Water-wise gardening has become more than just a trend—it’s a necessity for modern homeowners facing unpredictable weather patterns and rising water costs. We’ve all watched our gardens struggle through dry spells while wondering how to maintain beautiful landscapes without constant irrigation.
Drought tolerant shrubs offer the perfect solution for creating stunning outdoor spaces that thrive with minimal water. These resilient plants don’t just survive harsh conditions—they flourish while providing year-round structure, vibrant colors, and essential habitat for wildlife.
We’ll explore the most effective drought-resistant shrubs that’ll transform your garden into a low-maintenance oasis. From Mediterranean favorites to native species that naturally adapt to your local climate, you’ll discover options that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. Ready to build a garden that stays gorgeous even when the rain doesn’t come?
Understanding Drought Tolerant Shrubs and Their Benefits
Building on the foundation of water-wise gardening, we’ll explore what makes certain shrubs naturally equipped to handle dry conditions and why they’re essential for modern landscapes.
What Makes a Shrub Drought Tolerant
Drought tolerant shrubs possess specialized adaptations that allow them to survive with minimal water. Their root systems extend deep into soil, often reaching depths of 6-8 feet to access groundwater reserves that shallow-rooted plants can’t reach. Waxy or hairy leaf surfaces reduce water loss through evaporation, while small leaves minimize the surface area exposed to hot sun and drying winds.
Many drought resistant varieties store water in their thick, succulent stems or leaves during rainy periods. Plants like barberry and sage develop extensive lateral root networks that spread 2-3 times wider than their canopy, capturing moisture from light rainfall or morning dew. These natural mechanisms enable shrubs to thrive in areas receiving as little as 10-15 inches of annual precipitation.
Water Conservation Benefits
Water conservation through drought tolerant landscaping can reduce outdoor water usage by 30-50% compared to traditional gardens. We save approximately 1,300 gallons per year for every 100 square feet of drought resistant shrubs we plant instead of water-hungry alternatives. These plants typically require watering only 2-3 times per month during their first growing season, then become virtually self-sufficient.
Native drought tolerant species like manzanita and ceanothus need zero supplemental irrigation once established, relying entirely on natural rainfall patterns. This reduction in water dependency protects local water supplies during drought periods and reduces strain on municipal water systems. Communities implementing drought tolerant landscaping programs report 20-40% decreases in residential water consumption during peak summer months.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Investing in drought tolerant shrubs delivers substantial financial returns over time through reduced utility bills and maintenance expenses. We typically see water bill reductions of $200-500 annually per household that converts to drought resistant landscaping. These plants require 60-80% less irrigation than conventional shrubs, translating to immediate savings on monthly water costs.
Maintenance expenses drop significantly since drought tolerant varieties need less fertilizer, pruning, and pest control treatments. Established shrubs like Texas sage and brittlebush survive on natural rainfall alone, eliminating sprinkler system repairs and replacement costs. The initial investment in drought tolerant plants pays for itself within 3-5 years through combined water and maintenance savings, while property values increase by 5-15% due to attractive, sustainable landscaping.
Native Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Regional Landscapes
Choosing native drought tolerant shrubs ensures your industry thrives naturally in local climate conditions. We’ll explore region exact options that deliver exceptional water efficiency while supporting native ecosystems.
Southwestern Native Species
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) stands out as our top southwestern choice with its stunning purple flowers that bloom after summer rains. This hardy shrub thrives in extreme heat and requires minimal water once established. Desert conditions pose no challenge to this resilient plant that reaches 4-6 feet in height.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) offers orchid like trumpet shaped flowers in shades of pink purple and white throughout the growing season. We recommend this fast growing shrub for areas receiving less than 10 inches of annual rainfall. Its graceful weeping branches create an elegant focal point while attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Southeastern Native Varieties
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) produces clusters of white flowers in late spring followed by attractive seed pods that persist through winter. This adaptable shrub tolerates clay soil sandy soil and drought conditions equally well. We’ve observed this native performing exceptionally in USDA zones 3-7 with minimal irrigation requirements.
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) creates spectacular fall displays with bright purple berries that wildlife absolutely loves. Birds rely on these nutrient rich berries during migration seasons while the shrub maintains drought resistance throughout summer months. This southeastern native reaches 4-6 feet and requires pruning only every few years.
Western Native Options
Ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) delivers masses of blue flowers that cover the entire shrub in spring creating stunning visual impact. We recommend California lilac varieties for slopes and hillsides where erosion control matters most. These nitrogen fixing shrubs improve soil quality while requiring zero supplemental watering after establishment.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) serves as an excellent groundcover option with white bell shaped flowers followed by bright red berries. This low growing shrub spreads naturally to form dense mats that suppress weeds effectively. We’ve seen bearberry thrive in sandy soils and rocky terrain where other plants struggle to survive.
Low-Maintenance Evergreen Drought Tolerant Shrubs
Evergreen drought tolerant shrubs provide the perfect solution for gardeners seeking year-round beauty without constant maintenance. These resilient plants maintain their foliage through all seasons while requiring minimal water and care.
Juniper Varieties
Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus Squamata ‘Blue Star’) stands out as our top choice for low maintenance evergreen landscaping. This dwarf conifer features stunning silvery-blue needles and requires water only when completely dry. Compact growth makes it perfect for borders, rock gardens, and small spaces where traditional shrubs might overwhelm the area.
Blue Arrow Juniper offers excellent versatility for hedges and formal borders throughout drought prone regions. Well-drained soil provides the only essential requirement for this evergreen shrub to thrive. Narrow upright growth creates striking vertical elements in industry designs without spreading beyond intended boundaries.
Rosemary and Mediterranean Herbs
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) delivers dual benefits as both a fragrant culinary herb and drought resistant shrub alternative. Full sun exposure and dry conditions create the ideal environment for this Mediterranean native to flourish. Aromatic foliage releases pleasant scents when brushed against, making it perfect for pathways and herb gardens.
Mediterranean herbs like lavender and thyme complement rosemary plantings while maintaining similar water requirements. These shrub-like perennials create textured groundcover that withstands extended dry periods. Culinary uses add practical value beyond their ornamental appeal in drought conscious landscapes.
Barberry Species
Barberry (Berberis) species showcase vibrant foliage colors ranging from deep red to golden yellow throughout growing seasons. Well-drained soil supports their drought tolerance while occasional watering during establishment helps ensure strong root development. Thorny branches provide natural security barriers along property lines and foundation plantings.
Colorful leaf displays intensify during fall months, creating stunning seasonal interest when many other plants fade. Dense growth habits make barberry species excellent choices for privacy hedges and wildlife shelter. Adaptability to various soil conditions allows successful cultivation in challenging locations where other shrubs struggle.
Flowering Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Year-Round Color
Moving beyond evergreen options, we’ll explore flowering drought tolerant shrubs that provide continuous color throughout the seasons. These remarkable plants combine water efficiency with stunning blooms to create vibrant landscapes that remain beautiful even during extended dry periods.
Lavender Cultivars
Lavender stands as one of our most beloved naturally drought tolerant flowering shrubs, offering an impressive range of cultivars suitable for various climate zones. This Mediterranean native delivers not only stunning purple, pink, or white blooms but also releases an intoxicating fragrance that attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) thrives in cooler regions and produces the most aromatic flowers, while Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) handles heat better with its distinctive pineapple shaped blooms. French lavender (Lavandula dentata) offers year round blooming in warmer climates, making it perfect for continuous color displays.
We recommend planting lavender in well draining soil with full sun exposure for optimal flowering and fragrance production. Once established, these hardy shrubs require watering only during prolonged drought periods and reward gardeners with months of continuous blooms from late spring through early fall.
Butterfly Bush Options
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) earns its reputation as a drought tolerant powerhouse that transforms gardens into pollinator havens during summer months. These fast growing shrubs produce massive flower clusters in shades of pink, purple, and white that attract butterflies and hummingbirds from considerable distances. Modern cultivars like ‘Black Knight’ offer deep purple blooms, while ‘Royal Red’ provides vibrant magenta flowers that create stunning focal points in drought resistant landscapes.
We’ve found that butterfly bushes perform exceptionally well in poor soils where other flowering shrubs struggle, requiring minimal supplemental watering once their extensive root systems develop. These remarkable plants can reach 6 to 10 feet in height and width, blooming continuously from early summer through the first frost when properly deadheaded.
Desert Willow Varieties
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) represents the perfect choice for gardeners in hot, arid climates who refuse to compromise on flowering beauty. This exceptional shrub produces fragrant, trumpet shaped flowers in delicate shades of pink and white throughout the summer months, creating an oasis like atmosphere even in the most challenging desert conditions. Native to the southwestern United States, Desert Willow naturally thrives in extreme heat and drought while maintaining its elegant, willowy appearance.
We particularly appreciate this shrub’s ability to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators even though requiring virtually no supplemental irrigation once established. Desert Willow typically grows 15 to 25 feet tall with a graceful, open branching structure that provides filtered shade without overwhelming smaller garden spaces, making it an ideal centerpiece for water wise industry designs.
Foliage-Focused Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Texture
Texture becomes the star when we shift our focus from flowering shrubs to foliage-driven drought tolerant options. These versatile plants create visual interest through their unique leaf shapes, colors, and growth patterns while maintaining exceptional water efficiency.
Sage and Artemisia Species
Sage varieties deliver innovative foliage textures that transform any dry industry into a sophisticated display. Silvery-gray leaves characterize most sage species, creating a calming backdrop that complements both bold and subtle garden designs. We recommend planting these highly drought tolerant shrubs in clusters to maximize their textural impact.
Artemisia species offer fine-textured, silvery-gray foliage that adds delicate contrast to coarser plant materials. Their feathery appearance creates movement in the industry even without wind, making them excellent choices for adding softness to rigid garden structures. Both sage and artemisia thrive in dry conditions once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering after their first growing season.
Ornamental Grasses as Shrub Alternatives
Miscanthus sinensis provides spiky, upright foliage that mimics the structure of traditional shrubs while offering superior drought tolerance. These ornamental grasses develop beautiful plumes that add seasonal interest without requiring regular irrigation. We often substitute these grasses for water-hungry shrubs in challenging locations.
Feather Grass creates unique texture with its flowing, fountain-like growth habit that softens harsh industry edges. Their drought tolerance makes them perfect alternatives to conventional shrubs in areas where water conservation is essential. Ornamental grasses like these maintain their structure throughout multiple seasons, providing year-round industry value.
Silver and Gray-Leafed Varieties
Ceanothus (California Lilac) features deep green foliage that contrasts beautifully with silver and gray-leafed companions. This highly drought tolerant shrub offers various growth habits, from ground-hugging varieties to upright specimens reaching several feet tall. We particularly value its ability to establish quickly and thrive without supplemental irrigation.
Cistus and Halimium species showcase gray-green leaves that epitomize Mediterranean drought tolerance. These shrubs excel at adding texture and color to dry landscapes while requiring virtually no summer water once established. Their evergreen nature ensures consistent foliage interest throughout the year.
Rockrose varieties, including Cistus species, provide Mediterranean origins and renowned drought tolerance that makes them ideal for challenging sites. Their range of foliage textures and colors includes evergreen options that produce white flowers as seasonal bonuses. We recommend these shrubs for gardeners seeking reliable performance in hot, dry conditions.
Fast-Growing Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Quick Results
When you need rapid establishment and immediate visual impact, these fast growing drought tolerant shrubs deliver exceptional results in minimal time.
Texas Sage Options
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) stands out as our top choice for fast growing drought resistant landscaping. This remarkable shrub thrives in dry conditions while producing stunning purple flowers that create beautiful contrast against its silvery foliage. Growth rates reach impressive speeds in warm climates, making it perfect for homeowners seeking quick privacy screens or accent plantings.
Planting Texas Sage requires minimal soil preparation since it adapts to various soil types. Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart for optimal air circulation and growth patterns. Maintenance becomes virtually nonexistent once established, with pruning needed only for shape control in late winter.
Varieties include several cultivars offering different flower colors and growth habits. Green Cloud produces white blooms, while Heavenly Cloud offers deeper purple flowers. Thunder Cloud features the most vibrant purple blooms with compact growth reaching 4 to 5 feet tall.
Pineapple Guava Varieties
Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) provides dual benefits as both ornamental shrub and fruit producer. Growing up to 15 feet tall, this versatile plant creates attractive screening while producing edible fruit with unique pineapple strawberry flavor. Flowers bloom in late spring with striking red stamens and white petals that are also edible.
Drought tolerance develops fully after the first year, allowing the plant to thrive with minimal supplemental irrigation. Deep taproot systems access underground moisture, supporting healthy growth even during extended dry periods. Fruiting occurs in fall, with some varieties producing fruit without cross pollination.
Cultivars offer different characteristics for various industry needs. Coolidge produces larger fruit and requires no pollinator, while Nazemetz offers superior cold tolerance. Mammoth varieties yield the largest fruit but need cross pollination for optimal production.
Rockrose Cultivars
Rockrose (Cistus spp.) delivers exceptional drought tolerance with minimal maintenance requirements. These Mediterranean natives typically grow up to 3 feet tall, creating low spreading mounds perfect for ground cover or border plantings. Blooms appear in spring and early summer, featuring delicate paper like petals in various colors.
Soil requirements remain minimal, with these shrubs preferring well drained conditions over rich, amended soils. Rocky or sandy soils actually promote better growth and flowering compared to fertile garden soils. Establishment occurs quickly, with plants reaching mature size within 2 to 3 years.
Popular varieties include different bloom colors and growth habits. Cistus purpureus produces magenta flowers with dark blotches, while Cistus ladanifer offers large white blooms. Silver Pink features soft pink flowers with yellow centers, creating gentle color combinations in drought tolerant gardens.
Compact Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Small Spaces
Small gardens and tight planting areas don’t have to sacrifice beauty for water conservation. We’ve curated exceptional compact drought tolerant shrubs that deliver maximum impact while thriving in minimal spaces.
Dwarf Varieties
Russian Sage (Salvia yangii) tops our list for its stunning silver-gray foliage and aromatic lavender blooms that attract pollinators throughout summer. This low maintenance shrub reaches just 3-4 feet tall and spreads 2-3 feet wide, making it perfect for small garden corners. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil, and you’ll enjoy years of colorful displays with virtually no watering required.
Double Play Candy Corn Spirea brings vibrant seasonal color changes to compact spaces with its unique orange, red, and yellow foliage transitions. Growing only 2-3 feet tall and wide, this dwarf variety handles poor soil conditions exceptionally well. We recommend placing it where morning sun can highlight its brilliant leaf colors throughout the growing season.
Tiny Tower® Dwarf Alberta Spruce offers classic evergreen structure in the smallest of spaces, reaching just 4-6 feet at maturity after many years. Its narrow columnar shape makes it ideal for tight corners, entryways, or formal garden designs. Position this slow growing conifer where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade for optimal performance.
Container-Friendly Options
New Zealand Tea Tree (Leptospermum scoparium) excels in container cultivation with its delicate evergreen foliage and abundant spring blooms in pink, white, or red. Container grown specimens establish drought tolerance quickly while maintaining their compact 4-5 foot mature size. We suggest using well-draining acidic potting mix and placing containers where they receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Glossy Abelia thrives in large containers while producing fragrant tubular flowers that butterflies adore from spring through fall. This semi-evergreen shrub maintains its glossy leaves year round in mild climates and tolerates occasional dry spells once established. Choose containers at least 24 inches wide to accommodate its 3-4 foot spread and ensure proper root development.
Lantana transforms container gardens with its continuous blooms in yellow, orange, pink, or purple combinations throughout the growing season. These heat loving shrubs produce flowers non-stop when temperatures stay above 50°F and require minimal water once established. We recommend deadheading spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Border Planting Choices
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) creates stunning fall interest with its fragrant yellow flowers that appear just as leaves begin dropping. This native shrub adapts to partial or full sun conditions while providing excellent wildlife habitat for birds and beneficial insects. Plant it 6-8 feet apart in borders where its 8-12 foot mature size can develop naturally without crowding neighboring plants.
Lantana works beautifully as border edging with its mounding growth habit and vibrant flower clusters that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. These drought resistant shrubs create colorful ribbons along walkways, property lines, or garden bed edges throughout warm months. Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding as they mature.
Russian Sage forms impressive border displays when planted in groups of 3-5 specimens along sunny garden edges or property boundaries. Its upright growth habit and silvery texture provide excellent contrast against darker green shrubs while requiring virtually no supplemental irrigation. We suggest spacing plants 4-5 feet apart to create continuous coverage while maintaining individual plant character.
Planting and Establishing Drought Tolerant Shrubs
Successful establishment of drought tolerant shrubs requires proper preparation and initial care. We’ll guide you through the essential steps to ensure your water wise plants thrive from day one.
Soil Preparation Requirements
Well draining soil serves as the foundation for successful drought tolerant shrub establishment. Waterlogged conditions prove fatal to species like rockrose and wild lilac, which naturally thrive in poor soil conditions rather than rich, moisture retentive earth.
Testing your soil drainage helps determine if amendments are necessary. Dig a hole 12 inches deep and fill it with water to observe drainage rates. Water should disappear within 4-6 hours for optimal conditions.
Adding coarse sand or perlite improves drainage in clay heavy soils. Mix these amendments into the existing soil rather than creating isolated pockets of different material. Organic matter like compost enhances soil structure without compromising drainage when used sparingly.
Creating raised beds offers an alternative solution for poorly draining areas. Elevating the planting area by 6-8 inches provides better drainage while maintaining the natural soil network.
Optimal Planting Times
Spring planting allows drought tolerant shrubs to establish root systems before summer heat arrives. Schedule planting after the last frost date but before temperatures consistently exceed 80°F in your region.
Fall represents the second optimal planting window for these resilient plants. Plant 6-8 weeks before the first expected hard frost to allow adequate root development before winter dormancy.
Avoiding summer planting prevents unnecessary stress on new transplants. High temperatures and intense sunlight challenge even drought adapted species during their vulnerable establishment period.
Weather conditions matter more than calendar dates when timing installations. Choose overcast days or periods with mild temperatures to reduce transplant shock and improve success rates.
Initial Watering Schedules
Deep watering once or twice weekly supports proper root establishment during the first year. Apply water slowly to penetrate 12-18 inches deep rather than frequent shallow applications that encourage surface rooting.
Monitoring soil moisture helps determine watering frequency based on weather conditions. Check moisture levels 3-4 inches below the surface before deciding whether additional water is needed.
Reducing watering frequency gradually trains roots to grow deeper and become self sufficient. Decrease watering sessions to once every 10-14 days after the first growing season, then transition to minimal supplemental irrigation.
Mulching around the base retains soil moisture and reduces evaporation rates. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch in a 3-foot diameter circle around each shrub, keeping mulch away from direct contact with stems.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance Tips
Established drought tolerant shrubs require minimal intervention to maintain their health and beauty. We’ll guide you through essential maintenance practices that keep these resilient plants thriving with minimal effort.
Pruning Best Practices
Most drought tolerant shrubs like Russian sage, butterfly bush, and bluebeard need little pruning for optimal growth. We recommend timing any necessary pruning for late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed first to maintain overall plant health.
Shaping cuts can be made as needed to control size or improve form. Avoid excessive pruning since these shrubs naturally develop compact or graceful shapes without intervention. Light maintenance pruning works best for preserving the plant’s drought resistant characteristics.
Mulching Strategies
Organic mulch applied in a 2-3 inch layer around shrub bases provides multiple benefits for water conservation. We suggest using wood chips or shredded bark to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress competing weeds.
Keep mulch several inches away from shrub stems to prevent moisture related rot issues. Annual replenishment maintains effectiveness as the organic material naturally decomposes. This simple practice significantly reduces watering needs while protecting root systems.
Fertilization Guidelines
Drought tolerant shrubs typically require little to no fertilizer to maintain their hardy nature. Excessive nutrients can actually promote rapid, weak growth that reduces drought resistance capabilities. We recommend soil testing first to determine actual nutrient needs before applying any fertilizers.
Poor soil conditions may benefit from balanced, slow release fertilizer applied in early spring according to product instructions. Over fertilization should be avoided to preserve the shrub’s natural hardiness and water efficient characteristics. Most established drought tolerant varieties thrive in lean soils without supplemental feeding.
Conclusion
Drought-tolerant shrubs represent one of the smartest investments we can make for our landscapes today. These resilient plants deliver lasting beauty while dramatically reducing our water consumption and maintenance requirements.
Whether we’re working with compact spaces or expansive gardens our plant choices can create stunning outdoor environments that thrive regardless of weather conditions. The combination of initial planning proper establishment and minimal ongoing care ensures these shrubs will reward us for years to come.
By embracing water-wise gardening practices we’re not just creating beautiful landscapes – we’re contributing to environmental sustainability while enjoying important cost savings. The time to transform our gardens with drought-tolerant shrubs is now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are drought-tolerant shrubs and why are they important?
Drought-tolerant shrubs are plants that can survive and thrive with minimal water once established. They’re important because they help reduce outdoor water usage by 30-50% compared to traditional gardens, lower maintenance costs, and provide year-round structure and color while supporting local wildlife during increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
How much can I save on water bills with drought-tolerant landscaping?
Homeowners can expect significant reductions in both water bills and maintenance expenses with drought-tolerant landscaping. The initial investment typically pays for itself within 3-5 years through reduced irrigation costs, lower maintenance requirements, and decreased need for plant replacements during dry periods.
What makes certain shrubs naturally drought-resistant?
Drought-resistant shrubs have special characteristics like deep root systems that access underground water, waxy or small leaves that reduce water loss, and water-storing capabilities in their stems or roots. These adaptations allow them to survive extended dry periods without supplemental irrigation.
Which drought-tolerant shrubs work best in different regions?
Regional favorites include Texas Sage and Desert Willow in the Southwest, Ninebark and American Beautyberry in the Southeast, and Ceanothus and Bearberry in the West. Native species are particularly recommended as they’re naturally adapted to local climate conditions and support native ecosystems.
When is the best time to plant drought-tolerant shrubs?
The optimal planting times are spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and natural rainfall helps establish root systems. This timing allows plants to develop strong roots before facing extreme summer heat or winter cold, improving their long-term survival and drought tolerance.
How do I prepare soil for drought-tolerant shrubs?
Start with soil testing to determine drainage and pH levels. Most drought-tolerant shrubs need well-draining soil, so add amendments like coarse sand or gravel if needed. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions, as these can cause root rot in plants adapted to drier conditions.
Do drought-tolerant shrubs need fertilizer?
Most drought-tolerant shrubs thrive in lean soils and typically don’t require additional nutrients. Over-fertilizing can actually make them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Conduct a soil test before adding any fertilizer, and when in doubt, less is more for these hardy plants.
How should I water newly planted drought-tolerant shrubs?
Newly planted shrubs need regular watering for the first year to establish strong root systems. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Once established (usually after one growing season), most drought-tolerant shrubs can survive on natural rainfall alone.
What are the best low-maintenance evergreen options?
Blue Star Juniper and Blue Arrow Juniper are excellent low-maintenance evergreen choices that provide year-round structure. Rosemary is another great option that serves double duty as both an attractive evergreen shrub and a culinary herb while requiring minimal water and care.
Which drought-tolerant shrubs are good for small spaces?
Compact options like Russian Sage and Double Play Candy Corn Spirea are perfect for small gardens, delivering maximum visual impact in minimal space. Container-friendly choices include New Zealand Tea Tree and Glossy Abelia, which work well on patios and in urban settings.
