G1214
Perennials In Water-Wise Landscapes
This NebGuide discusses choosing, establishing, and maintaining perennial flowers in water-wise landscapes.
Kim W. Todd, Extension Horticulture Specialist
Dale T. Lindgren, Extension Horticulture Specialist
Elizabeth M. Killinger, Extension Educator — Horticulture
Drought-tolerant perennials are plants that persist for three or more years with little or no supplemental watering. There are both native and introduced herbaceous plants that are drought-tolerant. Using these plants in Nebraska landscapes will help conserve water, reduce the maintenance associated with watering, and still provide multi-season color and interest. Many drought-tolerant plants perform poorly in areas and seasons of high humidity and rainfall, or with excessive irrigation. For example, some drought-tolerant perennials may perform well in western Nebraska but prove to be less than satisfactory in eastern Nebraska.
Site Selection and Design
Many drought-tolerant perennials do best in full sun and well-drained soil, although a few thrive in dry shade. Areas of the landscape that are difficult to water, or are subject to reflected heat and light, are often good locations for drought-tolerant perennials. A primary principle of landscape design to manage water is to group plants that have similar water requirements. Good design also takes into consideration the cultural requirements of each plant, microclimate, the background or setting for the landscape, and the scale or size of the space. Those major factors influence the choice and spacing of individual plants, and how they can best be combined for a beautiful landscape.
Size, Spacing, and Form — The size of your planting space will influence the choice of plants. Make sure perennials are spaced for their mature size — it is easy to put them too close together when you purchase them as small plants. Some perennials grow larger than the size listed on the label, especially when grown in ideal conditions. Good spacing allows air circulation, which is essential to allow the foliage of drought-tolerant plants to dry adequately and reduce the possibility of disease.
The form of many perennials changes as the season progresses. Plants with bold, contrasting forms can be used as individual focal points, while others are best planted in groupings or drifts of three or more. This deliberate use of contrast and similarity will create both variety and continuity in your landscape.
Texture and Color — The color, timing, and duration of the flowers is an important consideration, but foliage color also contributes to the overall design. Many drought-tolerant perennials have silver or gray foliage, which shines in low light and acts as a foil for brighter colors. Warm colors attract attention, and make spaces seem smaller and hotter. Cool colors and pastels are tranquil.
Unique leaf structure helps many drought-tolerant perennials reduce water loss through transpiration and adds textural interest. Fine, lacy foliage with reduced leaf surface; thick, waxy succulent foliage; or broad, fuzzy leaf blades can reduce water loss from plants and provide many options for using the texture of perennials to extend the visual interest of the landscape well beyond the bloom period.
Foliage and seed heads of many drought-tolerant perennials can be left in place well into the winter with a backdrop of ornamental grasses or evergreens, providing an extended season of interest. Leaving the foliage in place until spring holds leaves and snow as insulation, protecting the roots of plants from winter injury. However, care should be taken to keep this material from sitting on the crowns of plants, because good air circulation and drainage are essential to survive through winter.
Site Preparation for Establishment
A well-drained, friable (loose) soil is essential for the survival of drought-tolerant plants. This soil structure will allow the roots of water-conserving plants to extend deeply into the soil. Most drought-tolerant plants in the home landscape benefit from the addition of organic matter to the soil. Organic matter loosens the soil and adds nutrients. Sandy soils, which drain very quickly, benefit from the addition of organic matter by improved nutrient- and water-holding capacity, and reduced runoff of nitrogen and pollutants. If the soil is very poorly drained, small rocks, pebbles, or coarse sand may be added to improve conditions for the most drought-tolerant plants.
Loosen existing soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to break up any sites severely compacted by construction or traffic. Thoroughly mix organic matter such as coarse compost, shredded leaves, or a combination of these materials, into the loosened soil at a ratio of approximately one part organic matter to four parts soil. For example, use 3 inches of organic matter on a soil loosened to a depth of 12 inches.
Maintenance
Even the most drought-tolerant perennials require supplemental water until they are established, as well as during periods of extended drought. The smaller the root system, the more frequently you will need to water newly installed perennials. Check the soil beyond the root zone as well, and apply one-half inch to 1 inch of water weekly inclusive of rainfall. Gradually reduce the amount of supplemental water, but continue to monitor the condition of the plants.
Mulch new and established perennials with a layer of material 1 to 2 inches deep to retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and reduce erosion. Organic mulches are recommended for all but the most drought-tolerant plants. Medium-textured wood chips, shredded bark, chopped leaves, or a combination of these materials look natural and improve the soil composition as they decompose. Inorganic mulches like rock or gravel hold heat and reflect light, and may damage the plants they are intended to protect.
Fertilize drought-tolerant perennials only when the plants show signs of diminished vigor or chlorosis. The breakdown of organic mulches adds nutrients to the soil, but fertilizer may eventually be needed if mulches or compost are not regularly replenished.
Most drought-tolerant plants will perform well for years without division and may actually be destroyed if they are disturbed. Others will respond to overcrowding by dying out in the center, becoming spindly, or failing to produce vigorous blooms. Drought-tolerant perennials may be divided and replanted as soon as the soil is workable in the spring or in late August to early September. Gently lift the old clump, and remove dead pieces with a sharp knife or spade. Split the plant into two or more sections, and place each section in a new planting hole at the same depth or slightly higher than the original plant. Backfill with soil that is consistent with the surrounding area, and water until the soil is saturated. Do not tamp the soil or otherwise compact it.
Following is a list of perennials that have demonstrated a tolerance of Nebraska moisture conditions, including soil moisture stress, when planted in well-drained soils.
The list includes native and non-native or adapted plants that are not invasive. The most drought-tolerant plants are indicated with an asterisk. Bloom times are approximate, since they are influenced by climate factors and microclimate. Exposure refers to the amount of sun that each plant prefers; many plants will tolerate more or less than an ideal exposure, but habit and bloom may be affected. Only a few of the many cultivars that may be available are listed.
Common Name | Scientific Name | Select Varieties | Bloom Color | Ht/Spr. | Bloom | Sun | Remarks |
Allium, Ornamental | Allium senescens | ‘Glaucum’ | Lavendar | 12”-12” | July-Sept | S | Long bloom season |
Apple-blossom Grass, Gaura | Gaura lindheimeri | ‘Siskiyou Pink’ | Pink | 36”-36” | June-Sept | S | Short-lived |
Artemisia, Fringed * | Artemisia frigida | Silver foliage | 30”-30” | No bloom | S | Native | |
Artemisia, Southernwood | Artemisia abrotanum | Gray-green foliage | 36”-36” | No bloom | S/Psh | Semi-woody | |
Artemisia, White Sage | Artemisia ludoviciana | ‘Silver King,’ ‘Valerie Finnis’ |
Silver foliage | 36”-48” | No bloom | S/Psh | Aggressive |
Arum, Painted | Arum italicum | ‘Pictum’ | Green | 12”-12” | May | Psh/Sh | Summer dormancy, semi-evergreen |
Aster, Dwarf | Aster x dumosus | ‘Prof. Kippenburg,’ ‘Woods’ |
Pink, purple, white | 12”-18” | Sept-Oct | S/Psh | Dwarf, attract butterflies |
Aster, Fendler’s | Aster fendleri | ‘My Antonia’ | Purple, white | 6”-12” | July-Sept | S | Native, good drainage |
Aster, New England | Aster novae-angliae | ‘Alma Potschke,’ ‘Purple Dome’ |
Pink, purple, white | 48”-36” | Sept-Oct | S/Psh | Taller, attract butterflies |
Baby’s Breath | Gypsophila paniculata | ‘Fairy Perfect,’
‘Bristol Fairy’ |
White | 24”-24” | June | S | Best on higher pH soils |
Barrenwort, Red | Epimedium x rubrum | Red | 9”-18” | Apr-May | Psh/Sh | Semi-evergreen | |
Bergamot, Wild | Mondarda fistulosa | Pink-lavendar | 18”-18” | June-Aug | S/Psh | Colonizes | |
Blackberry Lily | Belamcanda chinensis | ‘Hello Yellow’ | Orange, yellow | 18”-36” | July | S/Psh | Can be weedy/seeds itself |
Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia hirta | Yellow-orange | 24”-24” | July | S | ||
Black-eyed Susan, Goldsturm | Rudbeckia fulgida | ‘Goldsturm’ | Yellow-orange | 24”-24” | July-Sept | S/Psh | Seeds itself |
Blanket Flower * | Gaillardia aristata | ‘Baby Cole,’
‘Goblin,’ ‘Burgunder’ |
Yellow-red, red | 18”-24” | June-Sept | S | Seeds itself, can be short-lived |
Blue Flax | Linum perenne | ‘Saphir,’ ‘Album’ |
Blue, white | 24”-18” | May-June | S | Flowers close in heat |
Bluet, Mountain | Centaurea montana | Blue | 24”-18” | May-July | S | Best central/west | |
Boltonia | Boltonia asteroides | ‘Snowbank’ | White | 60”-48” | Aug-Sept | S | Self-supporting |
Butterfly Milkweed | Asclepias tuberosa | Orange | 24”-24” | June-July | S | Native, attracts butterflies | |
Calamint, White Cloud | Calamintha nepetoides | ‘White Cloud’ | White | 12”-18” | June-July | S | Fragrant foliage |
Candy Lily | Pardancanda norrisii | ‘Dazzler’ | Mixed | 18”-18” | July-Sept | S | Unusual flowers |
Catmint | Nepeta x faassenii | ‘Walkers Low,’ ‘Six Hills Giant’ |
Blue | 18”-24” | May-Sept | S | Shear for repeat bloom |
Comfrey | Symphytum grandiflorum | ‘Hidcote Blue’ | Blue | 12”-12” | May | Psh/Sh | Coarse texture in shade |
Coneflower, Grayhead Prairie * | Ratibida pinnata | Yellow | 48”-24” | July-Sept | S | Native, attracts butterflies | |
Coneflower, Narrow-leaf Purple | Echinacea angustifolia | Purple, white | 36”-24” | June-July | S | Native, attracts butterflies | |
Coneflower, Pale * | Echinacea pallida | Purple-pink | 30”-24” | June-July | S | Native, most drought-tolerant species | |
Coneflower, Purple | Echinacea purpurea | ‘Magnus,’ ‘Cygnet White’ |
Purple, pink, white | 36”-24” | June-Aug | S/Psh | Seeds itself, attracts butterflies |
Coreopsis, Threadleaf | Coreopsis verticillata | ‘Moonbeam,’ ‘Zagreb’ |
Yellow | 18”-36” | June-Sept | S/Psh | Long bloom season |
Cranesbill, Bigroot | Geranium macrorrhizum | ‘Bevan’s Variety’ | Pink | 18”-24” | May | Psh/Sh | Semi-evergreen |
Daylily * | Hemerocallis spp. | Many | Mixed | Varies | June-Oct | S/Psh | Many rebloomers |
Dwarf False Indigo | Baptisia australis var. minor | Blue | 30”-30” | May | S/Psh | Interesting seed pods | |
False Indigo | Baptisia australis | Blue | 48”-24” | May | S/Psh | Shrub-like proportions | |
Gayfeather, Dotted * | Liatris punctata | Rose-purple | 24”-24” | July-Aug | S | Native, attracts butterflies | |
Gayfeather, Rough | Liatris aspera | Rose-purple | 30”-24” | Aug-Oct | S | Native, best east/northeast | |
Gayfeather, Spike | Liatris spicata | ‘Kobold,’ ‘Floristan White’ |
Rose-purple, white | 30”-24” | June-July | S | Native, good cut flower |
Globe Thistle | Echinops ritro | ‘Taplow Blue’ | Blue | 24”-24” | June-Sept | S | Steel blue flowers |
Goldenrod, Canada | Solidago canadensis | ‘Crown of Rays,’ ‘Golden Baby’ |
Yellow | 18”-15” | July-Sept | S/Psh | Rebloom if cut back |
Goldenrod, Stiff * | Solidago rigida | Yellow | 36”-24” | July-Sept | S/Psh | Native, good cut flower | |
Hens and Chicks * | Sempervivum spp. | Many | Mixed | 6”-12” | July | S | Rock garden plants |
Hollyhock | Alcea rosea | ‘Chater’s Double,’ ‘Nigra’ |
Mixed | 36”-72” | June-Aug | S | Can be short-lived; reseeds |
Horehound, Roundleaf * | Marrubium rotundifolium | Green-silver foliage | 6”-18” | No bloom | S | Unusual foliage; rock wall plant | |
Hosta | Hosta spp. | Many | White, lavendar | Varies | Aug-Sept | Psh/Sh | Compete well with tree roots |
Hummingbird Mint, Sunset Hyssop * | Agastache rupestris | Orange-purple | 18”-18” | Aug-Sept | S | Short-lived, best in central/west | |
Iris, Bearded * | Iris spp. | Many | Mixed | Varies | May-June | S | Protect tall varieties from strong wind |
Knautia | Knautia macedonica | ‘Mars Midget’ | Red | 24”-24” | June-Oct | S | Long bloom season, unusual color |
Lambsear, Helene von Stein * | Stachys lanata | ‘Helene von Stein’ | Gray-green foliage | 18”-24” | No bloom | S/Psh | Avoid standing water or snow on crown |
Lavendar * | Lavandula angustifolia | ‘Provence,’ ‘Hidcote,’ ‘Munstead’ |
Lavendar blue | 18”-18” | June-July | S | Semi-woody, shear for best form |
Leadplant * | Amorpha canescens | Lavendar-blue | 36”-36” | June-July | S | Native shrub useful in perennial beds | |
Lily-of-the-Valley | Convallaria majalis | White | 6”-36” | May | Psh/Sh | Aggressive | |
Mother-of-Thyme | Thymus serpyllum | Pink | 6”-18” | July | S | Can be stepped on, will recover | |
New Jersey Tea | Ceanothus americanus | White | 30”-36” | June-Aug | S | Native | |
Oregano, Ornamental | Origanum laevigatum | ‘Herrenhausen,’ ‘Rosenkuppel’ |
Rose-purple | 18”-18” | Aug-Sept | S/Psh | Stems turn purple during season |
Pasqueflower * | Pulsatilla patens | Purple | 12”-12” | Apr-May | S | Native, attracts butterflies | |
Penstemon | Penstemon digitalis | ‘Husker Red’ | Pink-white | 24”-18” | May-June | S | Purple foliage; good seed heads |
Penstemon, Rocky Mountain * | Penstemon strictus | ‘Bandera’ | Purple, salmon | 24”-36” | June-July | S | Good drainage required |
Penstemon | Penstemon | ‘Sweet Joanne’ | Dark pink-purple | 30”-18” | June-frost | S | Disease-resistant, extremely hardy |
Penstemon, Shell-leaf * | Penstemon grandiflorus | ‘Prairie Snow,’ ‘War Axe’ |
Pink, white, purple | 30”-18” | May-June | S | Good drainage required |
Peony | Paeonia lactiflora | Many | Pink, white | 36”-36” | May-June | S | Cage to hold flowers upright |
Periwinkle, LaGrave | Vinca minor | ‘LaGrave’ | Lavendar-blue | 6”-18” | Apr-May | Psh/Sh | Competes well with tree roots |
Phlox, Prairie | Phlox pilosa | ‘Eco Happy Traveler’ | Pink | 12”-12” | May-June | S/Psh | Native, strong bloomer |
Pinks, Cheddar | Dianthus gratianopolitanus | Pink | 6”-18” | May-June | S | Silver foliage, clove-scented flowers | |
Pitcher Sage * | Salvia azurea | ‘Nekan’ | Blue | 48”-24” | July-Sept | S | Native, unusual fall color |
Poppy Mallow, Logan Calhoun * | Callirhoe alcaeoides | ‘Logan Calhoun’ | White | 12”-48” | June-Aug | S | Groundcover |
Poppy Mallow, Purple * | Callirhoe involucrata | Maroon | 12”-48” | June-Aug | S | Native, long bloom season | |
Prairie Baptisia | Baptisia leucantha | White | 48”-24” | June | S/Psh | Native, interesting form | |
Prairie Clover, Purple * | Dalea purpurea | ‘Stephanie’ | Pink | 18”-24” | June-July | S | Native, good drainage best |
Prairie Clover, Silky | Dalea villosa | Pink | 18”-24” | July-Aug | S | Native, best in central/west, sandy soils | |
Prairie Petunia * | Ruellia humilis | Lavendar-purple | 12”-12” | June-Aug | S | Native, aggressive seeder | |
Prairie Smoke | Geum triflorum | Pink | 12”-12” | Apr-May | S/Psh | Native, interesting seedheads | |
Primrose, Missouri | Oenothera macrocarpa | ‘Comanche Campfire’ | Yellow | 6”-24” | June-Aug | S | Native, stems and pods interesting |
Puccoon * | Lithospermum incisum | Yellow | 6”-12” | Apr-June | S | Best in central/west or well-drained soils | |
Pussytoes * | Antennaria neglecta | White, pink | 2”-12” | May-June | S | Tiny groundcover for driest sites | |
Rabbit-brush * | Chrysothamnus nauseosus | Yellow | 24”-24” | July-Sept | S | Best in central/west or well-drained soils | |
Rattlesnake Master * | Eryngium yuccifolium | Green-white | 48”-24” | July-Sept | S | Unusual form, seeds itself | |
Rock-Cress, Wall | Arabis caucasica | Pink, white | 4”-12” | Apr-May | S | Rock garden plant | |
Russian Sage | Perovskia atriplicifolia | ‘Filigran,’ ‘Longin’ |
Blue | 48”-36” | July-Aug | S | Semi-woody, can seed |
Saltbrush, Four-winged * | Atriplex canescens | Silver foliage | 24”-24” | NA | S | Best in central/west or well-drained soils | |
Sea Holly | Eryngium amethystinum | Blue | 24”-18” | July-Aug | S | Interesting foliage and flowers | |
Sedum, Low Varieties * | Many | Many | Mixed | Varies | June-Oct | S/Psh | Versatile |
Sedum, Tall Varieties * | Many | Many | Pink, red, white | Varies | June-Oct | S/Psh | Versatile |
Shasta Daisy | Leucanthemum x superbum | ‘Becky,’ ‘Crazy Daisy’ |
White | 24”-24” | June-Oct | S | Good cut flowers |
Skull Cap, Helmet Flower | Scutellaria scoridifolia | ‘Mongolian Skies’ | Blue-purple | 6”-12” | May-June | S | Edger; good drainage required |
Snakeroot, White | Eupatorium rugosum | White | 30”-36” | Aug-Sept | Psh/Sh | Aggressive reseeder | |
Snow-in-Summer * | Cerastium tomentosum | White | 4”-24” | Apr-May | S | Mat-former | |
Solomonseal, Variegated | Polygonatum multiflorum | ‘Variegatum’ | Green-white | 24”-36” | May | Psh/Sh | Colonizes |
Spiderwort, Narrow-leaved | Tradescantia tharpii | Blue, pink, white | 12”-12” | May | S/Psh | Best in central/west or well-drained soils | |
Spirea, Blue Mist | Caryopteris x clandonensis | ‘Dark Knight,’ ‘Arthur Simmonds’ |
Blue | 36”-36” | Aug-Sept | S | Semi-woody, may winter kill |
Statice, German | Goniolimon tataricum | ‘Woodcreek’ | White | 18”-18” | June-July | S | Tough, good cut flower |
Sundrops, Yellow | Calylophus serrulatus | ‘Prairie Lode’ | Yellow | 6”-18” | May-July | S | Good edger |
Sun-Rose * | Helianthemum nummularium | ‘Wisley Pink’ | Pink, white, orange | 6”-12” | May-June | S | Wall plant |
Thrift | Armeria maritima | ‘Rubra’ | Pink | 6”-12” | May | S | Wall plant |
Valerian, Red | Centranthus ruber | ‘Pretty Betsy,’ ‘Albus’ |
Red-pink, white | 30”-30” | May-June | S/Psh | Good drainage, good wall plant |
Veronica, Silver * | Veronica incana | Blue | 12”-18” | June | S | Silver foliage | |
Virginia Mountainmint | Pycnanthemum virginianum | Green-white | 24”-24” | July-Sept | S/Psh | Attracts butterflies, doesn’t spread | |
Yarrow, Common * | Achillea millefolium | ‘Terracotta,’ ‘Paprika,’ ‘Snowsport’ |
White, red, orange | 30”-24” | June-Aug | S | Versatile, like low fertility |
Yarrow, Hybrids * | Achillea | ‘Moonshine,’ ‘Schwellenburg’ |
Yellow | 24”-24” | June-July | S | Versatile, like low fertility |
Yarrow, Serbian * | Achillea serbica | White | 4”-12” | May | S | Tiny groundcover for driest sites | |
Yucca, Soapweed * | Yucca glauca, Yucca filamentosa |
White | 36”-36” | June | S | Native, semi-evergreen | |
S=Sun; Psh=Part Shade; Sh=Shade
Bloom times are approximate *Most drought tolerant |
This publication has been peer reviewed.
Visit the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension Publications Web site for more publications.
Index: Horticulture
Ornamentals
1992, 2003, Revised February 2010