Low-Input Flower Gardening: The Regenerative Blossoms Guide

As global temperatures increase, we see more frequent and severe droughts. This makes gardening increasingly challenging.

Unexpected droughts can cause struggling plants in traditional flower cultivation.

In response to these conditions, regenerative gardeners turn to flowers that are drought-resistant to maintain a vibrant garden.

Many flowers are naturally equipped to endure periods of low water, especially those native to arid regions of the United States.

Take a cue from nature and plant naturally low-water flower varieties, so that your garden can remain a haven of color and life.

These flower varieties are open-pollinated or heritage breeds, so you can collect seeds to expand your garden in the years to come.

From the sun-happy African Daisy to the hardy Zinnia, this list highlights a variety of flowers that stand strong against drought.

Ideal for those in dry climates or with a need to conserve water. This list will show you how to grow a garden bursting with blooms, despite the challenge of less rainfall.

List of drought-proof flowers for dry climates and low-input gardens

1.African Daisy
Arctotis hybrid | Annual

The African Daisy thrives in dry conditions, and offers such gorgeous orange blooms! According to High Desert Seed, this flower loves sunshine and provides a burst of color to arid landscapes.

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2.Alyssum - Oriental Nights
‍Lobularia maritima | Annual

Alyssum is a regenerative gardener’s best friend, since it brings in beneficial insects. Alyssum grows low to the ground, and this variety will give you carpet of deep purple blooms. This low water plant is perfect for ground cover. I’ve had alyssum do well in part shade areas of my garden, and can attest to its low-water needs.

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3.Aster: Sky Blue
Symphyotrichum oolentangiense | Perennial

Asters are important plants in a biodiverse landscapes. The Sky Blue Aster is a resilient perennial that requires minimal water once established. Its pretty blue flowers in late summer to fall supports pollinators, so it’s a valuable addition to permaculture gardens. This wild variety from Experimental Farm Network is sure to please!

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4.Billy Buttons/Craspedia - Sun Ball
Craspedia globosa | Perennial

Known for its unique spherical yellow blooms, Uprising Organics notes that Billy Buttons are drought-tolerant once established. They almost look like something out of Dr. Seuss, and provide an eye-catching statement in any garden. The flowers last for ages, perfect for cutting and drying.

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5.Blanket Flower
Gaillardia | Perennial

Blanket Flower is a robust perennial that stands up to heat and drought with ease.

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6.California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica | Annual

The California Poppy, state flower of California, readily self-sows although it’s technically an annual. True to its location, California Poppy thrives in arid conditions. Its dainty golden-orange flowers are a sight to behold in any sustainable garden for humans and beneficial insects alike. These plants are great for regenerative gardens, as they require minimal maintenance.

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7. Celosia - Flamingo Feather
Celosia argentea | Annual

Gorgeous on-trend flowers that hold up very well to drying for everlasting bouquets. A standout plant in xeriscaped gardens, the plumes provide vertical interest and vibrant color.

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8.Cerinthe - Pride of Gibraltar
Cerinthe major | Annual

The flowers of Pride of Gibraltar cascade with blue and purple bracts. It’s almost unbelievably rich in color. One of my favorites in my flower garden, and I’ll be growing more of it this year. Its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, making it an ecological choice for dry gardens.

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9.Coreopsis
Coreopsis spp. | Perennial

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a perennial favorite for dry gardens. Its cheerful yellow blooms enliven the garden throughout the season, and it's a low-maintenance plant ideal for sustainable landscapes. Also available is Dyer’s Coreopsis, for dyes and paints.

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10. Cosmos - Bright Lights Sulphur
Cosmos sulphureus | Annual

Cosmos 'Bright Lights Sulphur' lights up the garden with its bright yellow and orange flowers. This annual thrives in poor soil and dry conditions, which makes it a great candidate for permaculture projects.

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11.Cupid’s Dart
Catananche caerulea | Perennial

Cupid’s Dart is a pretty blue-flowered perennial that survives in arid climates once established, according to Adaptive Seeds. With a long bloom time, it adds romance and color to the drought-tolerant garden.

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12. Daisy - Santa Barbara
Erigeron karvinskianus | Perennial

The Santa Barbara Daisy is a hardy perennial that establishes quickly in dry landscapes, as noted by Swallowtail Seeds. Its numerous white and pink flowers create a soft, natural look with minimal water use.

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13.Flax
Linum usitatissimum | Annual

Flax is a versatile and resilient annual that thrives in full sun and tolerates drought. Its delicate blue flowers and valuable seeds make it a dual-purpose plant in a sustainable garden. Growing, harvesting, and eating my own flax seeds is one of my most satisfying garden activities!

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14. Four O’Clocks - Strega
Mirabilis jalapa | Perennial

Four O’Clocks 'Strega' unveils its fragrant, colorful flowers in the late afternoon. This perennial tuber is drought tolerant according to Uprising Organics. Perfect for low-water gardens that are in need of some vibrance.

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15. Globe Thistle
Echinops ritro | Perennial

Globe Thistle stands out with its gorgeous spherical blue flowers and architectural presence. A classic cut flower for dried bouquet arrangements. This plant is drought resistant, well-suited for landscapes that prioritize water conservation.

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16. Heather
Calluna vulgaris | Perennial

Heather is a classic staple in water-wise gardens. It is evergreen and has dainty small flowers. It excels in poor soil and withstands drought, to provide a lush ground cover.

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17. Joe Pye Weed - Queen of the Meadow
Eutrochium purpureum | Perennial

Joe Pye Weed 'Queen of the Meadow' is a robust perennial that brings both height and a late-season burst of purple to the drought-tolerant garden. Be ready for 8-10 foot tall plants! A visual marvel in the garden that is also valued for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

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18. Lacy Phacelia
Phacelia tanacetifolia | Annual

Lacy Phacelia is a soft and ferny annual that adds both beauty and function to dry gardens. Its purple flowers attract a host of beneficial insects, and it serves as an excellent cover crop that requires little irrigation. I always let a couple plants go to seed so that I can have more of this useful plant in the garden the following year. In warm climates, late summer-sown plants will overwinter to bloom in spring.

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19. Lamb Tail - Joey
Ptilotus exaltatus | Annual

Lamb Tail 'Joey' is has showy pink spikes that resemble fluffy tails. As Swallowtail Garden notes, this plant is a native to Australia, so it is naturally drought-tolerant.

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20. Madder
Rubia tinctorum | Perennial

Madder is a perennial dyer's plant with the added benefit of drought tolerance. Its small yellow flowers and vibrant roots contribute to a sustainable and colorful garden. You’ll need the plant to establish for at least three years before harvesting, but it’s worth the wait!

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21. Marigold - Kilimanjaro White African
Tagetes erecta | Annual

The 'Kilimanjaro White African' Marigold is so unique with its white blooms. As an annual, it is easy to grow in dry soils and acts as a pest deterrent, a welcome ally in a permaculture garden. This white version is of great interest in contrast to the typical orange and yellow marigold color palette.

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22. Mexican Hat Flower
Ratibida columnifera | Perennial

The Mexican Hat Flower stands out with its red and yellow sombrero-shaped blooms. This perennial is a drought champion that gives a wild prairie look to water-conserving gardens.

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23. Mexican Torch (Tithonia)
Tithonia rotundifolia | Annual

Mexican Torch thrives in full sun with fiery orange flowers. This robust annual draws in butterflies and really brightens up any dry garden.

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24. Morning Glory - Grandpa Ott’s
Ipomoea purpurea | Annual

Grandpa Ott’s Morning Glory has deep blue-purple flowers that will climb up any fence or garden structure. Hardy, and drought tolerant once established, this plant adds a bit of magic to the garden. Be cautious, in some areas this plant can become invasive.

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25. Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus | Annual

Nasturtium is a culinary and ornamental delight. Blooms are edible with a peppery taste and are a great addition to salads. This annual is a champion in dry conditions, spreading vibrant blooms across the garden with minimal water. Some varieties are more low-growing, while others prefer to climb up a structure. My favorite colors are the creamy pale yellow Milkmaid and the rosy pink Ladybird varieties.

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26. Nigella - Black Cumin
Nigella sativa | Annual

Black Cumin, also known as Nigella, has intricate tiny flowers and culinary seeds. This annual thrives in drier soils and adds a bit of whimsical elegance to the permaculture garden. Flowers come in a few different colors, too.

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27. Penstemon - Rocky Mountain Blue
Penstemon strictus | Perennial

Rocky Mountain Blue Penstemon is a stunner with tubular blue flowers, the perfect shape for hummingbirds and bees. Botanical Interests notes that this is a hardy perennial that tolerates drought, and can can perform well in rock gardens or borders.

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28. Poppy - Prickly
Argemone platyceras | Perennial

Prickly Poppy will be a focal point in any garden, with large, white, papery blooms and spiny foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial adds a rugged beauty to gardens with minimal rainfall.

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29. Purple Hyacinth Bean
Lablab purpureus | Annual

The Purple Hyacinth Bean vine is a moody dark purple color. Although it’s called a bean, it’s not edible. This annual is very drought tolerant and adds vertical interest to an arid garden setting.

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30. Rue
Ruta graveolens | Perennial

Rue is a hardy herb with lacy blue-green leaves and yellow flowers. As a perennial, it requires little water once established. Note that it may irritate your skin, wear gloves and long sleeves when you tend to this plant.

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31. Rudbeckia - Cherry Brandy
Rudbeckia hirta | Annual

Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia features deep red blooms with a deep brown center. This annual is a classic drought-hardy addition to any garden.

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32. Salvia - White Swan
Salvia apiana | Perennial

White Swan Salvia is fragrant with showy white flowers. As a sage, it naturally grows in dry climates. A must-have for any dry flower garden.

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33. Santolina
Santolina chamaecyparissus | Perennial

Santolina has silver-colored foliage and small yellow flowers. As a bonus to being drought-tolerant, it’s also evergreen, as noted by Swallowtail Gardens. Can be planted as a low hedge.

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34. Scabiosa: Black Night
Scabiosa atropurpurea | Annual

Black Night Scabiosa is also known as the pincushion flower. Provides deep burgundy blooms that attract pollinators. I’m a sucker for dark colored plants like this, and enjoy seeing these dotted throughout my garden. This annual performs well in sunny spots and adds a depth of color to any water-conserving garden. Easy to grow from seed.

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35. Spurge - Mediterranean Euphorbia
Euphorbia characias | Perennial

Mediterranean Euphorbia with almost neon chartreuse blooms. An excellent addition to drought-tolerant gardens, Swallowtail Garden shares that spurge needs very little water once it is established. If you’re looking for something that will make people say “wow!,” this is it!

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36. Strawflower
Xerochrysum bracteatum | Annual

Strawflower is extremely fun to grow. Its blooms are papery, and make a crinkly noise. Perfect for everlasting arrangements, Strawflowers keep their color vibrant for years once picked.

This annual is extremely drought tolerant and adds pops of color that persist even in the driest of conditions. I find it very easy to collect seeds from strawflower to save for sowing next season.

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37. Sunflower- Wild West
Helianthus annuus | Annual

Sunflowers are typically hardy plants, but most varieties require more water than I’d quantify as a dry garden. However, The Wild West Sunflower fits in well to the water-wise garden. This special variety is available from Snake River Seeds.

With large yellow blooms, this drought-tolerant annual brings height, pollinators, and bird friends to dry climates.

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38. Sweet Pea - Azureaus
Lathyrus sativus azureus | Annual

Sweet Pea 'Azureaus' is a delicate climber with azure-blue flowers that is stunning to behold. Uprising Organics states that this annual is very adaptable to lower water conditions.

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39. Verbascum - Shades of Summer
Verbascum thapsus | Biennial

Shades of Summer Verbascum will have your neighbors asking “what is that!?” with wonder. The tall spikes come in a variety of colors, and you’ll hear bees buzzing around the blooms from some distance. Mullein is a biennial, so you’ll have to be patient for the blooms that will arrive in its second year. Verbascum thrives in dry soils, and once established, it needs little water.

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Dry Garden Ideas for Flowers

Everlasting flower arrangements:

1. Billy Buttons
2. Scabiosa
3. Strawflower
4. Prickly Poppy (seed heads)
5. Celosia
6. Flax (seed heads)
7. Globe Thistle
8. Nigela (seed heads)
9. Purple Hyacinth Bean
10. Lacy Phacelia
11. Mexican Hat Flower
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Shades of Blue + Purple Cut Flowers:

1. Sky Blue Aster
2. Bachelor's Button
3. Cerinthe
4. Cupid's Dart
5. Flax
6. Globe Thistle
7. Lacy Phacelia
8. Penstemon
9. Purple Hyacinth Bean
10. Azureaus Sweet Pea
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Shades of Yellow + Orange Blooms:

1. African Daisy
2. Billy Buttons
3. California Poppy
4. Coreopsis
5. Cosmos
6. Four O'Clock Strega
7. Mexican Torch
8. Nasturtium
9. Rue
10. Santolina
11. Spurge
12. Strawflower (yellow and orange varieties)
13. Sunflower
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Shades of Pink Xeriscape Ideas:

1. Bachelor's Button (pink)
2. Celosia Flamingo Feather
3. Cosmos
4. Santa Barbara Daisy
5. Heather
6. Joe Pye Weed
7. Lamb Tail - Joey
8. Nasturtium - Pink Ladybird
9. Strawflower (pink varieties)

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Drought-proof Flower Garden: Nature is Resilient

It is pretty amazing to see how many flowers actually thrive in low-water conditions. These blooms will bright your backyard and your day with their tenacity and color.

Whether you live in a naturally dry climate, or have limited water resources, this list will get you off to a great start with dry gardening.

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