It seems that every year some parts of the U.S. are suffering from drought.  In some areas its only natural.  For others it comes as a bit of a shock.  In those areas where drought is not the norm, worries increase and forecasts of doom are front-page warning us to prepare for an arid life.  Watering restrictions may be imposed.  Restrictions are like taxes; once imposed they are seldom repealed.  Whether or not you agree with the doom-sayers, everyone who writes the checks would agree that a lower water bill is desirable.

Here, then, are some drought-tolerant perennials and groundcovers for your consideration.  Like most plants, they will need adequate water from the time they are planted until they become established.  The list is not exhaustive.  The descriptions are brief.  But I hope this will stimulate your thinking about how you can use less water and still have a beautiful garden.

Acaena inermis.  Also known as New Zealand Bur.  Best varieties are 'Purpurea' and 'Blue Haze'.  Evergreen foliage of 'Purpurea' turns red in full sun.  Foliage of 'Blue Haze is blue-gray color.  Creamy white flowers in early summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-9.  Grows to 6" in height.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Ajuga reptans.  Also known as Carpet Bugleweed.  Bronze to variegated foliage.  Blue flowers on short spikes in spring.  Full sun to full shade.  USDA climate zones 3-9.  Well-drained soil.  Grows to under 6".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Ardisia japonica.  Also known as Japanese Marlberry.  Glossy, evergreen foliage.  Pink and white flowers followed by red berries.  Light shade in USDA climate zones 7-9.  Grows 8" to 12" in height.  No tolerance to foot traffic.

Aspidistra elatior.  Also known as Cast Iron Plant.  Also suitable as a house plant.  Glossy evergreen foliage held upright.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 7-9.  Very tough.  Tropical in appearance.  Grows 24" to 36" in height.  Dwarf and variegated varieties are occasionally available.

Cotoneaster adpressus 'Tom Thumb'.  Pronounced "co TOE nee aster."  Spreading groundcover shrub.  Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage.  Full sun to light shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 18" in height.

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Lowfast' and 'Mooncreeper'.  Spreading groundcover shrub.  Glossy evergreen foliage.  Small white flowers that look like tiny apple blossoms produce small red fruits.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-10.  Grows 12" to 15" in height ('Lowfast') and to 6" ('Mooncreeper').

Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Scarlet Leader'.  Spreading groundcover shrub.  Dark evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage turns reddish-purplish in fall.  Small white flowers are followed by small red fruits.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-9.   Grows 24" to 36" in height.  

Cymbalaria aequitriloba.  Also known as Kenilworth Ivy.  Evergreen foliage.  White to purple flowers in spring to summer.  Light shade to full shade in USDA climate zones 7-10.  Grows to 6".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Delosperma cooperi.  Also known as Ice Plant.  Succulent foliage and dark purplish aster-like flowers in spring and summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 7-10.  Grows 3" to 5" in height.

Delosperma nubigena.  Also known as Yellow Ice Plant.  Evergreen foliage and yellow aster-like flowers in spring and summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-10.  Grows to 2" in height and spreads to 36".

Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Bath's Pink' (1994 Herbaceous Perennial Georgia Gold Medal winner) and 'Firewitch' (2006 Perennial Plant Of The Year).  Blue-gray evergreen foliage to semi-evergreen foliage with small, pink carnation-like flowers in spring and summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows 4" to 6" in height.

Dianthus x 'Fire Star' (PPAF).  Best-selling dianthus.  Blue-gray evergreen foliage.  Red blooms throughout the growing season.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows to 8" in height.

Echeveria runyonii 'Topsy Turvy'.  Also known as Mexican Hens and Chicks.  Succulent silvery foliage in rosette around stem.  Red-orange flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows 4" to 8" in height and spreads 8" to 12".

Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'.  1998 Perennial Plant of the Year.  Also known as Purple Coneflower.  Pink/purple flowers spring to late summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-8.  Grows 24" to 36" in height.

Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'.  Also known as White Coneflower.  White flowers with bronze center spring to late summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-8.  Grows 24" to 48" in height.

Echinacea x 'Harvest Moon' (PPAF).  Orange/yellow blooms from early to late summer.  Branches a lot with more blooms per plant.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-8.  Grows to 18" in height.

Echinacea x 'Sundown' (PPAF).  Orange blooms from early to late summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-8.  Grows to 24" in height.

Euonymus fortunei.  Also known as Wintercreeper.  Shrubby groundcover will also climb.  Evergreen foliage.  'Coloratus' foliage turns purplish in winter.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows 8" to 24" tall as a groundcover; higher if climbing.

Euonymus fortunei 'Gracilis'.  Also known as Variegated Wintercreeper.  Shrubby groundcover will also climb.  Evergreen foliage.  Foliage is variegated with white margins and pink blush.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows 4" to 12" tall as a groundcover.

Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis'.  Glossy green foliage only 1/4" to 5/8".  Full sun to full shade.  USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Ficus pumila.  Also known as Creeping Fig.  Green or variegated foliage.  Climbs well on vertical surfaces.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 8b-10.  Grows from 1/2" to 1 1/2" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Guara lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink'.  Deep green foliage with pink, butterfly-like flowers on tall graceful stems.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows to 24" in height with 24" to 36" spread.

Hedera algeriensis.  Also known as Algerian Ivy.  Glossy, evergreen, large deep green or creamy variegated foliage.  Good groundcover or vine.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 7-10.  Prefers more shade in hot climates.  Grows 12" in height.

Hedera colchica.  Also known as Persian Ivy.  Glossy, evergreen, unlobed, large deep green or gold variegated foliage.  Good groundcover or vine.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 5-10.  Prefers partial shade in zones 7-10.

Hedera helix.  Many, many varieties.  Evergreen lobed or unlobed foliage.  Green or variegated in cream, white or gold.  Good groundcover or vine.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 5 or 6-10.  Grows as groundcover to 12" in height.

Helleborus x hybridus.  Syn. H. orientalis.  Also known as Lenten Rose.  2005 Perennial Plant of the Year.  Clumping perennial with exotic white to pink flowers winter to spring.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 3-10.

Hemerocallis cvs.  Also known as Daylily.  Dazzling array of sizes and colors.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-10.

Hosta spp. and hybrids.  Also known as Plantain Lily.  Dazzling array of sizes and foliage colors.  Clumping perennial with spikes of white to lilac trumpet-shaped flowers in mid to late summer.  Perhaps the most popular perennial in the U.S.  Light to full shade in USDA climate zones 3-10.

Hypericum calycinum.  Also known as St. John's Wort or Aaron's Beard.  Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage with buttery yellow foliage in spring with some re-bloom into summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows 12" to 18" in height.

Iris germanica.  Also known as Bearded or German Iris.  Gray-green sword-like foliage and large, regal blooms in vast array of colors from spring to summer.  Spreads by rhizomes.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-10.  Grows 18" to 24" in height.

Iris siberica.  Also known as Siberian Iris.  Green sword-like foliage, graceful flowers in array of colors in early to mid-summer.  Prefers moist to well-drained soil, but will tolerate drought.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 24" in height.

Iris tectorum.  Also known as Japanese Rooftop Iris.  Green sword-like foliage, graceful fluttering flowers blue to white in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows 12" to 14" in height.

Lantana camara and hybrids.  Deciduous to evergreen, depending upon climate zone.  Upright to spreading shrubby perennial.  Fragrant foliage and clusters of often multi-colored flowers spring until frost.  Flower color ranges from white, yellow, orange, pink, red.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 7 or 8 through 10 or 11.  Depending upon variety, grows 12" to 60".

Lantana montevidensis.  Also known as Trailing Lantana.  Deciduous to evergreen, depending upon climate zone.  Spreading, trailing, shrubby perennial.  Fragrant foliage and clusters of lilac to purple flowers spring until frost.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 9-11.  Grows 6" to 12" in height.  Spreads to 48".

Lavandula angustifolia.  Also known as Lavender.  Compact shrub-like perennial with fragrant evergreen grayish foliage.  Fragrant lavender to purple flowers summer to fall.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Prefers alkaline soil with low fertility.  Grows 18" to 20" in height.

Leucanthemum x. superbum 'Becky'.  Also known as Shasta Daisy.  2003 Perennial Plant of the Year.  White daisys with yellow centers from summer to fall.  Full sun to light shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 36" in height.

Liriope muscari.  Also known as Lily Turf.  Evergreen blades, green to variegated.  Clumping to spreading habit.  Small flowers of white, pink, blue or purple clustered along upright spike in summer.  Flowers followed by dark black berries.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 5 or 7(depending upon variety) to 10.  Grows 12" to 24" in height (depending upon variety).

Liriope spicata.  Also known as Creeping Lily Turf.  Evergreen blades, green.  Spreading habit.  Small lavender flowers clustered along short, upright spike in summer.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 4-10.  Grows 10" to 16" in height.

Liriope spicata 'Silver Dragon'.  Evergreen variegated blades.  Spreading habit.  Small lavender flowers clustered along short, upright spike in summer.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 7-10.  Grows 8" to 16" in height.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris.  Also known as Creeping Wire Vine or Maidenhair Vine.  Low, mat-forming plant.  Small white flowers in summer.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 5-10.  Grows to 4" in height.  High tolerance for foot traffic.

Nepeta spp. and hybrids.  Also known as Catmint.  Many species are perennials.  Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is favored, 2007 Perennial Of The Year.  Heart-shaped, gray-green foliage with purple flowers from late spring to frost.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-7.  'Walker's Low' grows 30" to 36" in height.

Ophiopogon japonicus.  Also known as Mondo Grass.  Evergreen, dark green or variegated leaf blades 1/8" wide.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows 6" to 8" in height.

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'.  Also known as Dwarf Mondo Grass.  Evergreen, dark leaf blades 1/8" wide.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows to 3".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Arabicus'.  Also known as Black Mondo.  Evergreen nearly black leaf blades 1/4" wide.  Very unusual, striking appearance.  Lavender flowers in summer.  Spreading habit, but slow.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 5 or 6 to 10.  Deepest black in full sun.  Grows 6" to 8" in height.

Parthenocissus tricuspidata.  Also known as Boston Ivy.  Deciduous vine that quickly covers walls, but also serves as groundcover.  Great for unsightly road-side sound barriers and preventing erosion.  Glossy green, 3-lobed foliage turns burgundy to orange in fall.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 3 or 4-9.  Grows 60' or more in height.

Parthenocissus quinquifolia.  Also known as Virginia Creeper.  Deciduous vine that quickly covers walls, but also serves as groundcover.  Great for unsightly road-side sound barriers and preventing erosion.  Green, 5-lobed foliage turns  yellow to burgundy in fall.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 60' or more in height.

Perovskia atriplicifolia.  Also known as Russian Sage.  1995 Perennial Plant Of The Year.  Deciduous to sem-evergreen shrubby perennial.  Fragrant gray-green foliage.  Ethereal light blue flowers from mid-summer to fall.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows 24" ('Little Spire') to 36" in height.

Phlox nivalis 'Eco Flirtie Eyes'.  Also known as Trailing Phlox or Florida Phlox.  Trailing habit.  Evergreen, needle-shaped foliage.  Pink to lavender flowers in early spring.  Long bloom period.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows to 10" in height and spreads 24" to 36".

Phlox subulata.  Also known as Thrift or Creeping Phlox.  Pink, red, white, lavender flowers in early spring.  Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 4" to 6" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Rosmarinus officinalis.  Also known as Rosemary.  Evergreen, fragrant, needle-like foliage.  White, pink or light blue flowers repeatedly.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 7-10.  Grows to 48" in height.

Rubus calycinoides.  Also known as Creeping Raspberry.  Dark green, puckered foliage.  Evergreen.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows to 2".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. 'Goldsturm'.  1999 Perennial Plant Of The Year.  Also known as Black Eyed Susan or Gloriosa Daisy.  Yellow daisy-like blooms with deep brown centers from mid-summer to fall.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Prefers moist soil, but tolerates drought.  Grows 24" to 36" in height.

Salvia nemorosa.  Also known as Perennial Sage.  Favorite varieties include 'Blue Hill' or 'Blauhugel', 'Caradonna' (2000 International hardy Plant Union Award), 'East Friesland' or 'Ostfriesland', 'Marcus' (PP# 13322), 'May Night' or 'Mainact' (1997 Perennial Plant Of The Year), 'Pink Friesland' (PPAF), and 'Snow Hill'.  Deep green to gray-green foliage with long-lasting flowers in shades from white, pink and purple.  Long-lasting blooms from late spring.  Re-bloom after cutting.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows to 18" in height.

Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'.  2000 Perennial Plant Of The Year.  Also known as Pincushion Flower.  Light blue flowers from summer to fall.  Cutting increases blooming.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 12" to 18" in height.

Sedum album 'Coral Carpet'.  Also known as Baby Tears.  Teardrop-shaped green foliage turns red in fall.  White flowers in summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum acre.  Also known as Gold Moss or Gold Stonecrop.  Soft yellow-green foliage turns red in winter.  Yellow flowers.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum hispanicum var. minus.  Also known as Blue Moss, Blue Stonecrop or Tiny Buttons.  Soft blue-gray groundcover produces small pink flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 2-9.  Grows to 4".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum kamtschaticum.  Also known as Kamschatka Sedum.  Evergreen foliage under attractive yellow flowers from spring.  Red fruit follows.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 6" in height.

Sedum lydium.  Also known as Mossy Stonecrop.  Succulent green leaves turn burgundy-red when stressed by drought or cold.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows to 4".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'.  Small evergreen foliage gold in color with pink shades.  Yellow-green flowers in spring.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 7-9.  Grows to 2" in height.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum requieneii.  Also known as Miniature Stonecrop.  Very small green leaves and yellow star-shaped flowers in summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to less than 2".  Very durable.  High tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' (PPAF).  Succulent, narrow, yellow, evergreen foliage turns amber in fall.  Yellow flowers.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 4" to 6" in height and spreads to 24".

Sedum rupestre 'Blue Spruce'.  Succulent, narrow, blue-green evergreen foliage.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 4" to 6" in height and spreads to 24".

Sedum sarmentosum.  Also known as Yellow Moss.  Small, succulent foliage and small yellow flowers.  Full sun to light shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 4" to 6" in height.

Sedum sieboldii 'October Daphne'.  Deciduous purplish green leaves.  Trailing habit.  Pink flowers late summer to fall.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-10.  Grows to 6" in height and spreads to 12".

Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood'.  Red and green variegated leaves in whorled clusters.  Red flowers in late summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9. Grows to 3".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum spurium 'Fuldaglut'.  Semi-evergreen, bronze fleshy leaves whorled around the stem.  Turns burgundy in fall.  Pink-red flowers in summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum spurium 'John Creech'.  Semi-evergreen, fleshy foliage.  Pink flowers in early spring.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 2" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum spurium 'Tricolor'.  Variegated green, red and white foliage.  Evergreen.  Pink flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 4" in height.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum spurium 'Voodoo'.  Burgundy succulent foliage and rose-red flowers.  Spreading habit.  Evergreen in warm climates.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-8.  Grows to 6" in height.

Sedum tetractinum.  Also known as Chinese Sedum.  Flat evergreen foliage, light green in color turns reddish in fall.  Yellow flowers in summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum x 'Autumn Joy' and 'Autumn Fire'.  Deciduous, succulent gray-green foliage.  Pink flowers in summer to fall become coppery with age.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 18" ('Autumn Joy') to 36" ('Autumn Fire') in height.

Thymus doerfleri 'Doone Valley'.  Also known as Wild Thyme or Doone Valley Thyme.  Lemon-scented golden variegated foliage is evergreen.  Produces lilac flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox 'Elfin'.  Also known as Miniature Thyme.  Gray-green foliage forms tight mat.  Light pink flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-10.  Grows to under 2".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox 'Pink Chintz'.  Gray-green fragrant foliage is evergreen.  Light pink flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows 1" to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox ' Coccineus'.  Also known as Red Creeping Thyme.  Scented foliage turns bronze in winter.  Red flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox 'Albiflorus'.  Also known as Wild Thyme or White Creeping Thyme.  Scented evergreen foliage.  White flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox 'Pseudolanuginosus'.  Also known as Wooly Thyme.  Scented gray foliage is evergreen.  Pink flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus citriodorus.  Also known as Creeping Lemon Thyme.  Green, lemon-scented foliage is evergreen.  Lilac flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus citriodorus 'Archer's Gold'.  Also known as 'Archer's Gold' Lemon Thyme or Creeping Lemon Thyme.  Bright gold, lemon-scented foliage is evergreen.  Lilac flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus x 'Spicy Orange'.  Green, needle-like foliage is fragrant and evergreen.  Pink flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 2" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Trachelospermum asiaticum.  Also known as Asiatic Jasmine.  Glossy, evergreen foliage.  Tolerates full sun to shade in USDA climate zones 7-9.  Grows 6" to 12" in height.  Spreading vine.

Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Heart'.  Succulent purplish foliage with pink flowers.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 7-11.  Grows 12" to 18" in height.

Verbena canadensis 'Ron Deal'.  Dark green foliage with large clusters of pink flowers spring through fall.  Spreading habit.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows to 6" in height.

Verbena peruviana.  Also known as Creeping Red Verbena.  Bright red flowers spring through fall.  Fast spreading.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows to 6" in height.

Verbena x 'Homestead Purple' and 'Homestead Pink'.  Fast spreading.  Purple or pink flowers from spring to frost.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 6-10 ('Purple') or 7-10 ('Pink').  Grows 6" to 12" in height.

Veronica penduncularis 'Georgia Blue.'  Evergreen foliage turns bronze in fall.  Blue flowers in spring.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows 3" to 6".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Vinca major.  Also known as Big Leaf Periwinkle.  Evergreen green to variegated foliage.  Vine-like and fast-spreading.  Usually trailing habit.  Blue flowers in spring continuing but with fewer blooms into fall.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 6-9 (Green) or 7-9 (Variegated).  Grows 8" to 18" in height.

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Copyright, Marshall's Farm, 2008.