What Georgia gardeners are up against
Georgia combines hot, humid summers, heavy clay soils in much of the Piedmont, and sandy soils in the coastal plain. Rainfall is generally plentiful, but it is uneven, and summer and fall dry spells can be sharp. That means a “drought tolerant” plant in Georgia also has to cope with humidity and sometimes with wet winters.
Native plants are a sensible place to start. They evolved with the region’s climate and tend to be adapted to local soils, though the right species still depends on where you are in the state.
Native perennials
| Plant | Notes |
|---|---|
| Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) | Summer bloom; seed heads feed birds |
| Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) | Short-lived but reseeds; tolerant of heat |
| Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) | Monarch host; prefers well-drained soil |
| Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) | Compact fall bloomer, a Southeast native |
| Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) | Pollinator favorite; can get mildew in humidity |
| Partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) | Annual that reseeds; supports pollinators |
| Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata and C. tinctoria) | Cheerful yellow blooms in sun |
| Blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis) | Long-lived, shrubby perennial |
| Lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata) | Low, spring-flowering and easy |
For more detail on how to combine and care for these, see our pillar guide to perennial plants for dry sunny areas.
Grasses
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): upright, blue-green summer foliage and bronze fall color.
- Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris): a showy fall bloomer native to parts of the Southeast, with pink-purple plumes.
- River oats (Chasmanthium latifolium): often grown in shade and moist spots, though it can tolerate drier conditions once established. Expect it to do best with some moisture.
Shrubs and vines
Readers often ask for low-maintenance shrubs. These natives are commonly suggested:
- American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): purple fall berries that birds eat, and it tolerates dry spells once established.
- Wild indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa): fast-growing and adaptable, but it can spread and be weedy in some settings.
- Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia): spring flowers that hummingbirds visit. It can drop leaves early in dry summers.
- Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): a native vine with red tubular flowers. Choose it rather than invasive Japanese honeysuckle.
- Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria): a tough evergreen that handles a range of conditions.
- Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): often listed as drought tolerant, but it generally looks best with some moisture and shade, especially in hot summers. It is better described as moderately tolerant than as a truly dry-site plant.
Getting plants established in Georgia clay
- Water new plants regularly for the first season, especially during summer heat, then reduce gradually.
- Plant in fall or early spring when possible. Fall planting in Georgia gives roots time to grow before summer.
- Dig wide, not deep. Loosen the soil around the planting area and avoid creating a “bathtub” that holds water.
- Mulch lightly and keep mulch off plant crowns.
- Skip heavy fertilizer. Most natives prefer lean soil.
Georgia’s humidity can contribute to mildew and fungal leaf spots on some perennials. Giving plants space and full sun usually helps.
Easiest plants to start with
If you are new to natives, coneflower, black-eyed Susan, little bluestem and coral honeysuckle are among the more forgiving options. Pair them with a few shrubs for structure.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best plants for both full sun and drought in Georgia? Coneflower, black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed, little bluestem and Georgia aster are common choices.
What are the best outdoor plants for Georgia? It depends on your light, soil and region, but native perennials, grasses and shrubs adapted to heat usually perform well with less water.
Do native plants need water? New plantings do, for at least their first growing season. Most established natives need less supplemental water than turf or non-native ornamentals.
Is lantana a good choice in Georgia? It handles heat well, but the common species is not native and has invasive tendencies in some warm regions. See our article on lantana drought tolerance for details.