Drought Resistant Plants

An Almost Eden exclusive introduction for 2026! The unique, 4" wide, deep cranberry colored, single flowers are heavily edged in a contrasting orchid purple at the ends of the petals and are centered by a contrasting cream colored staminal column. The nectar rich flowers are produced from mid to late spring to fall and attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Aerial Elixirs™ Cranberry Eclipse™ Althea or Rose of Sharon, a selection of Hibiscus syriacus developed by J. Curran, is a large growing, long flowering, deciduous shrub with a moderate to fast rate of growth. This Rose of Sharon tends to have an upright habit when young, rounding out slightly at maturity to about 8-10' high and about 4-6' wide. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in an average moist, average to well-drained, moderately fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Caterpillar host: Gray hairstreak. Item# 13581

Tall sturdy branching spikes adorned with tubular, two-lipped, pale sky blue flowers with a slightly darker blue hood are produced from spring or early summer into fall attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. African Sky Salvia is a vigorous, freely flowering, clump-forming, deer and drought resistant, tropical, shrubby perennial with medium green, rough, fragrant foliage perfectly suited to hot sunny sites in well-drained soils. It can be even be grown as a clipped hedge in freeze free, tropical locations. Use African Sky Salvia in containers for an easy care, pollinator attracting plant with a long season of flowering. This is quite different from the similarly named, spring and fall flowering Salvia uliginosa 'African Skies', a selection of Bog Sage. Item# 12552

Beautiful, rich purplish pink, fully double, rose-like 2" flowers are produced in early to midspring. Amelia Rose Evergreen Azalea is a Dr. Eugene Aromi hybrid with a vigorous upright to rounded habit and a long season of flowering. It will eventually build into a 6' x 6' medium-sized shrub. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Item # 1186

A 2020 All American Selections Herbaceous Perennial award winner! 2-3" wide dark-eyed golden yellow daisies are produced throughout the summer and even into fall atop a dense and compact well-branched plant. American Gold Rush Rudbeckia was selected with disease resistance in mind as well as this plant's ability to flower throughout summer and a compact habit. It may be most similar to and is considered to be a hybrid of Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, or the Brown-Eyed Susan, which can reach 3' in height. Like its parent, expect this hardy clump forming perennial to revel in the heat and sun of summer with its disk flowers providing nectar for smaller pollinators and the ripened seeds of fall and winter are sure to attract songbirds. Provide American Gold Rush Rudbeckia with a full to mostly sunny site in an average moist, well-drained soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Add this easy to grow perennial to the garden and landscape but it is also compact and free-flowering enough to provide a summer long show as a container plant. Item# 12167

Wide flat-topped clusters of white flowers are produced in spring atop sturdy stems adorned with deep green finely cut deep green foliage. American Wild Carrot, Daucus pusillus, is a native annual common to roadsides throughout much of the US and is commonly confused with the non-native Queen Anne's Lace, Daucus carota, which is a parent to the common Carrot. The flowers attract bees and other garden beneficials and once through flowering the flattened clusters curl upward at the outer edges creating a protected 'nest' of ripening seeds. Caterpillar host: Black Swallowtail and Anise Swallowtail. The American Wild Carrot makes an easy addition to naturalistic roadside plantings, meadows, and prairies where it readily reseeds on exposed soils. Full sun is preferred in average to well-drained soils. Item# 12027

Ooh la la! Oh my my! As sexy as Hot Lips but in an all new shade! The spikes of two-lipped tubular bright white flowers are tipped with a broad band of amethyst, between violet and purple, at the tips of the petals creating a dark and mysterious contrast. Flowers may be solid amethyst when the weather is cool and dreary but quickly revert to their two-toned splendor with a little sunshine. Amethyst Lips Salvia begins flowering in late spring or early summer and continues until fall, all the while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Amethyst Lips Salvia, a hybrid of the two native species S. greggii and S. microphyllai, a.k a S. x jamesonii, develops into a naturally rounded, shrub-like perennial that may remain evergreen in mild winter climates, like zones 9B-10, but acts like a die-back perennial where temperatures fall much below about 30^oF. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in well-drained, average moist, fertile soils for maximum flower power. Item# 12473

The bicolored frilly pink flowers seemingly dance across the tops of the neat mounds of medium-green fragrant ovate foliage from spring to fall and potentially through winter if not exposed to freezes and frosts. Angel Wings Salvia or Sage, a selection of the Little Leaf Sage, Salvia microphylla, boasts excellent vigor and flower power with flowering beginning early and continuing reliably through summer and into fall. The sweetly colored loose spikes of flowers are sure to attract hummingbirds and other garden beneficials. In areas where hard freezes do not occur, The Mountain Sages may develop a shrubby semi-woody base, while in zone 8 and colder, established plants act more like herbaceous perennials dying back to near ground level and returning in early spring. Enjoy these colorful pollinator attractors in the garden and landscape or as rewarding and forgiving container specimens. Provide full sun to partly shaded sites in well-drained, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Photos courtesy of New World Plants, LTD., all rights reserved. Item# 13143

Spikes of 1" long, two-lipped orangey-apricot flowers are produced throughout the growing season attracting hummingbirds and occasional larger bees and butterflies. Apricot Spring Salvia, a likely Jame Sage hybrid, a.k.a Salvia x jamensis, is a naturally evergreen, well-branched, small shrubby perennial cloaked in rich green, ovate, glossy, scented foliage and growing to about 18" high and wide.In areas where hard freezes do not occur, these Sages may develop a shrubby semi-woody base, while in zone 8 and colder, established plants act more like herbaceous perennials dying back to near ground level and returning in early spring. Enjoy these colorful pollinator attractors as forgiving container specimens or in a sunny garden or landscape. Provide full sun to part shade in well-drained, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 13578

2" wide rounded clusters of pink buds open to white flowers that adorn the tips of stems and are produced throughout the growing season on well-established plants. Arizona Milkweed, Asclepias angustifolia, in many regards is similar to the compact bushy habit of White Milkweed, A. perennis, and while it is from the southern Arizona desert it has done smashingly well as a container plant under average moisture conditions where it flowered and fruited throughout summer and into fall. As the specific eptithet implies, Arizona Milkweed is adorned in narrow foliage which may remain evergreen where winters are mild. Provide a full sun to partly shaded site in well-drained, average moist, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. In drier sites, part shade made be optimum. This species is native to Arizona's 3 southernmost counties. A host plant for Monarch and Queen butterflies. Item# 13361

An RHS Award of Garden Merit selection that produces silvery-pink, small to medium sized, double peony form to perfect or rose form flowers with the show beginning as early as October and continuing well into January. Ave Maria Camellia is a Large Type Japonica with a slow growth rate eventually developing into a dense, naturally upright to rounded, large evergreen shrub reaching 8-10' high and 6-8' wide at maturity. For optimum growth and vigor provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. See our Camellia Growing Guide for in-depth planting and care instructions. Item# 9106

One of the most amazing Hydrangea's as each flower petal is slightly cupped producing a much different effect as the large, long lasting flower clusters of deep blue or pink emerge in late spring. A must for any Hydrangea lover and a beautiful cut flower! Ayesha is truly one of our favorites! According to Dr. Michael Dirr it may also be sold under the names Silver Slipper and Uzu Ajisai. item # 9379.

An unusual bicolored Mexican Petunia, Aztec Pink and White™ Ruellia produces pure white trumpets with contrasting magenta throats that are born freely from late spring or early summer until first frost to year round under warm tropical conditions atop medium-sized sturdy stems. This Mexican Petunia is a relatively new, compact, seed and pollen sterile selection that can spend more energy on flowering instead of adding unwanted seedlings to the garden. It is a naturally evergreen, rhizomatous or spreading, tropical perennial that is grown as a die-back perennial in zones 8-9. It can be grown as a low maintenance container specimen plant, in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. It can also be used as a medium-sized groundcover in difficult sites. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide Mexican Petunias with a full to part sun site in an average moist to wet, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12599

Medium height and sterile! Aztec Purple™ Ruellia or Mexican Petunia produces purple trumpets that are born freely from late spring or early summer until first frost to year round under warm tropical conditions atop medium-sized sturdy stems. This Mexican Petunia is a relatively new, compact, seed and pollen sterile selection that can spend more energy on flowering instead of adding unwanted seedlings to the garden. It is a naturally evergreen, rhizomatous or spreading, tropical perennial that is grown as a die-back perennial in zones 8-9. It can be grown as a low maintenance container specimen plant, in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. It can also be used as a medium-sized groundcover in difficult sites. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide Mexican Petunias with a full to part sun site in an average moist to wet, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12780

Glossy dark burgundy erect foliage is the trademark of this diminutive tropical Crinum. Baby Burgundy or probably more correctly Menehune Crinum Lily produces loads of offsets and quickly creates a mass of foliage and once mature produces clusters of starry light pink flowers atop short sturdy stalks. This dwarf Crinum is grown more for its foliage than for its flower production and makes a statement when planted near contrasting colored garden companions. Grow it as an interesting container specimen or as part of the garden and landscape. Item# 10908.

Deep orangey-red, up to 2" wide, mimosa-like blossoms are produced nearly every month of the year when grown under frost free conditions. The brilliantly colored flowers of the Baja Fairy Duster are rich with nectar and pollen attracting hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. It is reported that fairies like them too! The deep blue-green finely textured, nearly fern-like foliage is touch sensitive like the sensitive briar, if not quite as fast, and this one has no thorns. Considered to be one of the most cold hardy Powderpuffs, the Baja Fairy Duster develops into an informal fountaining shrub once mature that is nearly twice as wide as high. Moderately drought resistant once well established. This dwarf Powderpuff also makes a low maintenance container plant. Item# 838.

Large clusters of deep reddish pink, nectar and pollen laden flowers are produced from summer nearly to frost attracting loads of bees who are constantly working the flowers along with butterflies and hummingbirds. The Baja Red Rose of Montana, the deepest red selection of Antigonon leptopus selected from seed that originated in Baja California, is a vigorous, heat and sunloving, root hardy, tropical vine that can reach heights to 30'H or more if provided with a support. It can easily be enjoyed on arbors, medium and large trellises, along fences, and we have often seen it being allowed to grow up the bare trunks of palms in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. The plants produce potato-like tubers from which they return each spring. Provide the Rose of Montana or Coral Vine with a full sun to part shade site in a fertile soil with average or better drainage for optimum vigor and flowering. A favorite for bee keepers! Item# 9027

Large clusters of rich purple to red-purple flowers sit atop the sturdy 3-4' stems of this medium sized Ironweed in summer and potentially into fall. Baldwin's or Western Ironweed, Vernonia baldwinii, is an excellent source of midsummer pollen and nectar for long-tongued bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This species is more drought resistant than many Ironweeds once well-established and it is important to note that this species can colonize an area via long rhizomes. Its ability to colonize an area may make it a better choice for naturalistic areas like meadows, prairies, and roadsides than in more formal garden settings. Provide good drainage and a full sun to mostly sunny site with average moisture. Deadhead once flowering is complete to prevent unwanted seedlings. Item# 12356

An unusual conversation starting Milkweed that is eagerly consumed by caterpillars of Monarchs, Queens, and possibly Soldier butterflies. Balloon Milkweed is a vigorous heat and sun loving tropical African shrub that is grown as a dieback perennial except in areas with mild winter climates. It produces clusters of 1/2" wide cream to white star shaped flowers with a purplish 'eye' and the flowers attract butterflies along with a variety of other pollinators. Balloon Milkweed is adaptable to a wind range of soil types as long as they are well-drained and is moderately drought resistant once well established. Item# 10974.

Perfect for hanging baskets! The large rounded clusters of flowers open a sunny yellow and mature to creamy white creating a complimentary two-tone effect and attracting a variety of pollinators and all on a mounding to semi-trailing plant. BANDOLISTA™ Coconut Lantana was developed with container culture in mind, specifically hanging baskets, with its naturally spreading to semi-weeping and mounding habit it is sure to provide spring to frost color with minimal fuss. The flowers of this cultivar are sterile meaning the plants can spend more time and energy developing new flower buds instead of ripening fruit. Utilize BANDOLISTA™ Coconut Lantana as a spiller or filler in mixed container gardens, use it as a colorful, pollinator attracting groundcover in the garden and landscape, and as specimen container plants. Excellent for attracting a variety of pollinators including butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other garden beneficials. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in well-draining, average moist, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Images courtesy of Syngenta Flowers, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 13630

The 2025 Industry Choice Award winner in UGA Trial Gardens and was selected as Best in Class Container Lantana in 2022 at CSU Trial Gardens! The large rounded clusters of deep golden yellow flowers are sure to attract a host of pollinators and all on a mounding to semi-trailing plant. BANDOLISTA™ Pineapple Lantana was developed with container culture in mind, specifically hanging baskets, with its naturally spreading to semi-weeping and mounding habit it is sure to provide spring to frost color with minimal fuss. The flowers of this cultivar are sterile meaning the plants can spend more time and energy developing new flower buds instead of ripening fruit. Utilize BANDOLISTA™ Pineapple Lantana as a spiller or filler in mixed container gardens, use it as a colorful, pollinator attracting groundcover in the garden and landscape, and as specimen container plants. Excellent for attracting a variety of pollinators including butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other garden beneficials. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in well-draining, average moist, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Images courtesy of Syngenta Flowers, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 13630

The #1 Lantana in 2022 trials at Penn State Trial Gardens and ideal for hanging baskets! The large rounded clusters of flowers open a deep orangey yellow and mature through orange tones and finally to deep fiery red all on a mounding to semi-trailing plant. BANDOLISTA™ Red Chili Lantana was developed with container culture in mind, specifically hanging baskets, with its naturally spreading to semi-weeping and mounding habit it is sure to provide spring to frost color with minimal fuss. The flowers of this cultivar are sterile meaning the plants can spend more time and energy developing new flower buds instead of ripening fruit. Utilize BANDOLISTA™ Red Chili Lantana as a spiller or filler in mixed container gardens, use it as a colorful, pollinator attracting groundcover in the garden and landscape, and as specimen container plants. Excellent for attracting a variety of pollinators including butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other garden beneficials. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in well-draining, average moist, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 13086