When rainfall is rare or watering is restricted, as is often the case in areas throughout Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, the right shrubs keep a landscape alive and beautiful. These picks handle lean soils, fierce sun, and long dry spells once established.
And don’t assume you need to sacrifice fragrance, pollinator value, or late-season color just because you live in a drought-prone region. These shrubs survive even when other plants tap out.
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
That’s right, lavender, the sweet-swelling plant that ancient romans scented their bathhouses with.
● Zones: 5–9 (by species)
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 1–3′ x 1–3′
● Water/Soil: Very low; gravelly, alkaline, fast-draining
● Planting time: Spring or fall
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Shear after bloom; avoid soggy sites
● Landscape use: Low hedges, Mediterranean beds, bee gardens
2. Rosemary (upright or prostrate) (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary is originally from the Mediterranean region, specifically, the dry, rocky coastal areas which explains its Latin name “ros marinus,” meaning “dew of the sea”.
Many of the ancient civilizations around the Mediterranean Sea used rosemary. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians were convinced it had memory-enhancing qualities. And it was often used in rituals and even as a funeral flower, most likely, because it helped masked the smell of death.
● Zones: 8–11 (some 7)
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 1–5′ x 2–5′ (varies)
● Water/Soil: Low; coastal wind and salt tolerant
● Planting time: Fall or spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Light shaping; no heavy fertilizing
● Landscape use: Edible hedges, erosion control, pollinator edges
3. Rockrose (Cistus hybrids)
For the purposes of this list, we’re singling out the cistus variety of rockrose solely because it’s easy to care for and lives a long time. But rockrose can also refer to the ornamental Texas rock rose (Pavonia lasiopetala) which is also low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. It’s a shrub with pink, hibiscus-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
Now, the evergreen Mediterranean rockrose (Cistus species), is a drought-resistant shrub with delicate flowers, aromatic leaves, and fragrant resin.
Both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and are frequently used in landscaping for their resilience and beauty. The difference is that the Texas variety is short-lived and reseeds, while the Mediterranean species we’re recommending are long-lived evergreen shrubs.
● Zones: 8-10
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 3–5′ x 3–5′
● Water/Soil: Very low; thrives in poor soils
● Planting time: Fall
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Prune right after bloom; don’t cut into old wood
● Landscape use: Slopes, coastal gardens, hot medians
4. Santolina / Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus or S. virens)
This shrub is interesting because, according to many online influencers, it’s multipurpose with almost magical qualities.
The leaves, which don’t smell like lavender at all, can be added to sauces, soups, broths and used to flavor meat and fish dishes.
According to many online sources, lavender cotton has profound medicinal qualities for everything from digestion problems, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infection of the intestines by parasites, and many others. There is absolutely NO scientific evidence to support these uses so, please don’t. It’s a beautiful shrub that’s easy to care for even in drought conditions and you can eat the leaves. Keep to that!
● Zones: 6–9
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 1–2′ x 2–3′
● Water/Soil: Very low; sandy, draining soils
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Shear yearly to keep tight mounds
● Landscape use: Knot gardens, edging, dry tapestries
● Fun fact: Soft, herbal scent like a light chamomile; silvery foliage reads cool in summer.
5. Russian Sage (Salvia yangii, syn. Perovskia atriplicifolia)
This is important – Russian sage is NOT culinary sage! The leaves on this shrub are toxic so don’t eat them. You can, however, eat the flowers. They’re sweet and make a great addition to a summery salad.
From a landscaping standpoint, this shrub looks great near paths particularly because it has airy blue plumes that glow at sunset.
● Zones: 4–9
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 2–4′ x 2–4′
● Water/Soil: Low; alkaline tolerant
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Fast
● Care: Cut back hard in late winter
● Landscape use: Late-summer color drifts, pollinator lanes
6. Desert Willow (multi-stem shrub form) (Chilopsis linearis)
It’s a willow, in name only but it loves heat like a desert native should. Multi-stem plants bloom with orchid-like flowers from late spring into fall, and the long pods add sculptural interest in winter. It’s perfect near dry streambeds or sunny patios where you can watch hummingbirds work the blossoms.
● Zones: 7–11
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 6–12′ x 6–12′ as a large shrub
● Water/Soil: Very low; sandy/rocky soils
● Planting time: Spring or fall
● Growth rate: Fast
● Care: Thin older stems; remove suckers to shape
● Landscape use: Dry streambeds, large xeric borders
● Fun fact: Not a true willow; related to catalpa and trumpet vines.
7. Oleander, dwarf forms (Nerium oleander) — where permitted
A workhorse in coastal and freeway plantings for a reason! This shrub is super strong. We’re talking wind, salt, and drought barely ruffle it. And if you want something a little smaller, and cuter, you can plant any of the dwarf varieties. They stay tidier for home landscapes and bloom for months.
Now, it’s important to note that all parts are toxic if ingested, so don’t plant near nibbling pets or curious kids.
● Zones: 8–11
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 3–6′ x 3–6′
● Water/Soil: Low; salt and wind tolerant
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Fast
● Care: Light shaping after bloom; avoid hard winter pruning
● Landscape use: Coastal and freeway screens
● Note: All parts toxic if ingested; site responsibly.
8. Myrtle-of-the-Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)
A tiny architectural star for gravel beds with blue-green, spiraling stems and chartreuse spring bracts.
This shrub thrives on neglect and lean soil. In fact, the more you ignore it, the happier it will be. A quick note for maintenance days (if you absolutely must work with the plant): Euphorbia sap can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves when trimming.
● Zones: 5–9
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 6–12″ x 12–24″
● Water/Soil: Very low; ultra-draining soils
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Cut spent stems; wear gloves (irritating sap)
● Landscape use: Dry rock gardens, gravel crests
9. Grevillea (hardy hybrids)
Feathery evergreen foliage plus spidery flowers that can appear for months all in one plant that your local pollinators will love! These Australian natives prefer poor, well-drained soil and low-phosphorus fertilizer (or none at all). And they’re great as a light, informal hedge in xeric designs.
● Zones: 8–10 (check cultivar)
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 2–6′ (varies)
● Water/Soil: Low; lean soils; hates phosphorus-rich fertilizers
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Fast
● Care: Light tip pruning; low-P fertilizers only
● Landscape use: Hummingbird hedges, Aussie-style borders
● Fun fact: Spider-like flowers can appear for months in mild winters.
10. Pineapple Guava / Feijoa (Acca sellowiana)
A drought-tough edible that doubles as a handsome screen. The silver-backed leaves look cool in summer, and the flowers have sweet, edible petals (kids love them). In warm zones you’ll also get tasty, pineapple-meets-mint fruit in late season.
● Zones: 8–10
● Light: Sun to light shade
● Size: 6–12′ x 6–12′
● Water/Soil: Low; wind and heat tolerant
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Light thinning; can be kept as large shrub
● Landscape use: Edible privacy hedge, coastal screens
● Fun fact: Flower petals are edible and sweet—toss into salads.
11. Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata)
Clean evergreen foliage and starry white flowers that smell faintly of orange—this shrub brings fragrance to low-water landscapes. It’s surprisingly tough once established and can bloom again after a light trim. Lovely near entries where the scent can drift.
● Zones: 7–10
● Light: Sun to part sun
● Size: 6–8′ x 5–6′
● Water/Soil: Low once established
● Planting time: Spring or fall
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Light prune after flowering
● Landscape use: Fragrant screening, patio enclosures
● Fun fact: Foliage smells faintly of orange peel when crushed.
12. Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Tough as they come, even tougher than the oleander. This shrub will barely notice high winds, heavily salted seaside air and terrible soil. The leaves have a silvery sheen which is why many landscape architects love sea buckthorn to help brighten dry plantings, and female plants load up with bright orange, vitamin-rich berries (plant a male nearby for fruit).
● Zones: 3–7
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 6–10′ x 6–10′ (suckering)
● Water/Soil: Low; salt, wind, and alkaline tolerant
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Fast
● Care: Plant male + female for fruit; thin suckers
● Landscape use: Tough shelterbelts, edible hedges
● Fun fact: Orange berries are vitamin-rich and used in juices/oils.
13. Dwarf Pomegranate (Punica granatum ‘Nana’)
A compact hot-climate charmer with fiery orange flowers that pollinators find irresistible and miniature ornamental fruit (meaning, don’t eat them!). It handles reflected heat and looks fantastic in big clay pots or as a low hedge. Light pruning after bloom keeps it dense and floriferous.
● Zones: 7–10
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 2–4′ x 3–5′
● Water/Soil: Low; heat tolerant
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Tip prune after bloom; great in containers
● Landscape use: Courtyards, low hedges, terrace pots
14. Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa)
Soft, woolly leaves shrug off sun and drought, while tiered yellow blooms look like a stack of crowns in late spring. Yes, they are that visually interesting. And these shrubs are a natural partner for lavender, rosemary, and rockrose. After flowering, a quick shear tidies the silhouette and encourages fresh foliage.
● Zones: 7–10
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 3–4′ x 3–5′
● Water/Soil: Low; lean, draining soils
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Deadhead tiers; light shaping
● Landscape use: Mediterranean drifts, mixed dry borders
15. Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
Those velvety purple-and-white wands are a late-season lifesaver when other shrubs are tired. It loves heat, needs little water after establishment, and draws butterflies like a magnet. Cut back hard in late winter and pinch once in spring for a fuller show.
● Zones: 8–11 (7 with protection)
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 3–4′ x 3–4′
● Water/Soil: Low; draining soils
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Fast
● Care: Cut back hard in late winter; pinch early to branch
● Landscape use: Late-season color banks, butterfly gardens
● Fun fact: Velvety purple and white wands read boldly in autumn light.
16. Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
A compact blue machine for August–September, just when you need color most. It prefers lean, well-drained soil and flowers better if you don’t pamper it. You’ll want to prune low in late winter for a fresh mound of silvery leaves and strong blooms.
● Zones: 5–9
● Light: Full sun
● Size: 2–3′ x 2–3′
● Water/Soil: Low; prefers lean, draining soils
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
● Care: Cut back hard in late winter; avoid rich soils
● Landscape use: Late-summer pollinator strip, low hedge
● Fun fact: One of the best blue sources when the rest of the garden is fading.
17: Jojoba / Fairy Duster / Creosote (Desert Trio)
Plant these three together for a bulletproof, low-water backbone: jojoba for evergreen mass and structure, fairy duster for hummingbird-friendly powder-puff blooms, and creosote for that legendary “desert rain” scent after a storm. Different textures, overlapping seasons, one irrigation line and you’re done and your neighbors will be super impressed.
Low-Water Planting Tips
● Water deeply at planting. Then taper: weekly for 4–6 weeks → every other week for 1–2 months → monthly as climate allows.
● Skip heavy compost for desert natives; prioritize drainage over richness.
● Gravel mulch keeps crowns dry and reflects heat toward true desert species; use lighter organic mulches for Mediterranean shrubs.
● Prune after main bloom for repeat-flowering types.
Closing thoughts
Drought doesn’t mean bare soil. It just means thoughtful choices. Build bones with evergreen structure, then layer in long-blooming sages and rockroses. Add one edible (feijoa or dwarf pomegranate) to win readers over. Then point them to your interactive master chart so they can sort by zone, light, and water needs in seconds.
