Summer Survivors: Drought-Tolerant Perennials
Posted by Annie Algren on Jul 5th 2026
Summer Survivors: Drought-Tolerant Perennials
When summer turns up the heat and rain becomes scarce, many plants in the garden are put to the test. Leaves droop, blooms fade, and keeping beds looking vibrant can feel like a constant battle with the hose. The good news? Some plants are built for these conditions!
Drought-tolerant perennials are the quiet heroes of the summer garden. Once established, they handle dry spells with ease, continue blooming through the hottest weeks, and often require far less maintenance than thirstier varieties. They’re also a smart choice for gardeners who want to conserve water while still enjoying colorful, pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Here are five of our favorite Summer Survivors:
Achillea - Yarrow
Size
1-3 feet tall x 1-3 feet wide
Light
Full Sun, 6+ hours
Blooms
White, Yellow, Pink, Red, Purple
Late Spring to Late Summer
Benefits
Deer & Rabbit-Resistant, Supports Pollinators, Salt-Tolerant
Sedum - Stonecrop
Size
1-2 feet tall x 1-2 feet wide
Light
Full Sun, 6+ hours
Blooms
Pink, Red, Yellow, White
Late Summer to Fall
Benefits
Deer & Rabbit-Resistant, Supports Late-Season Pollinators, Salt-Tolerant
Echinacea purpurea - Purple Coneflower
Size
2-4 feet tall x 1-2 feet wide
Light
Full Sun, 6+ hours
Blooms
Pink & Purple
Mid-Summer to Fall
Benefits
Supports Pollinators, Native to Minnesota
Perovskia - Russian Sage
Size
3-5 feet tall x 2-4 feet wide
Light
Full Sun, 6+ hours
Blooms
Light Purple
Mid-Summer to Fall
Benefits
Deer-Resistant, Supports Pollinators, Salt-Tolerant
Panicum - Switchgrass
Size
3-6 feet tall x 2-3 feet wide
Light
Full Sun, 6+ hours
Blooms
Pink & Brown
Mid-Summer to Fall
Benefits
Prevents Erosion, Provides Winter Interest and Wildlife Habitat, Native to Minnesota
If you would like assistance picking out drought-tolerant perennials, feel free to stop in and ask! Otherwise, email us at hello@tonkadale.com - we're here to help!