Gardening Ideas 20 Drought-Tolerant Native Plants for Southern Gardens By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 9, 2021 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 twenty 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 Helianthus debilis 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. 02 of 20 Beautyberry Ralph Anderson Callicarpa americana 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. 03 of 20 Black-Eyed Susan Timothy Carroll / EyeEm/Getty Images Rudbeckia hirta This dainty wildflower brings some brightness to the landscape thanks to its golden petals that resemble those of daisies. 04 of 20 Columbine Jill King / EyeEm/Getty Images Aquilegia canadensis Native red columbine grows in rocky woodlands and produce delicate red-and-yellow flowers loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 05 of 20 Firebush Photo: Ralph Anderson Hamelia patens This shrub is a butterfly and hummingbird favorite. 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 Pityopsis graminifolia 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. 07 of 20 Longleaf Pine Photo: Ralph Anderson Pinus palustris 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 Hydrangea quercifolia 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. 09 of 20 Pawpaw Southern Living Asimina triloba 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. 10 of 20 Pineland Heliotrope LagunaticPhoto/Getty Images Heliotropium polyphyllum 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. 11 of 20 Pink Muhly Photo: Ralph Anderson Muhlenbergia capillaris 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. 12 of 20 Powderpuff Photo: Ralph Anderson Mimosa strigillosa This is a fast-spreading ground cover with showy blooms. It grows best in sun and can reach 2-3 inches tall. 13 of 20 Railroad Vine SkyF/Getty Images Ipomoea pes-caprae This native plant is tolerant of the salt and the sea, making it great for coastal gardens. It produces pink flowers and is sometimes called beach morning glory. 14 of 20 Scarlet Salvia Thang Tat Nguyen/Getty Images Salvia coccinea This bright blooming plant has vibrant red flowers loved by hummingbirds and butterflies. It's extremely drought tolerant. 15 of 20 Silver Saw Palmetto Photo: Ralph Anderson Serenoa repens 'Cinerea' 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 Tradescantia virginiana This blooming plant is a Southeastern native with a long blooming season. It likes sun or shade and blooms in several colors. 17 of 20 Star Anise seven75/Getty Images Illicium floridanum This fast-growing native shrub has fragrant leaves that smell of licorice when crushed. They can reach heights of 20-25 feet tall. 18 of 20 Swamp Lily passion4nature/Getty Images Crinum americanum 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. 19 of 20 Trumpet Honeysuckle Photo: Ralph Anderson Lonicera sempervirens 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. 20 of 20 Yellow Jessamine ValerijaP/Getty Images Gelsemium rankinii 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit