Stop Watering These Plants! 11 Flowers That Prefer Dry Soil

I know you love your garden and want to take the best care of your plants. But did you know some plants actually prefer dry soil? Overwatering can do more harm than good for these guys. Let me share with you a list of 11 plants that thrive in dry conditions and how to spot if they’re getting too much water.

Quickly Find Drought-Tolerant Plants

1. Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is one of my favorites. It comes from Mediterranean regions and loves rocky, well-drained soils. Too much water can lead to root rot. If you notice yellowing leaves, soft stems, or a strong, unpleasant odor from the soil, it’s a sign of overwatering. Give your lavender a little space to dry out, and it will thank you with its beautiful blooms.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Late spring to early summer
General Care Tip: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

2. Yarrow (Achillea)

Yarrow is used to grasslands and open forests. Its deep roots allow it to access water even in dry soils. Yellowing leaves and root rot are clear signs it’s getting too much water. Let the soil dry out, and your yarrow will thrive.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Late spring to fall
General Care Tip: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.

3. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum thrives in rocky slopes and alpine regions. Its succulent leaves store water, making it perfect for dry conditions. If your sedum has soft, mushy leaves or black spots, it’s a sign of overwatering. Give it some time to dry out, and it will perk right back up.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Blooming Season: Late summer to fall
General Care Tip: Divide clumps every few years to maintain plant health and vigor.

4. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

This plant hails from Central Asia and is accustomed to arid climates with poor, well-drained soils. If your Russian Sage looks wilted despite the soil being moist or you see blackened stems at the base, it’s getting too much water. Let the soil dry out between waterings.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Mid-summer to fall
General Care Tip: Cut back to about 12 inches in early spring to encourage dense growth.

5. Agave

Agave plants are desert natives, with thick, fleshy leaves that store water. If you see soft, mushy leaves or blackened tips, it’s a sign of overwatering. These plants need minimal water, so let them dry out completely between waterings.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Varies, often after many years
General Care Tip: Protect from cold temperatures and provide good drainage to prevent root rot.

6. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

Native to prairies, Blanket Flowers prefer well-drained, sandy soils. Yellow or brown leaves and drooping despite moist soil indicate overwatering. These cheerful flowers need a break from the water, so let the soil dry out.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Early summer to fall
General Care Tip: Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming and prevent reseeding.

7. Sea Holly (Eryngium)

Sea Holly thrives in coastal regions and dry grasslands. It’s adapted to sandy, well-drained soils. If you notice yellowing leaves or poor flowering, it’s a sign of too much water. Give it some time to dry out and watch it bounce back.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Summer to early fall
General Care Tip: Avoid overly rich soil to prevent plants from flopping over.

8. Ice Plant (Delosperma)

Ice Plant, with its succulent nature, stores water and thrives in sandy, well-drained soils. Mushy, translucent leaves are a clear sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out, and your Ice Plant will flourish.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Late spring to fall
General Care Tip: Ensure excellent drainage, especially in winter, to prevent rot.

9. Salvia (Sage)

Salvia loves well-drained, sandy or rocky soils. Overwatering can lead to root rot. If you see yellowing leaves or mold on the soil surface, it’s getting too much water. Give your Salvia a break from the water, and it will thrive.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Late spring to fall
General Care Tip: Prune spent flowers to encourage further blooming and bushier growth.

10. Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Coreopsis is used to prairies and woodlands, preferring well-drained soils. Yellowing leaves and leaf drop are signs of overwatering. Let the soil dry out, and your Coreopsis will reward you with its bright blooms.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Early summer to fall
General Care Tip: Cut back in late summer to encourage a second bloom in fall.

11. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)

Verbena grows well in dry, sandy soils. Excess water can cause leggy growth and disease issues. If you see yellowing leaves or rotting stems, it’s a sign of overwatering. Let it dry out between waterings, and it will thrive.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Season: Summer to fall
General Care Tip: Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.

By choosing plants that love dry conditions, you’ll not only save water but also enjoy a lower-maintenance garden. Keep an eye on these signs of overwatering, and you’ll have a thriving, beautiful garden in no time.

Till next time,