Sometimes a home gardener finds it desirable to landscape with drought-resistant plants. The decision could stem from ecology-minded concerns over water usage and depleted water supplies. Alternatively, it may come from a desire to spend less time watering a garden, or spend less money on a home’s water bill. No matter the reason, there are a number of drought-resistant plants that require less water and will thrive in a garden, including perennials, cacti and succulents. One of the best ways to choose drought-resistant plants is to look for species that are native to the geographic area where you live and that are accustomed to the climate, rather than trying to make a non-native species thrive with less water, which is bound to have limited results.

There are numerous varieties of sedum, a deciduous succulent that will provide interesting shapes in the landscape and will also flower, such as a variety called Autumn Joy that flowers in shades that can vary from bronze to pink. Angelina, another variety of sedum, will add bright colors with its golden hue that turns orange and bronze in the autumn. Another drought-resistant plant that likes well-drained soil is the yarrow, and these come in a variety of heights and colors, from a paprika orange-red to sunny gold. A perennial that is native to many areas and also will be prominent on any list of drought-resistant plants is the purple coneflower. These flowers, too, are available in a number of varieties of varying heights. An added benefit with the purple coneflower is its attraction for wildlife, particularly bees and some birds, such as the American goldfinch, who will flock to the flowers’ seed heads.

Some herbs, such as the perennial rosemary with its needle leaves, also will do well in a grouping of drought-resistant plants. Some varieties grow to 5 feet (1.52 meters) tall, while other types of rosemary will be smaller for inclusion in a more compact herb garden. Lavender, too, has similar needle leaves that help it retain water. Another herb that would do well other drought-resistant plants is thyme. This herb grows to a foot (0.304 meters) tall or less and sports pale purple or white flowers. Sage also would be a good choice to include in a selection of drought-resistant plants.

If you like a wide variety, unusual shapes and ease of propagation as well as drought resistance, one of the most perfect plants for a drought-resistant garden is commonly known as hens and chicks, or Sempervivum. It belongs to the succulent family and requires only occasional watering. Hues range from green to blue to reddish shades, and some varieties even sport black in some spots. One variety even adds drama to the garden as it covers itself in fine, silken-looking strands that look like a spider web. These plants have the added attraction of reproducing easily, with the “chicks” or babies forming directly from the mother plant or “hen.”