dimorphotheca ecklonis
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Caper bush Capparis spinosa
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Carob Ceratonia siliqua
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between sessions.
Cashew Anacardium occidentale
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Cassava Manihot esculenta
Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Catmint Nepeta
Water deeply once established, but let the soil dry out between sessions.
Catnip Nepeta cataria
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
catsear Hypochaeris radicata
Water only during extended dry spells as it is quite drought tolerant.
Century plant Agave americana
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot.
Chickpea Cicer arietinum
Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Chilean Blue Crocus Tecophilaea cyanocrocus
Water regularly during the active growing season but keep completely dry while dormant.
Chilean wine palm Jubaea chilensis
Water deeply and regularly while the palm is young, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions.
Chin Cactus Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Water only when the soil is bone dry throughout the pot.
Chinese elm Ulmus parvifolia
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Chou marin Crambe maritima
Water deeply during dry spells to keep the roots hydrated.
Cider gum Eucalyptus gunnii
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season.
Clary sage Salvia sclarea
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Climbing Aloe Aloiampelos ciliaris
Allow the soil to dry out entirely before you water again.
Coast Banksia Banksia integrifolia
Water deeply while young, but let the soil dry out between sessions once the tree is mature.
Coast barrel cactus Ferocactus viridescens
Water sparingly during the growing season and keep it almost dry throughout the winter months.
Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia
Young trees need regular water, but mature trees prefer to stay dry during the summer.
Coastal she oak Casuarina equisetifolia
Water deeply while young, but mature trees are very drought tolerant.
Common agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Common bird's-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus
Water deeply only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Common hackberry Celtis occidentalis
Water deeply during the first few years until the root system is established.
Common Juniper Juniperus communis
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca
Water deeply once established, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Common Myrtle Myrtus communis
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Common Purslane Portulaca oleracea
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Common Rue Ruta graveolens
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Common storksbill Erodium cicutarium
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Common toadflax Linaria vulgaris
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Cone plant Conophytum bilobum
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between sessions.
Coral vine Antigonon leptopus
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Cotton thistle Onopordum acanthium
Water deeply once established, but allow the soil to dry out between sessions.
Coyote brush Baccharis pilularis
Water deeply but infrequently once the plant is established to encourage deep roots.
Crape myrtle Lagerstroemia indica
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Creeping Spurge Euphorbia serpens
Water only when the soil has dried out completely, as this plant prefers dry conditions.
Crested dogstail Cynosurus cristatus
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Crown of Thorns Euphorbia milii
Water thoroughly only when the top half of the soil is completely dry.
Cylindrical Snake Plant Sansevieria cylindrica
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

D

Dakota mock vervain Glandularia bipinnatifida
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Date palm Phoenix dactylifera
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Delosperma
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Deptford pink Dianthus armeria
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Desert Spoon Dasylirion wheeleri
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Distant phacelia Phacelia distans
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Donkey's Tail Sedum morganianum
Water thoroughly only when the soil has dried out completely.
Dragon blood tree Dracaena cinnabari
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot.
Drumstick tree Moringa oleifera
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again.

E

early hair-grass Aira praecox
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Eastern baccharis Baccharis halimifolia
Keep the soil consistently moist while the plant is young, but it becomes quite drought tolerant once established.
Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
Water deeply during the first year to help the roots establish.
Echeveria
Water deeply only when the soil has completely dried out.
Edelweiss Leontopodium nivale
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Elephant Bush Portulacaria afra
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch throughout the entire pot.
Engelmann's hedgehog cactus Echinocereus engelmannii
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Esparto grass Macrochloa tenacissima
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between sessions.
European fan palm Chamaerops humilis
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Eve's Pin Cactus Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Water only when the soil is completely dry throughout the pot.

F

Field scabious Knautia arvensis
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged while the plant is young.
Fig Ficus carica
Water deeply when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
Fine leaved flax Linum tenuifolium
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fire Stick Euphorbia tirucalli
Water sparingly, ensuring the soil is bone dry before adding more moisture.
Firecracker plant Russelia equisetiformis
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Florence Fennel Foeniculum vulgare
Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
Flowering Spurge Euphorbia corollata
Water deeply only when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Foxtail lily Eremurus robustus
Keep the soil consistently moist during the spring growth phase but allow it to dry out once the plant goes dormant.
Fragrant sumac Rhus aromatica
Water regularly during the first year to help it establish a deep root system.
Frangipani Plumeria
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Frankincense Boswellia sacra
Water sparingly, ensuring the soil dries out entirely to prevent root rot.
French lavender Lavandula stoechas
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.

G

Garden cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Gasteria Gasteria obliqua
Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
Gazania Gazania rigens
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.
Giant feather grass Stipa gigantea
Water regularly during the first year, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.
Globe Artichoke Cynara cardunculus
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to encourage healthy bud development.
Globe thistle Echinops ritro
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Golden Barrel Cactus Echinocactus grusonii
Water deeply during the growing season, but ensure the soil dries out entirely before watering again.
Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system.
Goldenrod Solidago
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Grass tree Xanthorrhoea preissii
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between sessions.
Great Basin bristlecone pine Pinus longaeva
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Great Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Greater Plantain Plantago major
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Green antelopehorn Asclepias viridis
Water deeply once established, but let the soil dry out significantly between sessions.
Gum arabic tree Senegalia senegal
Allow the soil to dry out entirely between waterings to prevent root rot.

H

Hare's foot clover Trifolium arvense
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Haworthia
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Heartleaf Hoya Hoya kerrii
Water thoroughly only when the soil has dried out entirely.
Hens and Chicks Sempervivum
Water only when the soil has dried out entirely to prevent root rot.
Honey locust Gleditsia triacanthos
Water deeply during the first few years to establish a strong root system.
Honey mesquite Prosopis glandulosa
Deep, infrequent watering is best to encourage a strong root system.

I

Ice Plant Hylotelephium spectabile
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Indian blanket Gaillardia pulchella
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings as this plant prefers drier conditions.
Indian hawthorn Rhaphiolepis indica
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
Water deeply during the first season, then rely on rainfall once it is established.
Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Ivy-leaved cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium
Water regularly during the active growing season in autumn and winter, but keep dry while dormant in summer.

J

Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia
Water deeply and regularly while young, but mature trees are quite drought tolerant.
Jade plant Crassula ovata 'Gollum'
Water only when the soil is completely dry throughout the pot.
Jade Plant Crassula ovata
Wait until the soil is bone dry before watering deeply.
Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii
Water deeply once established, but let the soil dry out slightly between sessions.
Japanese pagoda tree Styphnolobium japonicum
Water deeply once a week during dry spells while the tree is young.
Japanese silverberry Elaeagnus umbellata
Water deeply during dry spells while the plant is young to help it settle in.
Jatropha
Allow the top half of the soil to dry out completely before adding more water.
Jewels of Opar Talinum paniculatum
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Joshua tree Yucca brevifolia
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Judas tree Cercis siliquastrum
Water deeply during dry spells while the tree is young.
Jujube Ziziphus jujuba
Water deeply once the soil dries out, as established trees are quite drought tolerant.

K

Kalanchoe
Water only when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Kalanchoe Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Water only when the potting mix is dry to the touch.
King protea Protea cynaroides
Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out significantly between sessions.
Kudzu Pueraria montana
Once established, it is highly drought tolerant.

L

Lace Aloe Aloe aristata
Allow the soil to dry out entirely before watering again.
Lady's bedstraw Galium verum
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Lamb's ear Stachys byzantina
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to keep the foliage healthy.
Lantana Lantana camara
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Large flowered tickseed Coreopsis grandiflora
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Lavender Lavandula
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root issues.
Lemon scented gum Corymbia citriodora
Water deeply once established, but allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Licorice plant Helichrysum petiolare
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Lion's Ear Leonotis leonurus
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings as this plant is quite drought tolerant once established.
Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
Water deeply once established but allow the soil to dry out completely between sessions.
Living stones Lithops lesliei
Water sparingly and only when the soil is bone dry.
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta
Water deeply during the first few years until the root system is established.
Loquat Eriobotrya japonica
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

M

Marram grass Ammophila arenaria
Water only during extreme drought once established.
Marula Sclerocarya birrea
Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out significantly between sessions.
Mexican bush sage Salvia leucantha
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Mexican fleabane Erigeron karvinskianus
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Mexican hat Ratibida columnifera
Water deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch, but let it dry out between sessions.
Mexican petunia Ruellia simplex
Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Mexican snowball Echeveria elegans
Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
Milk thistle Silybum marianum
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Milkweed Asclepias
Water deeply once established, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions.
Miscanthus
Water deeply during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system.
Miss Willmott's Ghost Eryngium giganteum
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Moonstone Pachyphytum oviferum
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Moss rose Portulaca grandiflora
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Mother of Thousands Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch throughout the pot.
Mother of Thyme Thymus praecox
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Mountain Aloe Aloe marlothii
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Mouse-ear hawkweed Pilosella officinarum
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

N

Natal Plum Carissa macrocarpa
Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out before watering again.
Neem Azadirachta indica
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
New Zealand flax Phormium tenax
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

O

Oak Quercus
Water deeply during dry spells, especially for younger trees.
oceanspray Holodiscus discolor
Water deeply once established, especially during dry summer months.
Ocotillo Fouquieria splendens
Water deeply only during the active growing season when the soil is completely dry.
Old man cactus Cephalocereus senilis
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Oleander Nerium oleander
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil have dried out.
Olive tree Olea europaea
Water deeply but infrequently, letting the soil dry out almost completely.
Orange Daylily Hemerocallis fulva
Water deeply once a week during dry spells to keep the plant happy.
Oregano Origanum vulgare
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Oriental bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus
Water regularly until established, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.
Osage orange Maclura pomifera
Water deeply during the first few years, but it becomes quite drought tolerant once mature.

P

Pacific madrone Arbutus menziesii
Water deeply during the first few years, but allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings once established.
Pacific poison oak Toxicodendron diversilobum
It is highly drought tolerant once established in its natural habitat.
Paddle Plant Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana
Water deeply during the first year to establish roots, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.
Panda plant Kalanchoe tomentosa
Water only when the soil is completely dry throughout the pot.
Partridge pea Chamaecrista fasciculata
Water deeply during the first few weeks until the roots are well established.
Pasque flower Pulsatilla vulgaris
Water moderately during the growing season but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Persian silk tree Albizia julibrissin
Water deeply once established, but allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between sessions.
Peruvian apple cactus Cereus repandus
Water only when the soil is bone dry throughout the pot.
Pigeon Pea Cajanus cajan
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Pincushion Protea Leucospermum cordifolium
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root issues.
Pink evening primrose Oenothera speciosa
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
plains prickly pear Opuntia polyacantha
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, especially during the winter months.
Pohutukawa Metrosideros excelsa
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Pomegranate Punica granatum
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa
Water deeply during the first few years until established, then rely on natural rainfall.
Ponytail Palm Beaucarnea recurvata
Water only when the soil is dry throughout the entire pot.
Pork and Beans Sedum rubrotinctum
Allow the soil to dry out entirely between waterings.
Powderpuff Mimosa strigillosa
Water regularly until established, then let the soil dry out between waterings. Established plants need water only during long dry spells.
Prickly Aloe Aloe aculeata
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
prickly lettuce Lactuca serriola
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica
Water deeply during the growing season only after the soil has dried out entirely.
Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Purple pampas grass Cortaderia jubata
Water deeply once established, though it is quite drought tolerant.
Purple Smokebush Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
Water deeply once established, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between sessions.
Purple toadflax Linaria purpurea
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Q

Queen of the Andes Puya raimondii
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Queen Victoria Agave Agave victoriae-reginae
Water sparingly during the growing season and keep almost dry in winter.
Quiver Tree Aloidendron dichotomum
Allow the soil to dry out entirely before watering again.

R

Raceme catmint Nepeta racemosa
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Red valerian Centranthus ruber
Water deeply once established, but allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.
Resurrection fern Pleopeltis michauxiana
Mist frequently or soak the mount when the fronds begin to curl.
Resurrection plant Selaginella lepidophylla
Water only when you want to see the plant open up.
Rock rose Cistus ladanifer
Water deeply during the first year, but allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings once established.
Rose of Jericho Anastatica hierochuntica
Keep the plant in a shallow tray of water only when you want it to open.
Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Rubber rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa
Water deeply only during the first year to help it establish, then let it handle natural rainfall.
Rugosa Rose Rosa rugosa
Water deeply at the base to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Russian sage Salvia yangii
Water deeply once established, but let the soil dry out completely between sessions.

S

Sabal Palm Sabal palmetto
Water deeply during dry spells to keep the root ball moist but not waterlogged.
Saffron Crocus Crocus sativus
Water moderately during the growing season but keep dry while dormant.
Sage Salvia officinalis
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Sago Palm Cycas revoluta
Allow the top half of the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Salad Burnet Poterium sanguisorba
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Salvia
Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
San Pedro cactus Echinopsis pachanoi
Water deeply during the growing season but keep the soil nearly dry in winter.
Sandberg bluegrass Poa secunda
Water sparingly once established, allowing the soil to dry out completely between sessions.
Sandbur Cenchrus echinatus
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Sansevieria Dracaena trifasciata
Always ensure the soil is bone dry before adding more water.
Saw Banksia Banksia serrata
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Scarlet gilia Ipomopsis aggregata
Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy while the plant is young.
Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius
Water regularly until established, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.
Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris
Water deeply during the first few years until the root system is well established.
Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides
Water deeply during the first year to establish roots, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.
Sea grape Coccoloba uvifera
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Sea Holly Eryngium planum
Water deeply once established but allow the soil to dry out completely between sessions.
Sea lavender Limonium vulgare
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Sea Lavender Limonium perezii
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.
Sea purslane Sesuvium portulacastrum
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Sea Thrift Armeria maritima
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Sedum
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Sesame Sesamum indicum
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Sheep sorrel Rumex acetosella
Let the top of the soil dry out between waterings. Established plants tolerate drought well, but never leave the soil waterlogged.
Sheep's fescue Festuca ovina
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions.
Siberian elm Ulmus pumila
Water deeply once established, especially during dry spells.
Siberian Pea Shrub Caragana arborescens
Water deeply during the first season, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Silk floss tree Ceiba speciosa
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Silver Dollar Vine Xerosicyos danguyi
Water deeply only when the potting mix is dry throughout the container.
Silver tree Leucadendron argenteum
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root issues.
Silverberry Elaeagnus commutata
Water regularly during the first year until the root system is established.
Soap Aloe Aloe maculata
Always check that the soil is fully dry before adding more water.
Sodom Apple Calotropis procera
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Spanish dagger Yucca gloriosa
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Spear saltbush Atriplex prostrata
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Spineless Yucca Yucca filamentosa
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to avoid root issues.
Spineless Yucca Yucca elephantipes
Allow the top half of the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Split rock Pleiospilos nelii
Only water when the soil is completely dry and the plant shows signs of thirst.
spreading dogbane Apocynum androsaemifolium
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
St. Bernard's lily Anthericum liliago
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
St. John's wort Hypericum perforatum
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Staghorn sumac Rhus typhina
Water deeply once a week during the first year to help the root system settle in.
Sticky monkeyflower Diplacus aurantiacus
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.
Strawberry tree Arbutus unedo
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
String of bananas Senecio radicans
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
String of Buttons Crassula perforata
Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
String of pearls Curio rowleyanus
Water only when the soil is bone dry throughout the pot.
Sugarbush Protea
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Sulphur cinquefoil Potentilla recta
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Sulphur-flower buckwheat Eriogonum umbellatum
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between sessions.
Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
Keep the soil consistently moist until established, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.

T

Tamarind Tamarindus indica
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Texas Sage Leucophyllum frutescens
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage a deep root system.
Thimble Cactus Mammillaria gracilis fragilis
Water only when the soil is completely dry throughout the pot.
Thyme Thymus vulgaris
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Tiger Jaws Faucaria tigrina
Water deeply only when the soil is bone dry throughout the pot.
Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia
Water deeply during the first year, then allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Trailing Lantana Lantana montevidensis
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Treasure flower Gazania linearis
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Tree Aeonium Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'
Always check that the soil is fully dry before you add more water.
Tree Cholla Cylindropuntia imbricata
Water deeply only when the soil is bone dry throughout the pot.
Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Turkey tangle fogfruit Phyla nodiflora
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the first few months after planting.

V

Vetiver Chrysopogon zizanioides
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the first year of growth.
Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Water regularly until established, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.

W

Wandflower Gaura lindheimeri
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Welwitschia Welwitschia mirabilis
Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out completely between sessions.
Western mugwort Artemisia ludoviciana
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Western wallflower Erysimum capitatum
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
White horehound Marrubium vulgare
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings as this plant prefers drier conditions.
White mulberry Morus alba
Water deeply once established, especially during hot, dry spells.
Wild Carrot Daucus carota subsp. carota
Water deeply during dry spells to keep the soil lightly moist.
Wild Rocket Diplotaxis tenuifolia
Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Wood sage Teucrium scorodonia
Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry. Established plants handle dry spells well and dislike wet soil.
Woodland sage Salvia nemorosa
Water deeply once established, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Woolly Stemodia Stemodia lanata
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Y

Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria
Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Yellow Bells Tecoma stans
Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Yucca
Water deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil is bone dry before the next soak.

Z

Zebra Haworthia Haworthia fasciata
Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering deeply.
Zebra plant Haworthiopsis attenuata
Water only when the soil is dry all the way through.
ZZ Plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch throughout the pot.

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These lists are built from AI-generated care guides checked against GBIF taxonomy. They are general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.