How Xeriscaping Is Different

Xeriscaping is different from natural landscaping, as the former utilizes both native and non-native plants for water conservation (rather than native only).

XERISCAPING IN THE GARDEN

Lowers consumption of water, which is great for the environment and your wallet!
Less time and work is needed for maintenance.
With appropriate planting design, soil grading, and mulching, xeriscaped plants will take full advantage of rainfall retention.
When water restrictions are implemented by municipality or water costs, xeriscape plants will tend to survive and thrive—while more ornamental plants may be unable to adapt.
Can be more visually interesting than lawns

Plan for pathways, plantings, seating, and play areas.
Choose native and drought tolerant plants to cut down on watering needs.
Site plants with higher water needs (e.g. veggies and roses) together and closer to the water source.
Prepare a wide space around the base of a plant to allow roots to spread out horizontally, blending compost/organic matter into soil when needed.
Adding a permeable layer of mulch on the surface of the soil keeps roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It also reduces weeds and evaporation.
Water efficiently by using soaker hoses and drip systems whenever possible.
A smaller lawn means less mowing, watering, fertilizing, and herbicide use.
Use permeable hardscaping (materials that allow rainwater to flow through and soak into the soil instead of going through the sewer system).

Visit our Xeric Map
Print out the Xeric Map with Lists of Xeric Plants

EXPLORE WET & DRY ZONE PLANTS

These plants need regular water during dry summer months. Plant them near a water source to minimize work and save water.

Vegetables: Even though many vegetables love heat, they also love water. For best production, give them consistent moisture.

Annuals: Plants that bloom all spring and summer, then die in winter—such as Marigolds and Petunias. They perform best when given consistent moisture.

Perennial Plant Options:

Aquilegia: Columbine
Campanula: Bell Flower
Canna: Canna Lily
Hemerocallis: Day Lily
Ferns
Hostas
Iris ensata: Japanese Iris
Lobelia cardinalis: Cardinal Flower
Mimulus: Monkey Flower
Monarda: Bee Balm
Tradescantia: Spiderwort
Veronica longifolia: Speedwell

Shrub Options:

Clethra: Summersweet
Cornus alba, sanguinea and sericea: Red-twig Dogwood
Hardy Gardenias ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ and ‘Frost Proof’
Musa basjoo and Musella lasiocarpa: Hardy Bananas
Osmaronia: Indian Plum
Phormium: New Zealand Flax
Physocarpus: Ninebark
Ribes sanguineum: Flowering Currant
Rosa: Roses
Salix: Willow
Spiraea: Spirea
Vaccinium ovatum and V. parvifolium: Huckleberry

Grasses Options:

Tree Options:

Generally, trees are drought tolerant once established. Healthy trees are planted with other plants that have the same water needs as the tree. Therefore, most trees should be under-planted with drought tolerant plants.

The following is a list of trees that are more tolerant of consistently moist soils. Be cautious though, many grow to be very large and could interfere with foundations and water lines if planted too close to the house.