
Ashleigh Smith

When it comes to growing plants, the most underrated material needed is the soil. Soil controls nutrient and water availability, ease of root development, and water drainage. When you are faced with a location that tends to naturally be dry, your best option is to grow flowers that enjoy that soil quality. Here we have compiled a list of flowers that like to keep their “feet” dry. While drought tolerance and dry soils are often associated together, this list only focuses on plants that like dry soils. Some flowers listed prefer cool mountain-like climates over hot desert ones. Plan accordingly.
Sweet Alyssum
Alyssum is one of the most popular flowers because of its adaptive characteristics and ability to attract pollinators. It performs well in dry soils and is available in a variety of colors. Add this low-growing annual to fill in your empty spaces this season.
California Poppy
This annual poppy is native to regions stretching from the Pacific Northwest down to Mexico and does well across North America. While these delicate blooms perform well with dry soils, they prefer cooler summer temperatures and are unable to tolerate intense heat and humidity. During high summer heat, these blooms should be watered as needed to keep the roots cool.
Cornflower - Bachelor's Buttons
This delightfully delicate meadow flower is native to cool and temperate areas across Europe but has become naturalized in many areas across the world. These flowers are popular for use in herbal teas, blends, or dried for decoration. Because of their roots as a type of wildflower, it is ideal for growing spaces that tend to have dry soil.
Dahlberg Daisy
This southwestern favorite develops a gorgeous cascading ground cover of low-maintenance yellow blooms. As a native to Texas and Mexico, this flower is an ideal addition to your xeriscapes and dry soil growing areas.
Dusty Miller
Performs well in hot and dry gardens. Like Lamb’s Ear, this annual boasts soft and fuzzy foliage. Grow for a compact splash of white throughout your garden.
Four o'Clock
This trumpet-shaped bloom is both eye-catching and fragrant with a spread of colors. Enjoy this flower in heat-prone areas as it is tolerant of many soil types and can easily be grown in containers. Will attract pollinators such as hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Mexican Sunflower
This showy, drought-tolerant annual is a great addition to your garden as it is deer-resistant, attracts pollinators, and thrives in heat and poor soils. Cut a few stems for a decorative summer bud vase.
Verbena
AKA Vervain - A small petaled flower available in pink, red, purple, white, or orange. They thrive in rock gardens, containers, and flower beds. With well-draining soil, this flower will bloom all season long.
About the Author

I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Become a True Leaf Market Brand Ambassador! You’ll enjoy awesome perks, free products and exclusive swag & offers! Help us create a gardening revolution and help others experience the joy of growing!
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 Comments
No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation
Further Reading
2023 Giving Tuesday Recap
Every year, it seems that the message of Giving Tuesday is reaching more and more people. What a beautiful thing it is to be able to serve the people both within your community and others around the world. If Giving Tuesday is new to you, welcome. This...
Ashleigh Smith
2023-12-062 min read0The Types and Benefits of Homemade Tea
Written By Lara Wadsworth Tea of some kind has been drunk somewhere in the world for at least 5,000 years. This simple yet comforting drink is ingrained in human culture. However, there are so many different kinds of tea and ways to make it that it can...
Ashleigh Smith
2023-12-056 min read0Christmas Wheatgrass Tradition
Published December 5, 2022 There are many traditions associated with Christmas. Hanging stockings, singing carols, giving gifts, etc. Did you know it is also a traditional custom to grow wheatgrass for your Christmas table? In Croatia, you will commonl...
Ashleigh Smith
2023-12-045 min read6Discovering the Festival of Lights: Hanukkah's History and Traditions
Written By Chelsea Hafer Often referred to as the Festival of Lights, hanukkah is a radiant celebration that illuminates the winter season with hope, unity, and tradition. Can you feel the warm glow of candlelight, the sizzle of potato latkes, and the ...
Ashleigh Smith
2023-11-295 min read0