Warmer USDA zones are usually any zone 8 to 13, although we’ve included a few zone 7 plants, like rock cotoneaster, mountain spray, and shrubby cinquefoil, in this list since they are on the borderline. You will find several stunners, most have year-round seasonal interest, flower beautifully, or yield berries. Many are fragrant. Some of the hardiest shrubs are those that can take neglect and don’t need much water, such as lantana, Russian sage, and glossy abelia—these plants grow well in dry soil and can survive months without much rainfall. Read on, and you will see you have many options for the most drought-tolerant shrubs. Prune after flowering is complete, using the rule of 1/3 for shrubs to remove old wood. It tends to sucker, so place it where you do not mind if it spreads. You can also remove the suckers each year as needed.
USDA Zones: 5-9Height: 6-10 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Grows in most soil well-draining soils; acidic-alkaline
These shrubs will grow slowly, making it easier to maintain the desired shape with regular pruning after the spring frosts are finished. The branches and evergreen leaves are close together, lending the plant a solid appearance. While boxwood can grow in full sun, it is best to plant this type of shrub in a location that receives some shade if your area is prone to drought.
USDA Zones: 4-10Height: 2-15 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Loamy, well-draining, neutral-alkaline
USDA Zones: 5-9Height: 4-12 ft. tall, depending on the cultivarSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained; acidic-neutral
USDA Zones: 4-9Height: 1-25 ft., depending on conditionsSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained; not rich; coarse
USDA Zones: 5-9Height: Anywhere from 3-35 ft. tall, depending on location and conditionsSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-draining; rocky or coarse; neutral (slightly acidic or alkaline)
USDA Zones: 3-8Height: 3-5 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Loamy, well-drained; slightly acidic
USDA Zones: 2-8Height: 3-12 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained
Fragrant sumac looks like its relative, poison ivy (Rhus radicans or Toxicodendron radicans), but this sumac species contains no toxins. You can use it to cover an area as it will spread throughout by suckers.
USDA Zones: 4-8Height: 2-8 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained; grows well in most soil types.
USDA Zones: 7-11Height: 2-5 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil needs: Well-drained
In some places, this shrub has become invasive as it spreads through rhizomes, so ask about its status for your area at your local nursery.
USDA Zones: 4-9Height: 2-8 ft. tall, depending on the cultivarExposure: Full sun to partial shadeSoil Needs: Well-drained, acid
USDA Zones: 5-8Height: 4-6 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil needs: Well-draining clay, sand, loam; acidic-neutral
USDA Zones: 5-8Height: 6-15 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-draining, acidic
USDA Zones: 6-11Height: 2-6 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained; rocky
USDA Zones: 3-7Height: 1-3 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic
USDA Zones: 3-7Height: 1-20 ft. tall, depending on locationSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained
USDA Zones: 2-8Height: 5-10 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Clay, loam
USDA Zones: 4-9Height: 12-15 ft. tallSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-drained loam
USDA Zones: 2-7Height: 1-4 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-draining
You can turn the buffaloberries into jelly, best preserved before frost (the berries have more pectin). Freezing will mellow the tartness of the fruits so that they become sweeter.
USDA Zones: 3-9Height: Anywhere from 2-18 ft.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-draining
USDA Zones: 4-8Height: 10-30 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained; silt or loam
USDA Zones: 9-10Height: 6– 10 ft. tallSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-draining, acidic
As long as this plant has well-draining soil, it can handle sandy, loamy, and clay soil. It prefers organically rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, although it can also tolerate slightly alkaline soil. Hydrangeas are toxic to pets and humans.
USDA Zones: 4-8Height: 8–15 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained, loam
USDA Zones: 5-9Height: 3-10 ft. tallSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-drained, acidic-neutral
USDA Zones: 4-9Height: 3-15 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained, acidic
USDA Zones: 6-9Height: 7 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-draining, acidic
USDA Zones: 6-9Height: 3-20 ft. tallSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Loose, well-draining
USDA Zones: 6-9Height: 3-6 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-draining, acidic
USDA Zones: 6-9Height: Up to 15 ft.Sun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained, chalk, loam, sand, clay
USDA Zones: 6-9Height: 2-4 ft. tall Sun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained, neutral pH
USDA Zones: 4-8Height: 1-3 ft. tallSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-drained, sandy
USDA Zones: 4-8Height: 9-15 ft. tallSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Needs: Well-drained
USDA Zones: 5-7Height: Up to 3 ft. tallSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-drained, neutral-alkaline
USDA Zones: 7-11Height: Up to 6 ft. tallSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-drained
USDA Zones: 9-11Height: 10–20 feetSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic
USDA Zones: 3-9Height: 3-5 ft. tallSun Exposure: FullSoil Needs: Well-drained, prefers alkaline soil
