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Drought-tolerant plants are ideal for Florida’s climate, which can experience hot, dry periods, especially in the summer. Many of these drought-tolerant plants thrive just fine in full sun. Here are some drought-tolerant plants well-suited for Florida gardens.
Florida-Friendly Plants
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
This perennial features vibrant red and yellow flowers and thrives in full sun. You’ll often see it on beach dunes and roadsides. Blanket Flower requires minimal water and attracts pollinators.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is known for its colorful, clustered blooms in shades of orange, pink, yellow, and red. It is heat and drought tolerant, and attracts butterflies.
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Muhly grass is a decorative grass with striking pink or purple plumes. It tolerates drought wonderfully, and provides year-round visual interest.
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
This shrub has vibrant purple berries in the fall and attractive foliage. While Beautyberry prefers shade, it is drought-resistant and provides seasonal interest, plus the birds and butterflies love it.
Succulents and Cacti
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe is an attractive succulent with fleshy leaves and a variety of medicinal uses. It’s extremely drought-tolerant and low maintenance.
Agave (Agave spp.)
Agave is a rosette-shaped succulent with spiky leaves. There are several varieties that do well in Florida. Agaves are very drought-tolerant and add a dramatic look to the garden.
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.)
Prickly Pear cactus has flat, paddle-like pads and colorful blooms. Think of the desert… this cactus thrives in hot, dry conditions and can handle full sun.
Herbs
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a fragrant herb with needle-like leaves and small blue flowers. It is drought-tolerant and useful in cooking.
Thyme (Thymus spp.)
This low-growing herb has tiny, aromatic leaves and small flowers. Thyme makes an excellent groundcover and withstands dry conditions.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Another hardy herb with aromatic leaves used in culinary dishes. Like its cousins, it tolerates drought and thrives in full sun.
Groundcovers
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Vinca is an evergreen groundcover with glossy leaves and blue, pink or purple flowers. This one handles dry conditions and provides year-round coverage.
Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus)
Blue Daze is known for its small, brilliant blue flowers, which have a funnel-shaped appearance. These flowers typically open in the morning and close by late afternoon, especially in full sun. Extremely versatile, it can thrive in full sun or part shade and can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Shrubs and Small Trees
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Firebush is a stunning shrub with tubular red, orange, or yellow flowers. It’s low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
Yaupon Holly is a versatile shrub, or small tree, with small white flowers and bright red berries. It requires little to no maintenance, it’s drought-tolerant and it’s fun to look at, year-round.
Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)
Buttonwood can be used as a small tree or large shrub, and has leathery leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. It’s very drought-resistant and works well as a hedge or screen.
Ornamental Grasses
Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum floridanum)
A smaller version of the Fakahatchee Grass, with similar texture and color but more compact. Like its larger counterpart, it’s adaptable and drought-tolerant, making it great for borders and smaller garden spaces.
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
These grasses have soft, arching foliage and fluffy seed heads. The Purple ones (‘Rubrum’) are stunning in the landscape. Excellent in tolerating drought and providing movement and visual interest.
Vines
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
This vine has tubular, coral-red flowers. It attracts hummingbirds and is drought-tolerant.
Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
This climbing vine has fragrant white flowers. It is drought-tolerant once established and adds a lush appearance.
Tips for growing drought-tolerant plants in Florida
Soil preparation
Ensure well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
Mulching
Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition.
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
By selecting these drought-tolerant plants, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that thrives in Florida’s climate and conserves water.