Best Flowers for Xeriscaping

by Tom McNeill of Acorn Action 03/04/2019

When you hear about xeriscaping, you might envision a dirt or sand yard with more boulders than actual greenery and color. You now know about a few ornamental kinds of grass you can use to set off your yard and add greenery. Depriving yourself of flowers is not necessary either to create a beautiful, eco-friendly yard. Here are a few fabulous flowering plants to use in your xeriscape.

African Iris — After it reaches stable growth this beautiful perennial plant only requires occasional water. Enjoy white blossoms with hints of yellow and bluish-purple from Spring all the way through the Fall with minimal maintenance. 

Lantana — An evergreen shrub, Lantana is a fast-growing plant that blooms throughout all seasons in most areas. Even if you live in a climate experiencing frost, your Lantana will produce gorgeous orange and red blossoms during the Spring and Summer months. This plant requires little water once it's up and running if you do experience extreme heat in the summertime, up your watering some to keep your blossoms going year-round. 

Marigold — This vibrant flower is a remarkable and affordable annual to add to your drought-tolerant landscape. It grows quickly, has minimal watering needs and thrives in full sun. The plant is tough enough to survive extreme heat, and the bright orange blossoms bring life to your garden through Summer and Fall. Bonus — if you enjoy butterflies this plant is for you. Turn your xeriscape into a butterfly garden by attracting them with marigold blossoms. 

Bougainvillea — This flowering plant comes in many varieties offering different colors and sizes. Bougainvillea plants proliferate and burst with flowers year-round. You can use them in many ways making them a good option for different home types. They are great for ground cover; you can climb them up a trellis or drape them over your roof or balcony. This plant requires little water and will tell you so! If it stops flowering, you're overwatering it — the perfect flowering plant for drought climates.

Lavender — Brought to us from the Mediterranean lavender is a beautiful and sturdy plant that is fairly drought tolerant. Its toughness and varieties make it an excellent option for adding green to your xeriscape year-round and a splash of purple color through your warm summer months. English lavender grows best in colder northern climates, while French and Spanish lavenders grow best in hot southern environments. Lavender loves sunlight and takes at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Soak your lavender plant to establish its roots then manage with moderate watering and enjoy purple blossoms for several years. 

Purple Sage — Desert purple sage is native to western climates and is very well suited to difficult growing areas with high heat and drought. This evergreen shrub blooms abundantly from Spring through Fall. Delight yourself and your garden with these fast-growing bluish-purple flowers with minimal watering once established.

Wildflowers — Wildflowers are a must add for any garden but are especially useful in your xeriscape. Choose wildflowers native to your area. If you select the right seeds, they will grow well in your high heat and drought-prone environment. Before purchasing make sure you research which wildflowers grow best in your area. If you ensure you spread the right seeds, you'll enjoy a beautiful and complex coloring of wildflowers in your garden.

Now your garden is full and blossoming while remaining eco and wallet-friendly. For more texture and unique coloring to pair with your blooms take a look at some tremendous succulent options for your xeriscape.

About the Author
Author

Tom McNeill of Acorn Action

Hi, I'm Thomas McNeill and I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.