Stephen Albert
Drought-tolerant shrubs are shrubs that can withstand dry weather once established. No landscape plant is drought-resistant until it becomes established in the site.
Once a drought-tolerant shrub is established and has a deep root system, it requires less water. All plants require a steady supply of moisture when first planted.
Most shrubs require a year or more to set down deep roots. In the first couple of years after planting do not neglect watering drought-resistant shrubs.
Shrubs listed here will survive several months without water once established. Many will survive on rainfall and need no additional irrigation.
Drought-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Zones |
| Abelia, glossy | Abelia x grandiflora | 6-9 |
| Barberry | Berberis spp. | 4-8 |
| Bayberry, northern | Myrica pensylvanica | 2-6 |
| Bluebeard | Caryopteris x clandonensis | 5-8 |
| Brooms | Genista spp., Cytisus spp. | 4-8 |
| Butterfly bush | Buddleia spp. | 5-10 |
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Zones |
| Ceanothus | Ceanothus spp. | 8-10 |
| Chase tree | Vitex agnus-castus | 6-10 |
| Currant, alpine | Ribes alpinum | 2-7 |
| Honeysuckles | Lonicera spp. | Varies |
| Mahonia | Mahonia spp. | Varies |
| Manzanita | Arctostaphylos spp. | Varies |
| Mock Orange | Philadelphus spp. | 4-8 |
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Zones |
| Oleander | Nerium oleander | 8-10 |
| Potentilla, shrubby | Potentilla fruticosa | 2-7 |
| Rose-of-Sharon | Hibiscus syriacus | 5-9 |
| Rose, rugosa | Rosa rugosa | 3-9 |
| Snowberry | Symphoricrapos albus | 3-7 |
| Staghorn sumac | Rhus typhina | 3-8 |
Also of interest:
Drought-Tolerant Annuals and Perennials
