Water-wise landscaping has become one of the smartest things a Utah gardener can plan for. Between our cold, snowy winters, intensely hot and dry summers, alkaline soil, and ongoing water restrictions along the Wasatch Front, the plants that succeed here are the ones built to handle extremes. The good news: choosing drought-tolerant plants doesn't mean settling for a yard of gravel and a lone cactus. With the right perennials, you can have a landscape full of color, texture, and pollinators that asks for a fraction of the water a traditional lawn or flower bed needs.
At our nursery in Draper, “What's drought-tolerant?” is one of the questions we hear most. Below are five of our favorite low-water perennials for Utah — what they look like, how big they get, and why they earn a spot in a water-wise garden — plus a few tips for helping them thrive.
What makes a plant drought-tolerant in Utah?
A drought-tolerant plant is one that, once established, can handle long stretches with little supplemental water. Because of our climate and elevation, plants here also have to shrug off cold winters and hot, dry summers. The toughest performers usually share a few adaptations:
- Deep or efficient root systems that reach moisture far below the surface
- Silver, fuzzy, or waxy foliage that reflects sun and slows water loss
- Succulent leaves that store water (like sedum and stonecrop)
- Origins in dry, sunny climates or Western habitats similar to ours
Just as important is siting them well — full sun, well-drained soil, and room to grow — and watering enough the first season to get them established. After that, most water-wise perennials get by on infrequent, deep watering, even through a Utah August.
Five drought-tolerant perennials that thrive in Utah
Raspberry Delight Sage
Salvia × 'Raspberry Delight'
A standout perennial featuring vibrant raspberry-red blooms from summer through fall.
At a glance
- Grows approximately 36" tall and wide
- Thrives in full sun
- Long-lasting blooms all season
- Deer resistant
- Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators
Perfect for adding bold color to water-wise landscapes.
Kudos Coral Agastache
Agastache 'Kudos Coral'
One of the best plants available for attracting hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators.
At a glance
- 20–24" tall and 14–16" wide
- Beautiful coral-colored flower spikes
- Long blooming season
- Excellent in borders, mass plantings, and containers
- Resistant to deer, pests, and diseases
If you're creating a pollinator garden, this is a must-have addition.
Evening Sun Evening Primrose
Oenothera missouriensis 'Evening Sun'
This perennial stands out for its bright yellow blooms, which open in the afternoon, stay open through the night, and close again in the morning.
At a glance
- Compact growth habit reaching only 3–6" tall and 15–18" wide
- Attractive silver-gray foliage
- Excellent for rock gardens and slopes
- Tolerates alkaline and nutrient-poor soils
- Attracts butterflies and moths
- Deer resistant
A fantastic choice for difficult landscape areas where other plants struggle to grow.
PowWow Wildberry Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'PAS702917'
A proven performer that delivers vivid purple blooms from early summer into fall.
At a glance
- Easy-care perennial
- Flowers stay colorful without fading
- Minimal deadheading required
- Excellent drought tolerance once established
- Deer resistant
- Pollinator friendly
One of the easiest perennials for adding reliable color to any landscape.
Sunsparkler Lime Twister Stonecrop
Sedum 'Lime Twister'
This eye-catching succulent provides year-round color and texture.
At a glance
- Hardy ground-hugging succulent growing 4–6" tall and 12–16" wide
- Variegated lime-green and yellow foliage
- Produces pink star-shaped flowers in late summer
- Excellent for borders, rock gardens, and containers
A great option for adding contrast and texture to your landscape.
Tips for a water-wise garden in Utah
- Water deeply, not often. Soak the root zone thoroughly, then let the soil dry between waterings to encourage deep roots. Taper off after the first season.
- Mulch every bed. A 2–3 inch layer of bark or decorative rock holds moisture, blocks weeds, and keeps roots cool — which means even less watering.
- Group plants by water needs. Keep the toughest, lowest-water plants together so you are not overwatering them to keep thirstier plants happy.
- Improve the soil. Utah's heavy clay and alkalinity benefit from compost worked in at planting to help drainage and root growth.
- Plant in spring or fall. Cooler weather lets roots establish before the stress of summer heat or winter cold.
Where to find drought-tolerant plants in Utah
Everything on this list is something we carry at our nursery in Draper — though, because we turn through roughly 150 varieties across the season, exactly what's rooted and ready changes week to week. If you're planning a water-wise bed, come walk the lot and our staff will help you choose plants suited to your light, your soil, and how much water you want to use. We also stock the bulk bark, rock, and soil to finish the bed, with delivery across the Wasatch Front. Happy gardening!