19 Drought-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs for a Water-Wise Garden — Seattle’s Favorite Garden Store Since 1924 – Swansons Nursery

The Pacific Northwest may be famous for its rainy climate, but those of us who live here know that we also experience dry summers. In fact, our region has a climate similar to the Mediterranean, save for cooler overall temperatures.

What does this mean for our gardens? Well, it means that we often need quite a bit of supplemental water to keep our plants alive and happy in July, August, and September. But by choosing to plant drought-tolerant plants, you can reduce water use and create lower-maintenance gardens.

Drought-tolerant plants typically thrive with little or no supplemental water during the summer months once they have settled into the garden. However, it’s important to remember that all plants – even those labeled as drought-tolerant – need regular water until they become established. Generally, this means a consistent watering schedule for the first dry season or two after planting. If you’re curious to know more, read our post, The Truth About Drought-Tolerant Plants.

You don’t need to create a completely drought-tolerant garden to enjoy the benefits. Even just one or two drought-tolerant plants can help. Now, let’s talk about some of our favorite drought-tolerant trees and shrubs for the Pacific Northwest. They offer a range of fantastic attributes that will beautify your garden and simplify your life!