Gardening Ideas 20 Drought-Tolerant Native Plants For Southern Gardens By Southern Living Editors Updated on October 11, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Thang Tat Nguyen/Getty Images When it comes to finding new species to plant in our gardens, we often turn to native plants. They're well suited to our environment and can stand up to the heat and drought of Southern summers. Why plant native plants? The U.S. Forest Service says, "Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals." We've gathered 20 native plants in this list that will bring attractive blooms, foliage, and fruits to your Southern garden. These drought-tolerant, Southeastern-native flowers and trees are a pleasure to tend and, as a plus, thrive in even the hottest summer temperatures. 01 of 20 Beach Sunflower Photo: Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Helianthus debilisSun Exposure: Full SunSoil Type: Sandy, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic (5.8-6.5) These pretty plants may be prostrate or upright. They like full sun and are often seen growing on dunes, hence their common name, beach sunflower. Since they are native to coastal areas, they prefer some sand in their soil. Their bright yellow flowers attract butterflies. 02 of 20 Beautyberry Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Callicarpa americanaSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Clay, Loamy, Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.0-7.0) This fun plant has clusters of purple berries that appear in late summer and fall. It grows best in sun or light shade and can reach 6 feet tall. Use individual plants to add color to your garden or group several as a border. This low-maintenance plant may need some water during periods without rain. It is not prone to disease or pests. 03 of 20 Black-Eyed Susan Timothy Carroll / EyeEm / Getty Images Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirtaSun Exposure: Full SunSoil Type: Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic, Neutral (6.8) This dainty wildflower brings some brightness to the landscape thanks to its golden petals that resemble those of daisies. The deer-resistant flower is an early summer bloomer that attracts butterflies and bees. Easy to grow, these golden flowers do spread and reseed themselves. American goldfinches are attracted to their seeds at the end of the season. 04 of 20 Columbine Jill King / EyeEm/Getty Images Botanical Name: Aquilegia canadensisSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Loamy, Sandy, Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Slightly Acidic (6.0-7.0) Native red columbine grows in rocky woodlands and produces delicate red-and-yellow flowers loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Once established, columbine is drought-tolerant. These flowers make great borders or additions to rock and woodland gardens. They bloom in spring and will reseed. 05 of 20 Firebush Photo: Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Hamelia patensSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Well-drainedSoil pH: Neutral, Acidic (5.5-7.0) This shrub is a butterfly and hummingbird favorite. Birds love the berries on this easy-to-grow native perennial. It blooms all summer and thrives in full sun. In the right conditions, it can grow from 8-10 feet tall. 06 of 20 Goldenaster Photo: Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Pityopsis graminifoliaSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Sandy, Well-drainedSoil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5) This sweet flower is a Southeastern native that grows to 2 feet high. It likes full sun and sandy soil, and with the right conditions is a long bloomer, bringing yellow blooms to the garden for several months. It easily spreads and can be used as a ground cover in dry to moist soils. 07 of 20 Longleaf Pine Photo: Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Pinus palustrisSun Exposure: Full SunSoil Type: Sandy, Loamy, Well-drained, Tolerates ClaySoil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.0-6.5) This is a classic pine of the Southeast. It has graceful, long needles. As for its growing conditions, it likes plenty of sun and deep, moist soil. 08 of 20 Oakleaf Hydrangea Stephanie D. Dudek/Getty Images Botanical Name: Hydrangea quercifoliaSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Slightly Acidic (5.0-6.5) This native shrub has big green leaves that resemble those of oaks alongside large conical clusters of flowers that fade from white or cream to pink and purple. These hydrangeas like afternoon shade. Add a layer of mulch to preserve moisture. 09 of 20 Pawpaw Southern Living Botanical Name: Asimina trilobaSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Neutral to Acidic (5.5-7.0) Known for their big drooping leaves and edible green fruit (also known as pawpaws), these trees are native to and can be found throughout the United States. These trees are typically found in the understory in their native habitat, and they do well with partial shade. They need plenty of water with well-draining soil. 10 of 20 Pineland Heliotrope LagunaticPhoto/Getty Images Botanical Name: Heliotropium polyphyllumSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Sandy, Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic (6.0-6.5) This perennial produces dainty yellow or white flowers and attracts pollinators. It's best grown in full sun or part shade and is often seen as a wildflower. It is drought-tolerant and does well in many growing conditions. It spreads as a creeping ground cover. 11 of 20 Pink Muhly Photo: Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Muhlenbergia capillarisSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Dry, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.5-7.0) This native grass grows from 3-4 feet tall. It tolerates sun or light shade. It's a popular landscaping plant because its very showy plumes appear in early fall. This ornamental grass is easy to care for, requiring little water and thriving in hot climates. 12 of 20 Powderpuff Photo: Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Mimosa strigillosaSun Exposure: Full SunSoil Type: Loamy, Sandy, Dry to Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Neutral (6.2-7.1) This is a fast-spreading ground cover with showy blooms that tolerates mowing. It grows best in sun and can reach 2-3 inches tall. It is drought-tolerant once established and attracts butterflies and bees. 13 of 20 Railroad Vine SkyF/Getty Images Botanical Name: Ipomoea pes-capraeSun Exposure: Full SunSoil Type: Sandy, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic, Alkaline (6.5-7.5) This native plant is tolerant of the salt and the sea, making it great for coastal gardens. It spreads as a ground cover and produces pink flowers. Sometimes called beach morning glory, its flowers last only one day, but the vine continually produces blooms. 14 of 20 Scarlet Salvia Thang Tat Nguyen/Getty Images Botanical Name: Salvia coccineaSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Loamy, Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Neutral to Acidic (5.5-6.5) Add a pop of color to the garden. This bright blooming plant has vibrant red flowers loved by hummingbirds and butterflies. Deadhead flowers to maintain productivity. This easy-care plant is extremely drought tolerant. 15 of 20 Silver Saw Palmetto Photo: Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Serenoa repens 'Cinerea'Sun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Sandy, Well-drainedSoil pH: Neutral, Acidic, Alkaline (6.1-7.8) This popular palm-shaped plant grows from 6-7 feet tall and wide. It's versatile and can tolerate both sun and light shade. It's also tolerant of tough temps and is hardy to 15 degrees. 16 of 20 Spiderwort Photo: Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Tradescantia virginianaSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic (6.8-7.2) This blooming plant is a Southeastern native with a long blooming season. It's a relatively easy plant that likes sun or shade and blooms in several colors. Because it grows in clumps, it's a good choice for borders. 17 of 20 Star Anise seven75/Getty Images Botanical Name: Illicium floridanumSun Exposure: Partial, Full ShadeSoil Type: Loamy, Sandy, Well-drainedSoil pH: Neutral to Acidic (5.0-7.0) This fast-growing native shrub has fragrant leaves that smell of licorice when crushed. They can reach heights of 20-25 feet tall. A low-maintenance shrub, it works well in borders, containers, or as a privacy hedge. 18 of 20 Swamp Lily passion4nature/Getty Images Botanical Name: Crinum americanumSun Exposure: Full SunSoil Type: Loamy, Sandy, Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.6-7.5) These blooming plants, also known as crinum lilies or string lilies, grow in standing water and swampy areas such as streams and bogs. They are drought resistant when conditions deem it necessary. They bloom from late summer through fall, and the plant will increase in size each year. 19 of 20 Trumpet Honeysuckle Photo: Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Lonicera sempervirensSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Loamy, Sandy, Clay, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline (6.0-8.5) This twining vine, also known as coral honeysuckle, produces tube-shaped red and coral flowers in spring and summer. It likes the sun and is a favorite of hummingbirds. Its red berries attract songbirds in the fall. This honeysuckle variety is not invasive and can also be grown in a large container. 20 of 20 Yellow Jessamine ValerijaP/Getty Images Botanical Name: Gelsemium rankiniiSun Exposure: Partial, Full SunSoil Type: Moist, Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic to Neutral (6.0-7.5) This vine, also known as swamp jasmine, can be found in wet environments and is known for its small yellow flowers, which appear in spring and fall. It appreciates regular water but can survive dry spells. It can be used as a ground cover, on an arbor, or in a container. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit