Drought-tolerant plants are resilient for long periods without rain. There are several plants adapted to thrive in hot and dry climates and will serve as a consistent source of food even during tough conditions. The time of planting these perennials is significant to their long-term survival.
It is best to plant just before the summer or in late spring to allow young seedlings to mature. Drought-tolerant perennials are relatively low maintenance and will provide a sustainable yield for many years. Regular watering is needed in the early stages to encourage the establishment of strong root systems. It is important to ensure that the plants are adaptable to your microclimate for the best results.
Improved Green Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
This is a fast-growing, herbaceous perennial. The immature flower bud harvested at its fullest, just before it has opened, is the edible part. It can be a good addition to your vegetable garden.
It is characterized by showy purple flowers that bloom during the summer. It is fast growing, reaching a mature height of 3-5ft. The plant tolerates moderate drought, but its foliage may die due to extreme heat. Artichokes have gray-green foliage which adds season-long interest in your landscape.
- USDA climatic zones 6-11.
- Grows best in full sunlight.
- Prefers fertile, well-drained soils. Once the plant is established it requires regular watering.
Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Munstead Lavender is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial characterized by aromatic gray foliage and fragrant lavender-colored flower spikes. The leaves and flowers are edible. Its sweet scent makes it a perfect ingredient for perfumes and oils.
The plant occurs naturally in hot, dry slopy areas and therefore tolerates drought. It matures slowly, reaching a height of 12-18 inches. It is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The plant does not require significant maintenance.
- USDA climatic zones 5-9.
- Requires full sunlight.
- Does well in sandy, well-drained, neutral soils. It requires occasional watering in extreme heat and containers.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
This plant is characterized by aromatic foliage which serves many culinary purposes. It is a great herb for arid gardens. It produces showy, purple flowers that bloom in the summer.
Rosemary is naturalized to hot dry climates and grows well in containers. It is moderate growing, maturing at 4-6ft high and 2-3ft wide. It requires minimal pruning and is a perfect screening plant.
- USDA climatic zones 8-10.
- Thrives in full sunlight.
- Grows well in loose, well-drained, neutral or slightly acidic soils.
- It requires regular watering during early stages to encourage root growth. Once established, water less often.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
A flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. Oregano is a woody perennial, and is a must-have for your culinary garden. It is easy to grow and thrives in containers or as a groundcover plant. It has a minty aroma and peppery bite, making it a good addition to your cuisine.
It can be added to pizza, cooked summer vegetables, tomato-based dishes and salads. Oregano is characterized by white, pink or purple flowers which bloom in late summer. It can also be a companion plant for the vegetable garden. It is best to plant during the spring, ideally after the last frost. Oregano matures at 1-2ft tall and spreads 18 inches.
- USDA climatic zones 5-10.
- Thrives in full sunlight or partial shade.
- Grows well in well-drained organic soils.
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Okra grows in warmer climatic regions in Southern US. It is rich in vitamin A and low in calories and thus a good addition to your diet. It is best to plant okra 3-4 weeks before the last frost in spring. The plant matures at 5-6ft tall.
Okra goes from flower to fruit in a relatively short time. It is characterized by large, hairy leaves which cause irritation when they come into contact with the skin. Okra requires regular pruning to encourage new blossoms. It is affected by aphids, nematodes and powdery mildew.
- USDA climatic zones 2-11.
- Thrives in full sunlight.
- Grows well in acidic, well-drained soils.
Red-leaf Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor)
This perennial is grown for its edible leaves. It grows mainly in home cottage gardens. Amaranth is characterized by large broad leaves with prominent veins. It produces red or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. Red-leaf amaranth has nutritious leaves with a spinach-like taste. It propagates by seed. It adds color to the garden and is relatively low maintenance.
- USDA climatic zones 2-11.
- Grows best in full sunlight. Once established, the plant is drought tolerant.
- Thrives in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils.
Common Yarrow (Achilea millefolium)
Yarrow, native to Eurasia, is common in dry meadows and coastal areas. It is a hardy, versatile perennial. It is characterized by showy, clusters of red, pink, or yellow flowers. The entire yarrow plant is edible and nutritious.
The leaves can be eaten raw, added to salads, or brewed as a tea. The flowers attract pollinators. Due to its resistance to drought, yarrow can be used to combat soil erosion. It is best planted in the spring once the danger of frost has passed. Yarrow is quick to establish and matures at 2-4ft high.
- USDA climatic zones 3-9.
- Thrives in full sunlight.
- It grows well in well-drained, loamy and clay soils.
Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)
This is a shrubby perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by aromatic, grayish-green leaves and spikes of lavender flowers. It is a common ingredient used by cooks worldwide due to its sweet and sometimes bitter taste.
The nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators to your garden. Common sage matures at 12-36 inches tall. It propagates from seed, stem cuttings and division. It can also be used as an ornamental plant. The plant is affected by aphids, powdery mildew, stem rot, spider mites and leaf spots.
- USDA climatic zones 5-8.
- Thrives in full sunlight.
- Requires dry or medium, well-drained soils. Optimum soil pH of around 5.6-7.8 is preferred.
Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
An aromatic, perennial shrub mainly grown for culinary purposes. It is characterized by branching woody stems, and small linear dark gray or green leaves. They are often eaten fresh or dried to add to soups, sauces and vegetable salads. Thyme produces spikes of white or pink flowers blooming in late spring or early summer. They attract hummingbirds and bees. The plant propagates by seed or stem cuttings in the spring. It is native to Southern Europe. Thyme matures at 3 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
- USDA climatic zones 5-9.
- Thrives in full sunlight.
- Grows best in average moisture, alkaline to neutral, well-drained soils. Once established, the plant is drought tolerant.
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris)
This perennial plant is characterized by its edible stems and leaves, which can be cooked or eaten raw. It has a mild flavor and can be used to add color to pizzas, salads and pastas.
It grows quickly in cool temperatures during spring and fall and once it is established, it tolerates drought. Plant Swiss chard in the spring, 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Chard is vitamin-rich and a viable alternative to spinach or kale.
- USDA climatic zones 6-10.
- Grows well in full sunlight or partial shade.
- Thrives in moderately fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic or neutral soils.
Common Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
This perennial vegetable is highly tolerant to extreme heat and cold. The young stem shoot is edible and should be harvested once the plant is established. It is best to plant asparagus in early spring.
You should wait three growing seasons before harvesting the plant, ideally when it reaches a height of 8-10 inches. Asparagus is fast-growing but takes 2-3 years before fully establishing. It is characterized by small yellow flowers that bloom during the spring.
- USDA climatic zones 4-9.
- Thrives in full sunlight or partial shade.
- Grows well in neutral or slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils.
These plants are suited for hot and dry climates. You can grow them in your vegetable garden if you have concerns over water availability. They are nutritious and high yielding and will provide a sustainable diet for yourself and your family. Know the best variety to plant in your garden to ensure maximum yields. Check out these perennial vegetables you can grow in cold climates.
