A friend who lives in Florida was lamenting about an extended dry spell with 90°+ days, so naturally it got me wondering about the plants there. So I looked up a bunch of Florida drought tolerant plants for plant lovers and homeowners looking for landscaping solutions there and beyond.
Naturally, all of these plants can grow in most other warm dry climates in North America as well, and the more adaptable ones can grow in colder climates and more moisture too.
15 Florida Drought Tolerant Plants (and other regions)
1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) and other varieties
- Common Names: Aloe Vera, Medicinal Aloe, True Aloe
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Zone: 9-11
- States: Southern U.S., including Florida
- Type: Succulent
Aloe Vera is a drought-tolerant succulent known for its medicinal properties and attractive appearance. It produces tall spikes of tubular, orangish flowers that attract pollinators. Aloe Vera is suitable for outdoor planting in Florida, where it can grow large and thrive in well-drained, sandy soils. It prefers full sun to light shade and can be used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as part of a xeriscape garden, adding both beauty and functionality to the landscape.
2. Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis)
- Common Names: Beach Sunflower, Cucumberleaf Sunflower
- Family: Asteraceae
- Zone: 8-11
- States: Southeastern U.S., including Florida
- Type: Perennial flower
Beach Sunflower is a drought-tolerant ground cover with yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom year-round. It thrives in sandy soils and full sun, making it an excellent choice for Florida landscapes. Beach Sunflower attracts pollinators and provides a cheerful burst of color.
3. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
- Common Names: Beautyberry, American Beautyberry
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Zone: 6-10
- States: Southeastern U.S., including Florida
- Type: Deciduous shrub
Beautyberry is a deciduous shrub with purple berries that attract birds and other wildlife. It is drought-tolerant and native to Florida, thriving in full sun to partial shade. Beautyberry is perfect for naturalizing landscapes, creating wildlife habitats, or using as an accent plant.
4. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
- Common Names: Blanket Flower, Indian Blanket
- Family: Asteraceae
- Zone: 3-10
- States: Throughout the U.S., including Florida
- Type: Perennial flower
Blanket Flower is a hardy perennial with vibrant red and yellow flowers that bloom from spring to fall. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sandy soils and full sun, making it a perfect choice for Florida gardens. It attracts pollinators and provides long-lasting color to landscapes.
5. Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)
- Common Names: Coontie, Florida Arrowroot
- Family: Zamiaceae
- Zone: 8-11
- States: Southeastern U.S., including Florida
- Type: Cycad
Coontie is a slow-growing, low-maintenance plant with fern-like leaves. It is native to Florida and adapts well to a variety of soil types, making it drought-tolerant. Coontie prefers partial to full shade and can be used as a groundcover, accent plant, or in mass plantings.
This Zamia is known as host to the rare Atala butterfly as the preferred food source for Atala larvae, seen pictured in the lower right image.
Top image (below) by University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions[1]https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/palms-and-cycads/coontie.html
