Drought-Tolerant Plants That Thrive in Fayetteville, NC
North Carolina summers can be hot, humid, and—when we hit a dry spell—pretty tough on gardens. In Fayetteville, where sandy soils and unpredictable rain are common, it pays to plan with water-wise landscaping in mind. That’s where drought-tolerant plants come in.
Whether you’re looking to cut back on watering, save money, or simply build a low-maintenance garden, there are plenty of plants that can handle dry conditions and still look beautiful. At Green Side Up Garden & Gifts, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite drought-tolerant picks that perform well in our Zone 8a climate.
Sun-Loving Drought-Tolerant Perennials
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
These sunny yellow flowers thrive in full sun and dry soil once established. They bloom from summer into fall and attract pollinators.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
A true southeastern favorite, coneflowers are hardy, colorful, and drought-tolerant. They’re also great for butterflies and birds.
Russian Sage (Perovskia)
With airy lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage, Russian sage loves hot, dry weather and poor soil. It makes a bold statement in any sunny bed.
Yarrow (Achillea)
This plant brings flat clusters of bright flowers in yellow, pink, or red. It’s tough, spreads easily, and thrives with very little water.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Known for its fiery red and orange blooms, blanket flower loves the heat and keeps blooming with minimal care.
Shrubs That Handle the Heat
Juniper
A low-maintenance evergreen shrub with good drought resistance. Perfect for groundcover or structure in your landscape.
Loropetalum
This colorful shrub with purple foliage and pink fringe-like flowers is heat- and drought-tolerant once established.
Abelia
Glossy leaves, long-lasting blooms, and tough-as-nails performance make abelia a smart pick for Fayetteville gardens.
Vitex (Chaste Tree)
A small, multi-trunked tree or large shrub with spiky purple blooms in summer. Vitex thrives in full sun and dry conditions.
Grasses and Groundcovers
Liriope
Also known as monkey grass, liriope is great for edging and filling in spaces. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in sun or shade.
Muhly Grass
Known for its pink cloud-like plumes in the fall, muhly grass is both ornamental and resilient.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
These fleshy-leaved succulents are perfect for rock gardens or dry spots. Sedum spreads easily and comes in many colors and sizes.
Tips for Creating a Water-Wise Landscape in Fayetteville
- Group drought-tolerant plants together for more efficient watering.
- Mulch well to help retain moisture and protect roots.
- Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root systems.
- Avoid overwatering—even drought-tolerant plants can suffer in soggy soil.
Whether you’re planting a new bed or swapping out high-maintenance plants, drought-tolerant options are a smart, sustainable choice—especially as Fayetteville heads into the warmer months.
Stop by Green Side Up Garden & Gifts to explore our wide selection of drought-tolerant plants, and chat with our team for more advice on building a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.