Drought-resistant plants: How to keep your garden attractive even in hot summers

Hot days, prolonged droughts, and a lack of rain are increasingly posing challenges for our gardens. The situation was particularly noticeable in Bavaria in 2026: since spring, rainfall has frequently been below the long-term monthly averages, while temperatures have been above average. In the Augsburg area, soil moisture temporarily dropped to less than 20 percent of the available field capacity at depths of 0 to 60 centimeters – the long-term average for this period is 60 to 70 percent.

For garden owners, this means that plant selection is becoming increasingly important. Those who choose perennials and shrubs suited to the location and soil can significantly reduce their garden's water requirements – and still enjoy diverse flowerbeds, long flowering periods, and attractive structures.

Why drought-tolerant plants are becoming increasingly important

Drought is no longer limited to isolated, exceptionally hot summer days. High temperatures combined with low rainfall can drastically reduce soil moisture levels. In the summer of 2026, for example, Bavaria experienced a rainfall deficit of approximately 32 percent. At the same time, numerous groundwater monitoring stations showed low levels.

This makes using water consciously sensible in the garden as well. It's not about completely foregoing watering. Rather, the plants, location, soil, and watering should be as well-suited as possible.

In professional horticulture, it is therefore recommended to group plants with similar water requirements, mulch planting areas, and use water strategically. Watering in the early morning is particularly beneficial, as this reduces evaporation losses.

The right plant for the right location

The most important step towards a more drought-resistant garden begins even before planting. A sunny bed with well-drained soil requires different plants than a partially shaded area.

For warm, sunny, and rather dry locations, many perennials and subshrubs that originally come from drier habitats are suitable. These include stonecrop (Sedum), Russian sage (Perovskia), sage (Salvia), lavender (Lavandula), thyme (Thymus), lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina), and bluebeard (Caryopteris) .

They bring different growth forms, leaf structures and flowering times to the garden bed and can therefore be combined excellently with each other.

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Our favorites for sunny and dry spots

Stonecrop (Sedum) is a classic choice for sunny locations. Its fleshy leaves can store water. At the same time, its late flowering provides color when many other perennials have already finished blooming.

Russian sage (Perovskia) loves warmth and sun. Its delicate blue-violet flower spikes give plantings a light, almost Mediterranean effect.

Sage (Salvia) is another essential plant in a sunny perennial border. Various species and varieties offer intense flower colors and combine beautifully with other drought-tolerant perennials.

Lavender and thyme not only bring a Mediterranean flair to the garden. Both prefer sunny, well-drained locations and, once established, cope relatively well with dry periods.

Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) is particularly striking due to its silvery-haired leaves. This leaf structure makes it a visually appealing contrast to green perennials.

For flatter areas, walls and flower bed edges , rock cress (Aubrieta), mountain alyssum (Alyssum montanum) and creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) are also suitable.

Structure is also essential in a dry garden.

A diverse garden isn't just about flowering perennials. Smaller shrubs and subshrubs give beds height and structure.

Depending on the location, plants such as barberry, cotoneaster, santolina , or rosemary can be used. It is important to consider the specific requirements of each species and variety. Not every plant that tolerates temporary drought is automatically suitable for every dry location.

This is especially true for plants such as Heuchera, heather or lavender heath : In addition to water supply, light conditions, soil type and pH value also play an important role.

Water less – but do it right

Even drought-tolerant plants need water. This is especially true immediately after planting. Only once a sufficiently large root system has developed can plants better withstand dry periods.

Instead of frequently moistening only the top few centimeters of soil, water should be applied as precisely as possible. A layer of mulch can also help reduce evaporation from the soil surface. In professional horticulture, water-retaining substrates and grouping plants according to their water requirements are also mentioned as ways to reduce the need for irrigation.

However, too much water is also problematic: Constantly wet and poorly aerated substrates can stress roots and promote the development of diseases. For example, specialist information on cultivation explicitly points out the risks of excessive watering, compacted substrates, and poor drainage.

Drought resilience begins with the soil.

Good garden soil should be able to absorb and retain water without becoming waterlogged. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take a closer look at the existing soil before planting anything new.

Adequate drainage is particularly important for plants in dry, sunny locations. At the same time, the soil should not be made as "dry" as possible across the board: even drought-tolerant plants need a reliable water supply during their establishment phase.

The combination of suitable plant selection, well-prepared soil, mulching and targeted watering is therefore much more effective than a single measure.

A beautiful garden despite the drought

A drought-resistant garden doesn't have to look barren or monotonous. Quite the opposite: with sedum, sage, Russian sage, coneflower, lamb's ear, lavender and suitable structural plants, diverse plantings with different colors, heights and flowering times can be created.

And the advantage becomes clearer with each hot summer: plants that are suited to their location require less additional support and make the garden more robust overall.

Anyone in Grafing and the surrounding area who wants to gradually adapt their garden to warmer and drier summers can start doing so with their next garden bed design.

We at the Köstler nursery are happy to advise you on the selection of suitable perennials and shrubs and help you to find the right plants for your location.

Because a sustainable garden begins above all with a simple question: Which plant is truly suitable for this location?