As water conservation continues to gain attention, growers and retailers in the green industry are increasingly looking for plant varieties that withstand dry conditions and contribute to sustainable gardening practices. With water-saving plants in high demand, your customers—homeowners, landscapers, and commercial property managers alike—seek beautiful, resilient, and low-water options to incorporate into their green spaces. Here’s how you can keep pace with this trend by offering some of the best water-saving varieties and tips on why they’re essential for today’s market.

In regions with common drought and water restrictions, the need for low-water landscaping has transformed into a lasting trend. But it’s not just about surviving dry spells—many consumers want to proactively reduce their water usage as part of an eco-friendly lifestyle. Landscapes that optimise water usage continue to be essential. Water-efficient plants require less maintenance, which means time, resources, and labour savings.

Retailers who offer these varieties and growers who focus on cultivating them will benefit from a win-win situation: satisfying environmentally conscious consumers while helping to address water-scarcity issues on a larger scale.

Here are some of the top plant varieties that thrive with minimal water and deliver exceptional resilience and beauty. These species are ideal for various climates, making them a versatile choice for growers and retailers.

1. Lavandula (x intermedia)
Lavender is known for its fragrant blooms and silvery foliage. It is an excellent drought-tolerant plant that thrives in sunny locations. Lavender’s deep roots make it incredibly resilient to dry spells. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity. Think about varieties such as Lavandula Phenomenal, Sensational!, and Exceptional.

Retail tip: Market lavender to home gardeners and landscape designers alike. It works well in small garden beds and larger xeriscape designs.

2. Succulents (Various species)
From Aloe and Echeveria to Mangave and Sedum, succulents are famous for their unique shapes and low water needs. These plants store water in their leaves, making them perfect for regions with long dry seasons. Many succulents are also highly versatile, doing well in pots and garden beds.

Retail tip: Highlight succulents’ minimal care requirements and versatile styling options, which make them ideal for novice gardeners and indoor plant enthusiasts.

3. Ornamental Grasses (e.g., Carex, Pennisetum alopecuroides)
With their flowing movement and subtle beauty, ornamental grasses such as Carexand Pennisetum add texture and visual interest to landscapes. Many species, like Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), are highly drought-tolerant, needing little water once established.

Retail tip: Ornamental grasses are an easy sell for adding aesthetic appeal, especially for public spaces and commercial properties.

4. Nandina
Nandina stands out with beautiful foliage. Most of these hardy perennials are also drought-tolerant and pest-resistant, making them practical choices for eco-friendly landscapes.

Retail Tip: Market these varieties as an excellent choice for vibrant colours and sustainable landscaping, appealing to customers who want both beauty and functionality.

5. Delosperma
Known for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers, Delosperma (commonly called ice plant) is a hardy ground cover that thrives in arid environments. Delosperma is highly drought-tolerant and low-growing, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and ground cover applications where water conservation is a priority.

Retail tip: Market Delosperma for its striking colours, hardiness, and suitability for areas where erosion control and low water use are critical.

6. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian sage adds an elegant touch to drought-tolerant landscapes with its airy, lavender-blue flowers and silvery stems. Russian sage thrives in hot, dry climates and requires little water, making it a natural choice for eco-conscious landscapes.

Retail tip: Market Russian sage as a visually appealing alternative to more water-demanding shrubs, especially for use in xeriscapes and perennial borders.

7. Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)
These hardy hibiscus syriacus varieties offer large, colourful blooms that attract pollinators and provide a tropical look, even in drought-prone areas. Unlike tropical hibiscus, hardy hibiscus can be surprisingly drought-tolerant once established, making them a vibrant addition to low-water gardens.

Retail tip: Position hardy hibiscus as a bold, water-efficient alternative combining lush beauty and resilience. They are perfect for borders or as stand-alone show-pieces.

8. Euphorbia
This versatile genus includes many varieties, from low-growing ground covers to large shrubs, with unique foliage and often striking flower bracts. Euphorbia varieties are known for their drought tolerance and unique, architecturally exciting form. Many species also have a long flowering season, providing beauty throughout the year.

Retail tip: Promote Euphorbia’s structural interest, low maintenance, and drought resistance as a standout in modern landscapes, suitable for mixed beds or as specimen plants.

As water conservation becomes more crucial, integrating water-saving plants into your offerings can be both profitable and environmentally responsible. Growers can take advantage of this trend by producing varieties suited to various climates, while retailers can cater to a growing market of eco-conscious gardeners. These water-saving plants not only save water but also attract a new wave of customers who prioritise sustainable practices in their gardening and landscaping efforts.

Water-saving plants represent an exciting frontier for sustainable horticulture. By offering a curated selection of these resilient varieties, you’ll help your customers create landscapes that thrive beautifully and responsibly—even with minimal water.