Life in Texas has many ups and downs — one of which is the weather. Mild and pleasant one minute, unseasonably hot and dry the next. The current drought conditions most of Texas is experiencing are the worst the state has seen since 1947. But abnormally dry conditions don’t have to affect your yard!

These eight plants are hardy enough to survive with little water, so you can keep planting without worrying about expected rainfall.

Flourishing Flowers

Keep your garden bright and fragrant through dry spells with these beautiful blossoms:

  • Lavender: Lavender is native to the Mediterranean — a region known for its dry, sandy soil. This plant (like many from the same area) evolved to require little water after the first year of growth.
  • Trumpet Vine: Boasting bright orange and red flowers, trump vines attract more than the eye — they’re a favorite of hummingbirds! Trumpet vines are an aggressive plant, so this one may need to be monitored for reasons other than its moisture levels. The plant will die each winter, but because the stems start from underground, every spring, new growth will emerge. The vines typically thrive in full sun, but in especially hot climates, they may require partial shade.
  • Geranium: Did you know geraniums can live for decades? Like most plants, there are multiple variations, but almost all varieties are resistant to extreme heat and dryness. With flowers blooming in a wide variety of colors — pink, purple, orange, white, and red — your garden will look bright and cheerful even through the longest dry spells.

Hardy Herbs & Stalwart Succulents

From surviving to thriving, these plants keep your yard interesting and offer benefits outside the garden!

  • Aloe: There are many pieces of aloe, and all are built to live in hot, dry climates. Aloe will shrivel and rot if it’s sitting in too much moisture, so water this plant every other week if you haven’t had rainfall. For indoor aloe, make sure the soil completely dries out before watering again.
  • Thyme: Like many hardy plants, thyme is native to the Mediterranean. This perennial is commonly used in the kitchen and has even been used medicinally for its antiseptic properties. Thyme will flower in spring and summer, and — depending on the variety — leaves can even be harvested during winter!
  • Oregano: Oregano is native to western Asia and the Mediterranean and is another plant that is known for its culinary uses.

Tough Trees

When some people think of trees, they probably think of brightly colored leaves or melancholy dropping willows — but these trees keep your garden lively even without regular watering.

  • Palo Verde: Palo Verde trees are dry-season deciduous trees, which means they only hold foliage for short bursts of time (n conjunction with rainy periods). The trees have light green bark that is responsible for the majority of the growth and photosynthesis processes. Palo Verde plants are native to semi-desert regions in the Americas and Africa, making them a perfect choice to add some color and interest to your landscape.
  • New Zealand Tea Tree: The shrub blooms with gorgeous red, white, or pink flowers in the early summer — as a bonus, these flowers are especially attractive to pollinators. Established shrubs only need water once every two weeks, making them mildly tolerant compared to some heartier plants.

Droughts can be difficult to deal with for an avid gardener, but with the Purple Pros on your team, your lawn and garden will stay healthy all year long. Contact Purple Care online or by phone at (817) 880-6052 to schedule an appointment or speak with a member of our team today!