Xeriscape - Not Just Cactus & Rocks!

Wait- Drought resistant landscaping doesn’t have to just be cactus and rocks??

The words “xeriscape” or “drought resistant” often elicit the visual of prickly cactus surrounded by a sea of harsh dry rocks as far as they eye can see. 

While this kind of landscaping can be done very well, and is fitting for some homes, many others may wish for something more lush when it comes to their yard. 

When looking for water efficient, drought resistant and low maintenance (xeriscape) options we find it’s very helpful to look straightaway into xeric plants that are native to the Mediterranean, Australia, Africa and South America. 

Here are our J&B’s top 15 - yes, really, 15 plants that are xeriscape friendly and not cactus!

1. Kangaroo Paws:

2. Lantana:

3. Salvia:

Native to Mexico & Guatemala, this plant permeates a fresh, bright scent that's reminiscent of freshly cut pineapple, leading to its common name of ‘Pineapple Sage!’ 

4. Lomandra:

Native to Australia, this plant will grow in full blazing sun, and is tolerant of most soil types. 

5. Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia):

Native to North & South America, a heat loving flower that readily blooms in the sun! Stunning to see, easy to keep.  
 

6. Rosemary:

Native to the Mediterranean, this plant is evergreen, has beneficial health properties when consumed or used in salves, and gives off a lovely scent. 

7. Kurapia:

Native to Japan! A fast growing, low maintenance ground cover that can be used as a traditional grass lawn alternative.

8. Poppy Mallows:

Native to North and South America, this beauty loves sunshine and can tolerate the heat with little water! 

9. Lavender:

Its scent, taste and beneficial health properties are revered, loved and used all over the world. Lavender varieties can be commonly found across the Canary Islands, North and East Africa, South Europe and the Mediterranean, Arabia, and India. 

10. Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea):

Native to Australia, this plant prefers full sun to partial shade. 

11. Juniper:

This plant can be found all over the world, it is known to be hearty, beautifully scented, and can be used as a shrub, or tree! 

12. Limonium (Sea Lavender):

Hailing from Mediterranean and Central Asia, this beautiful plant was once commonly used to make medicinal tonics!

13. St. Elmo's Fire Plant (Firecracker Plant):

A friend to all hummingbirds and pollinators, this fiery plant is content in warm weather - in the ground or potted! 

14. Mexican Heather:

Native to Mexico and Guatemala, this plant attracts pollinators and detracts insects like mosquitoes - The Mexican Heather does best in full sun! 

15. Dierama Pendulum:

Native to Africa, this wand-like flowering plant can easily thrive in dry conditions!