Call them bushes, or call them shrubs, every drought tolerant landscape needs some mid-size plantings. Yet again, your biggest challenge will be choosing from the numerous options. Depending on where your home is situated, you might want to consider varieties that are wildfire resistant as well as drought resistant.
Shrubs lead the eye downward from trees or tall structures on your property. Since shrubs can be anywhere from a couple of feet high to 6-8 feet at maturity, you can use them to edge your lawn, create a privacy screen for your pool or hot tub, or separate outdoor living spaces within your yard.
Drought tolerant shrubs also come in an amazing array of shapes and leaf and flower colors. Many are evergreen. And many that aren’t are as eye-catching in fall and winter as they are in summer. Not only that, shrubs provide critical protection and nesting spots for several types of birds. Set out a birdbath, and you’ll be a happy at-home bird watcher.
Some good choices?
Beautyberry
Boxwood
Butterfly bush
Forsythia
Holly
Panicle hydrangea
Rosemary
Russian sage
Want something mid-size but not the usual “bush”? Consider larger succulents such as aloes or agaves. They can be spectacular, especially when they send up their gorgeous flower stalks.
