Cacti and sempervivum aren't the only plants that conserve water. A wide variety of bedding flowers, ground covers, grasses and vines are available to help you design an attractive and colorful garden without the need to water every day. Many of these drought-tolerant plants are native to arid regions and, once they're established, they can thrive with only rainwater.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
This North American native flower stands up to drought as well as to strong winds. The purple, pink or white flowers that appear in spring resemble daisies with drooping petals. They can reach up to 4 feet high, but grow in clumps so they're suitable as tall border plants. Light shade from summer sun will help the plants thrive.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
The sweet scent of this plant's plentiful bright orange flowers attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Because butterfly weed likes sandy or gravelly soil and full sun, it works well in xeriscape rock gardens. It's a slow grower from seed, though, so buy mature plants if you want blooms the same season.
Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
A medium-height clumping grass, prairie dropseed is a good choice for season-long interest. The narrow arching leaves are emerald green throughout summer, but turn golden-red in fall. Late summer brings small, pinkish flowers with a distinctive popcorn-like fragrance. As a bonus, the seeds attract birds.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Growing up to 5 feet high and 4 feet across, Russian sage can add a lot of color to your water-wise garden if you have the room. The fine, silvery leaves are evergreen and lavender flower spikes come up in late summer or early fall. Although not a true sage, it does have a sage-like scent. Full sun is a must for this central Asian native.
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)
Bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers are the main feature of this tough, hot climate vine. While it can trail along the ground, it also climbs well. Because the vine can grow up to 40 feet, though, it needs a strong support like a metal pole or stone wall. It's a vigorous grower, so you may need to uproot volunteer plants to keep them from taking over your garden.
Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens)
Although a little scraggly in its natural shape, this shrub has silvery leaves that give it a cloud-like appearance. All through the growing season, after a rainfall, it produces an abundance of purple or white blooms. It tolerates rocky soils and drought well, making it a good choice where little else will grow.
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