Purple Coneflower and Butterfly

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) has it all—it's heat-, drought-, and disease-resistant, plus it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Two varieties that are known for being especially hardy are Pow Wow Wild Berry and Pow Wow White. "They emerge in spring with a rosette of elongated leaves, quickly giving rise to stalks of brilliant pink or pure white daisy-like flowers," says Adrienne Roethling. "The center or cone are cinnamon in color and quite large—a pollinator's delight."

Profusion Zinnias Red Flowers

Looking for a summer flowering annual with a long bloom period? Zinnias are just that—and they draw a variety of pollinators. "When flowers are in full bloom, they attract an array of bees, beetles, butterflies, and moths," says Adrienne Roethling. When choosing a variety, opt for disease-resistant profusion zinnias (Zinnia elegans 'Profusion'). "The profusion series is a hybrid with results that include medium sized, colorful blooms on short stems," she says. They are also self-cleaning, meaning there is no deadheading required.

Garden Phlox, Flowers

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, certain varieties of garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) have been cultivated to be mildew-free. One example is Jeana garden phlox. "The individual flowers are smaller than most other garden phlox, but that does not deter butterflies from feeding on its nectar," says Sorensen. This variety is highly coveted for its ecological value and is native to the eastern United States.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 5 feet tall x 4 feet wide
Growing conditions: full sun to part shade; average, well-drained soil

Largeleaf Phlox, Flowers

Largeleaf phlox (Phlox amplifolia) is a sun-tolerant plant that's resistant to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that affects many flowers. The native plant produces underground runners that slowly spread to form a large mass. "Blooming in early summer, the airy pink inflorescences are held 1 to 2 feet above the mass of foliage and continue to bloom for about six weeks," says Leirion Sorensen, the gardens manager at Mt. Cuba Center.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 44 inches tall x 36 inches wide
Growing conditions: full sun to part shade; loamy, well-drained soil

Portulaca beautiful flowers

Portulaca is a pretty choice for a simple, drought-resistant ground cover, producing many 1-inch flowers in shades of yellow, red, pink, orange, and white. It tolerates poor soil and does not want much care, says Awat. Generally speaking, it can grow where most flowers can't, and grows best in hot, dry areas—so if you're in the desert area, it may be the best bet for your garden goals.

Lantana beautiful flowers

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.

Gaillardia flowers

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."

Bee Balm (Monarda) Flowers

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 flowers

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."

The Yucca Leaf Tree

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.