12 Pretty Plants That Can Stay Alive For 2+ Weeks Without Water

1. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

California’s state flower thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. These perennials are very forgiving about soil quality and should do fine in sandy, rocky locations. As far as watering goes, they can go 2-4 weeks without rainfall. They have a relatively short flowering window—typically a few weeks in the late spring—but their blooms will add a vibrant pop of color to your yard. (Hugg loves the way they look next to purple varieties like lavender.) Deadheading them regularly will help extend their flowering period.

Hardiness zones: Zones 8 to 10 (Southern states, California, Western Oregon and Washington)

Water needs: Water every 2-4 weeks

Blooms in: Late spring

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2. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)

Also known as the torch lily, this commanding plant will add height and texture to your garden arrangements. The Red Hot Poker is suitably named for its dramatic red-orange blooms and it delivers the drama with relatively little water (though it's not as drought resistant as other options on the list). The easiest way to keep this perennial plant happy is by giving it enough space. Be sure to place it 1-2 feet away from your other blooms.

Hardiness zones: Zones 6 to 9 (Most states except the midwest, upstate New York, Maine, and Vermont)

Water needs: Water every 1-2 weeks

Blooms in: Late spring and summer

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3. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

Native to the Eastern and Central U.S., this wildflower—a cousin of the daisy—brings on the cheer. You may see Black-eyed Susans growing in inhospitable conditions like along roadsides; proving how hardy they are once they're in the ground. They can withstand periods of cold and high heat, and they've adapted to grow in partial shade as well as full sun. Hall notes that thanks to their deep, wide root systems, they're good at soaking up water too.

Hardiness zones: Zones 3 to 10 (Most states)

Water needs: Water every 1-2 weeks

Blooms in: Late summer and fall

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4. Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

This wispy prairie grass adds a soft touch to any garden and can produce some flowering stems in late summer. Once it's established, the grass is quick to grow and doesn't need much in order to spread (becoming invasive in some conditions). Little bluestem does well in all types of soils, and can even thrive in clay. It prefers to stay on the dry side, making it a great drought-tolerant option.

Hardiness zones: Zones 3 to 9 (Most states)

Water needs: Water every 2-3 weeks

Blooms in: Late summer

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5. Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

This cheery plant is extremely low-maintenance and can withstand periods of heat, drought, and disease very well. Most of the time, it will get enough water from rainfall, but those who live in dry climates might need to give them a drink every 2-3 weeks. Bonus: hungry pollinators love its golden yellow flowers.

Hardiness zones: Zones 3 to 9 (Most states)

Water needs: Water every 2-3 weeks

Blooms in: Late summer

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6. Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa)

The Eastern prickly pear, or devil's-tongue, is a classic cactus that puts out flowers and edible fruit in the right conditions. Like most types of succulents, the prickly pear stores water in its leaves as a reserve during times of drought, making it a great pick for dry areas. Give it plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil, and you'll be able to get away with going up to a month or more without watering.

Hardiness zones: Zones 4 to 9 (Most states except the upper midwest)

Water needs: Water every 3-4 weeks

Blooms in: Early summer

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7. Sunflowers (Helianthus)

Lively sunflowers can make beautiful additions to your cutting garden or container arrangement, and Hall loves them as a drought-tolerant option. Give them well-draining soil, place them in a spot that gets plenty of light, and water them every 1-2 weeks to watch them grow tall and strong.

Hardiness zones: Zones 4 to 9 (Most states except the upper midwest)

Water needs: Water every 1-2 weeks

Blooms in: Summer

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8. Autumn Joy (Sedum telephium)

Hugg refers to the Autumn Joy (a type of sedum/ stonecrop) as one of the "greatest hits" of drought-tolerant plants. And for good reason: Sedums are perennial plants that come in vibrant colors and are super easy to care for. Since they're technically succulents, they store water in their fleshy stems and leaves and can go weeks without watering. Come autumn, they stay true to their name and produce joyful red-pink flower clusters.

Hardiness zones: Zones 3 to 9 (Most states)

Water needs: Water every 2 to 4 weeks

Blooms in: Fall

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9. Agave (Agave)

Those who live in really hot, dry climates will be able to keep agave plants at home. In the right conditions, agave can grow up to 30 feet tall and produce striking flowers once in a blue moon. This type of succulent really hates the cold and requires full sun and gritty soil—but once it's in a good spot, it can stay alive with practically no water.

Hardiness zones: Zones 8 or 9 (Southern states, California)

Water needs: Water every 2 to 4 weeks

Blooms in: Every 5-10 years

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10. Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata)

Hugg notes that the fragrant Blue Juniper is a surprisingly drought-resistant evergreen shrub that can also withstand periods of extreme heat. (Its blue waxy coating serves as protection from the hot sun!) While they need more frequent watering during their first year in the ground, these shrubs can go weeks without watering once established.

Hardiness zones: Zones 4 to 8 (Most states except the upper midwest)

Water needs: Every 2-3 weeks once mature

Blooms in: N/A

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11. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow has long been grown for medicinal use, but the drought-tolerant perennial also just adds a pretty touch to any garden. The adaptable plant can thrive just about anywhere where it gets full sun. (It won't produce as many flowers in shady conditions.) Its delicate-looking flowers will stick around all the way from spring to fall, and they'll grow extra lush with regular pruning.

Hardiness zones: Zones 3 to 9 (Most states)

Water needs: Water every 2 to 4 weeks

Blooms in: Spring to fall

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12. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender plants will give your garden a gorgeous aroma and pop of color for relatively little work. They need plenty of light but can go a few weeks in between watering. Just prune them annually and be sure to give them enough room to grow.

Hardiness zones: Zones 5 to 10 (Most states excerpt the upper northeast and midwest)

Water needs: Water every 2 to 3 weeks

Blooms in: Late spring

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