Discover hardy plants that survive the toughest conditions here in southeastern Pennsylvania.
With more extreme weather patterns occurring across the country, Pennsylvania will experience more extended periods without rain. A great way to cut down on maintenance and reduce your water footprint is to plan your garden around drought tolerant species. It’s important to note that even the hardiest plants need water. During times of extended drought, you may need to supplement your plants with water until rainfall conditions improve.
Making the Most of Water During Drought:
- Water your plants deeply in the mornings with a hose rather than through a sprinkler system.
- Mulch around your plants to reduce evaporation and keep weeds to a minimum to reduce competition for water.
- Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your roof. Use leftover pasta water or put a bucket in your shower to catch unused water.
- Let your lawn go dormant and prioritize new plants and plants producing fruits.
Here is a list of plants that are known for being drought-tolerant:
Drought-Tolerant Trees & Shrubs:
- American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
- Bayberry (Myrica)
- Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
- Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus)
- Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)
- Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)
- Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)
- New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)
- Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
- Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria)
- Deutzia
- Forsythia
- Seven-Son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides)
- St. Johnswort (Hypericum)
- Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
- Japanese Lilac (Syringa)
- Juniper
- Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
- Mugo Pine
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
- Spirea
- Weigela
- Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)
- Yucca
- Zelkova
Drought-Tolerant Perennials:
- Agastache
- Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
- Blanketflower (Gaillardia)
- Bluebeard (Caryopteris)
- Bluestar (Amsonia)
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Catmint (Nepeta)
- Coreopsis
- Creeping Phlox (Phlox sublata)
- Daylily
- Dianthus
- Euphorbia
- Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis)
- Globe Thistle
- Hens and Chicks (Sempervivens)
- Ice Plant (Delosperma)
- Lamb’s Ear (Stachys)
- Lavender (Lavendula)
- Liatris
- Ornamental Grasses
- Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
- Russian Sage (Perovskia)
- Salvia
- Sea Thrift
- Sedum
- Thyme (Thymus)
- Yarrow (Achillea)
Drought Tolerant Annuals:
- Ageratum
- Angelonia
- Annual Ornamental Grasses
- Bidens
- Cosmos
- Dichondra
- Dusty Miller
- Euphorbia
- Fan Flower
- Four o’clock
- Gazania
- Gomphrena
- Lantana
- Melampodium
- Mexican Sunflower
- Moss Rose (Portulaca)
- Pot Marigold
- Spider Flower (Cleome)
- Statice
- Rosemary
- Salvia farinacea
- Strawflower
- Verbena
- Vinca
- Zinnia
Stop by Colonial Gardens to get recommendations for the best drought-tolerant plants for your garden conditions!
Colonial Gardens is an independent garden located in Phoenixville, PA. We’ve been serving our local community since 1967 with a huge selection of quality plants for all spaces. Visit us year round for plants, landscaping services, seasonal events, and floral services.