Utilizing drought-tolerant plants in Houston helps conserve water, supports the local ecosystem, and keeps landscapes healthy and attractive even during hot, dry conditions, while also reducing maintenance needs and lowering long-term irrigation costs for homeowners and communities. Here are some of the top runners in drought tolerant plants for the Houston area:
1. Gulf Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Ornamental grass with pinkish plumes in fall; very drought tolerant and adds texture to beds.
2. Fire wheel
Gaillardia pulchella
Bright red and yellow wildflower that thrives in full sun and low water.
3. Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Showy purple blooms that attract butterflies and bees; drought-tolerant once established.
4. Butterfly Weed / Milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa
Orange flower clusters loved by pollinators; water-wise and colorful.
5. Autumn Sage
Salvia greggii
Evergreen perennial with red, pink, or purple blooms; low water once settled.
6. Texas Sage
Leucophyllum frutescens
Silver foliage and purple flowers after rain; highly drought-tolerant shrub.
7. Esperanza / Yellow Bells
*Tecoma stans
Bright yellow tubular blooms from spring to fall; very heat and low-water friendly.
8. Plains Coreopsis
Coreopsis tinctoria
Cheerful yellow with red-center wildflower that reseeds and needs little water.
9. Pink Evening Primrose
Oenothera speciosa
Groundcover with soft pink blooms; water-wise and spreads nicely.
10. Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Native grass with coppery fall foliage; very drought tolerant and low maintenance.
