Designing your garden to withstand dry periods does not mean you cannot have a great deal of color and variety. Take a look at 10 perennials that may surprise you with their drought-tolerant constitution.

USDA Growing Zones: 8a to 11aColor Varieties: White, purple, or blueSun Exposure: Full sun in summer, indirect sun in winterSoil Needs: Prefer moist soil but can tolerate drought

USDA Growing Zones: 3a to 9aColor Varieties: Rust-colored, rimmed with yellow, red and burgundy varietiesSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Well-draining soil; avoid clay

USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 9a Color Varieties: Mauve, pink, purple, or white, depending on the cultivar Sun Exposure: Full shade to partial shade Soil Needs: Well-drained, with average moisture and fertility needs

USDA Growing Zones: 3a to 9aColor Varieties: GoldSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium, well-drained soil

USDA Growing Zones: 7b to 10aColor Varieties: Yellow, pink, or lavenderSun Exposure: Full sun to light shadeSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium, well-drained soil

USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 9aColor Varieties: Whites, reds, peachSun Exposure: Full SunSoil Needs: Rich, well-draining soil

USDA Growing Zones: 3a to 8aColor Varieties: Blue, white, pinkSun Exposure: Full to partialSoil Needs: Loamy, well-drained

USDA Growing Zones: 3b to 9aColor Varieties: White, blue, pink, and purpleSun Exposure: Partial to full sunSoil Needs: Fertile and well-drained soil

USDA Growing Zones: 5a to 9aColor Varieties: Lavender, white, pink, and even redSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average well-drained soil

USDA Growing Zones: 5a to 9aColor Varieties: White, pinkSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs:  Light sandy soil