One of the biggest concerns for landscape contractors and designers is having to replace plants that die off. After all, no landscaping business wants unhappy clients. Plus, replacing plants can cost your business time and money and wreak havoc on your schedule.

To prevent those issues, we’re going to review five fantastic shrubs that are incredibly drought-tolerant. Being able to thrive in super-dry conditions is just the tip of the iceberg with these amazing plants, though.

Our Expert Picks for Drought Tolerance
These are our top five shrubs that can survive severe droughts and brutal climates. 

1. Buddleia 
2. Nandina 
3. Ligustrum 
4. Loropetalum
5. Podocarpus 

More details and attributes for each are coming up. First, let’s touch on what your clients think about drought-tolerant landscaping.

Drought-tolerant landscape plant Buddleia featured in the landscape.
Why is Drought-Tolerant Landscaping So Popular Now?
Americans all over the country are increasingly aware of any action that affects the environment. As professionals who work hand in hand with nature, we all get to make positive impacts on the environment. Using drought-resistant landscaping is one way to accomplish that while showing clients that we care about the ecosystem that affects them and the community.

Below are key reasons drought-tolerant plants are in high demand today:

• Huge Savings: They need less water, leading to lower water bills and reduced maintenance costs.
• Low Impact: Drought-resistant landscaping supports local ecologies instead of draining them of resources.
• Pest Repellent: Generally, destructive pests go after less hardy plants that depend on regular watering.
• Double Curb Appeal: Adding plants that are both attractive and eco-friendly makes properties stand out even more.
• Adapt and Survive: Drought-tolerant shrubs can handle changing climate conditions better than water-hungry shrubs.
• Biodiversity: Drought-resistant plants (natives especially) provide the best habitats for helpful species like butterflies and bees.
• Super Soils: Deep roots from these adaptable plants improve soil health by enhancing drainage and natural aeration.

No wonder drought-resistant landscaping is more popular than ever. It’s those benefits above, along with the boundless beauty of these hardy plants that come in a ton of shapes, sizes, colors, etc. 

Now for the details on our top five picks.

Drought-tolerant landscape plant Loropetalum featured in the landscape. Key Features of Our Top 5 Drought-Tolerant Shrubs

• Buddleia (varieties: Pugster blue, Pugster pink, Dapper white) - A butterfly attractor with fresh-scented blooms that, once established, can handle drought conditions.
• Nandina (varieties: Firepower, Gulfstream, Flirt, Lemon lime) - Adapts to sun or shade and various soil types while adding colorful foliage changes throughout the seasons.
• Ligustrum (varieties: Sunshine, Recurve, Waxleaf, Howardii) - Great for low-maintenance and flexible landscape designs as it can be shaped or left to grow naturally.
• Loropetalum (varieties: Crimson fire, Purple diamond, Emerald snow ) - Bright foliage in shades of purple, pink, and red that thrives in arid conditions once it takes root.
• Podocarpus (variety: Var. maki) - Adds lush foliage year-round and enhances the soil with deep roots while having low water requirements.

Time for more insights and styling options for these drought resistors.

Drought-tolerant plant Nandina featured in the landscape.
Usage for Drought-Tolerant Plants 
You can’t go wrong with any of the shrubs listed above. They all have unique and versatile features that landscape designers can weave into a property, whether it’s a cozy residential setting or a modern commercial property. Let’s look at the possibilities.

Not only can Podocarpuses handle droughts, but they can also endure extreme cold and heat -  even salt spray! This species can shine as a standalone feature in a commercial setting or as a screen for residential privacy. For properties needing to add more intrigue, Loropetalums spice things up with ribbon-like flowers in pink or white. This plant is among the most versatile as it can grow on slopes, in rock gardens, and in containers.

Ligustrums add more than fragrant flowers and interesting berries to garden areas. These water-saving shrubs can reduce erosion and attract beautiful birds from all around. This adds movement and “natural entertainment” to commercial spaces or homeowners’ backyards. If deer are nibbling away at your landscape, consider Nandinas. They are one of the best deer-repellent plants available, while resistance to disease and insects makes them one of the easiest plants to care for. The lovely array of seasonal color changes is the cherry on top.

Lastly, Buddleias are the answer to poor soil conditions, as they can thrive in sandy and clay-filled ground. This sustainable shrub features more than hardiness, with visual appeal that’s irresistible to butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, - and humans! 

MNI Direct: Your Source for Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Plants
The following two facts put a fine point on the theme we covered here today.

ArborDay.org statistics show that roughly one out of five of all new street trees die soon after being planted nationwide, and poor species selection is a key factor in newly planted trees dying, according to Iowa State University’s Extension Office. Drought-tolerant landscaping is in the best interest of everyone working in the green industry. We covered how much it matters to your clients alongside the huge savings possible for your business due to the increasing survival rates of the plants you install. 

We hope your company will take full advantage of the five shrubs we showcased. They have the total package - beauty, sustainability, and reduced worry of dying off. Contact us today to become an MNI Direct customer and join hundreds of other happy customers, many of whom have been with us for over 16 years. Exclusive contractor pricing is available, so contact us today!