Middle Tennessee summers can be brutal, with high heat, long dry spells, and intense sun that can take a toll on your landscape. But not all plants wilt under pressure. Some are built for it.
If you’re looking to maintain a beautiful, thriving yard without constant watering and upkeep, these drought-tolerant plants are your summer picks. They don’t just survive — they flourish.
1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
This cheerful, golden-yellow perennial adds color that lasts from summer into early fall. It thrives in full sun and dry soil, attracting pollinators while resisting deer.
2. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
A tough, woody perennial with silvery foliage and lavender blooms, Russian Sage is ideal for open spaces and borders. It tolerates heat, drought, and even poor soil conditions.
3. Lantana
This bright, blooming plant is typically grown as an annual in cooler climates but can behave as a perennial in warmer zones (or if successfully overwintered). Beloved for its vibrant flower clusters and low water needs, lantana thrives in full sun and attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds.
4. Sedum (Stonecrop)
A hardy succulent groundcover, Sedum stores water in its leaves and comes in a variety of textures and colors. It’s a great choice for hot, sunny slopes or rock gardens.
5. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
This native ornamental grass offers blue-green foliage in summer that turns red-bronze in fall. It’s drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and ideal for adding texture and movement.
Milosi’s Tips for a Drought-Tolerant Landscape:
- Group plants by water needs to avoid overwatering.
- Apply mulch to help retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
- Water early in the morning to maximize absorption and minimize waste.
- Choose native or adapted species for best results in Middle Tennessee’s climate.
Design with Resilience in Mind
You don’t have to sacrifice beauty for durability. At Milosi, we specialize in building custom landscapes that stand up to our region’s summer heat and dry conditions — all while reflecting your style and needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and create a landscape that thrives, even when temperatures rise.