For gardeners who crave color and vibrancy, this plant creates gorgeous clusters of brightly colored flowers that open to one shade and then fade to another. "It is a mounding plant, which makes it good for bedding and hanging baskets and planters," Awot says, adding that this annual loves the heat and is very drought tolerant. "It can also tolerate sea spray so it does well near the beach," she says. Lantana requires well-draining soil and full sun to thrive, but can multiply in the summer heat without much care.

Do you have a sunshine-flooded front yard that is begging for a little bit of rainbow dusting? If so, Awot suggests this colorful, drought-resistant, sun-loving perennial. "Known for its daisy-like appearance, this stunner offers blooms with vibrant colors that will brighten your garden bed," she says. "Gaillardia are extremely drought tolerant and make for an excellent middle-of-the-border option in the cottage garden, and for naturalizing in a wildflower meadow."

For gardeners with lofty visions of fragrant flowers and fresh produce grown in their backyard, it's worth adding this drought-resistant plant to your space. As Awot explains, Monarda is a type of perennial pollinator plant that is drought-tolerant and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden with its vibrant flowers. "Given Bee Balm thrives in full sunlight or partial shade, it's suitable to handle the sun's heat, while adding a beautiful pop of color to your yard," she says. "You'll find Bee Balm offered in various color options like white, pink, red, lavender, and purple."

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant addition to your drought-resistant plant collection. Found naturally in the dry sandy soil of the Mediterranean, lavender has naturally evolved to grow with minimal water, says Awot. "Lavender can easily be grown in containers both outdoors and indoors, meaning you can bring it indoors during cold winter months to prevent damage and prolong the life and your enjoyment of the plant," she says. "Lavender is also pollinator-friendly, while helping to repel pests such as mosquitos, fleas, and ticks."

Evergreen, drought-tolerant yucca hangs tough all year round. While deer do savor its flowers, they avoid the sharp-tipped leaves—not a problem for most people, who value this superstar for its striking foliage, anyway.

Thyme is an easy, practical, and drought-resistant herb to grow that has an inviting scent and is delicious in recipes. English thyme grows well in southern climates and does best in full sun to partial shade conditions.

For outdoor growing, English thyme should be planted in the spring or fall, 12 to 15 inches apart, either in the ground, a raised bed, or in containers, says Amy Enfield, Ph.D., a senior scientist for Live Goods at Scotts Miracle Grow. Because it is low-growing, has thin stems, and a wiry habit, avoid crowding because vigorous neighboring plants might choke it out.

Kevin Lenhart, the designer director at Yardzen, describes this upright grass plant as a powerhouse—and for a good reason. Not only is it native to half of the United States, but it has a complex root system that buries deep into the ground to access moisture that other plants cannot reach. "Little Bluestem begins blue-green, but transforms to a bold bronze by fall that endures through the winter," he says. "It is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands across the country."

Lenhart says Little Bluestem prefers full sun and well-drained soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, and is also adapted to a range of soil pH levels.

A mix between Calycanthus floridus and Calycanthus chinensis, this variety is about as quick growing as they come. Hybrid spicebush easily reaches 5 feet tall in just two to three years, while some unpruned specimens can get even taller. "Large waxy green leaves adorn the plant in the growing season, taking on a yellow color in fall," says Jon Roethling. "'Hartlage Wine' and 'Aphrodite' are more easily found selections, both with maroon colored flower with a yellow center."

Holly (Ilex) is a fast-growing shrub that gives growers a wide range of choices. "Almost any evergreen selection has dark green foliage ranging from extremely spiny to some selections tending towards being spineless," says Jon Roethling. "Their fruit are a great food source to birds in winter and you can have your pick from straight native Ilex opaca (American holly) to any number of hybrids."

This deciduous shrub emerges in late spring with green leaves that give rise to white flowers in summer followed by a show of bright purple berries. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) can grow up to 6 feet tall, but in favorable conditions the shrub can grow an extra 2 to 3 feet. Come early fall, expect to see birds visit your beautyberry shrub in droves.