10 Drought-Tolerant Plants That Are Safe For Dogs

Landscaping a yard when you have dogs can be tricky You want plants that will survive your area’s climate, look beautiful, and be safe for your furry friends For those dealing with hot, dry conditions, picking drought-tolerant plants is key.

The good news is that there are plenty of dog-friendly options that can withstand low rainfall Here are 10 great drought-resistant plants to consider for your dog-loving yard

1. Lavender

Drought tolerant, fragrant, and dog-friendly, lavender is a great choice for areas that are hot and arid. This flower also repels mosquitoes, making outdoor time more pleasant.

There are over 40 species of lavender, and most do well in full sun and well-drained soil. The plants are hardy to USDA zones 5-9. Give them afternoon shade if you live an extremely hot climate.

2. Agave

With their dramatic architectural shapes, agaves lend a tropical vibe to dry gardens. The plants store water in their thick, succulent leaves, so they require little irrigation once established. There are over 200 agave species to pick from.

Most agaves have rosettes of rigid leaves with small teeth along the margins. Tiny tubular flowers may appear on tall stalks depending on the variety. Agaves grow in USDA zones 7-11.

3. Salvia

This large genus includes many drought-tolerant plants safe for dogs. Garden sage (Salvia officinalis) is a culinary herb and evergreen perennial with gray-green foliage. It thrives in zones 5-10.

For color, try Salvia farinacea cultivars like ‘Victoria Blue’. Their true-blue flower spikes bloom spring to fall in zones 7-10. Red salvia (S. coccinea) and rose sage (S. involucrata) are two other dog-friendly options.

4. Rock Rose

Rock rose (Cistus x purpureus) handles dry conditions with ease. This evergreen shrub produces saucer-shaped flowers in pink, white, and purple from spring into summer. It grows 1-3 feet tall and wide in zones 7-10.

Other perks are this plant’s tolerance for poor, rocky soil and its deer resistance. Give rock rose full sun exposure and trim it back every few years to promote blooming and a tidy form.

5. Blanket Flower

A long summer bloom time is one reason to include blanket flower (Gaillardia) in drought-friendly gardens. Flowers come in warm shades of red, orange, yellow, and peach with fringed petals.

Blanket flowers are hardy in zones 3-10. Plant them in a spot with well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous bloom.

6. Verbena

Verbena thrives in the challenging growing conditions found in zones 7-11. Small clusters of tiny flowers give it a delicate appearance, but this plant is tough. The blooms attract butterflies while repelling deer.

Trailing verbena varieties like Verbena x hybrida ‘Homestead Purple’ spill beautifully over container edges. For beds and borders, grow upright types such as V. canadensis ‘Homestead Red.’ Give verbena full sun and moderate water.

7. Daylily

Add pops of color to a dry landscape with daylilies. Tough, resilient, and pet-safe, these perennials grow just about anywhere. Flower colors include red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, cream, and bi-color blends.

Daylilies thrive in zones 3-10. Plant them in full sun to light shade and average to dry soil. Established plants can tolerate drought but give them supplemental water during flowering for best results. Divide clumps every few years to control spread.

8. Yarrow

With lacy, fern-like leaves and flat-topped blooms, yarrow makes an attractive drought-tolerant ground cover or border plant. Flower colors include white, yellow, pink, red, and coppery-orange. The flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

Avoid spreading types like ‘Coronation Gold’ unless you have ample room. For more compact growth, choose Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ or ‘Summer Pastels’. Yarrows grow in zones 3-9. Give them at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

9. Russian Sage

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) stands up to heat, drought, pests, and disease. Airy purple flower spikes create a hazy, romantic effect in the garden from midsummer into fall. This sage has an upright vase shape and gray-green foliage. It reaches 3-5 feet tall and wide at maturity.

Grow Russian sage in zones 5-9. Prune it back hard in early spring to control size and promote new growth. A few hours of morning sun are sufficient, but don’t plant this sage in too much shade.

10. Sedum

Succulent sedums come in a rainbow of colors and thrive in dry, poor soil. Try ‘Autumn Joy’ for large pink blooms or ‘Angelina’ for chartreuse foliage. Low-growing varieties work well as drought-tolerant ground covers.

Most sedums grow in zones 3-9 and need at least 6 hours of sun. Space them 18-24 inches apart in well-drained soil. Leave the seed heads over winter so birds can snack on the seeds. Cut back any dead growth in spring.

Choosing the Right Plants

When selecting drought-tolerant plants, consider your gardening zone and each plant’s specific needs. Full sun lovers like salvia won’t thrive in too much shade. Water-wise succulents require excellent drainage.

Visit garden centers at the right time to find plants in bloom. This helps ensure you’ll get the flower colors you want. Always check a plant’s mature size before purchasing to avoid overcrowding.

While these plants tolerate drought, giving them occasional deep watering will keep them looking their best. 2-3 inches of mulch around the base insulates soil and reduces water evaporation.

With the right plants and care, you can have a thriving dog-friendly garden even in dry conditions. Just be sure to train your pets not to trample or eat the plants. With a little planning, your yard can be both dog and drought-friendly.