The Pacific Northwest pattern: wet winters, dry summers
West of the Cascades, the Pacific Northwest has rainy winters and notably dry summers, often with little rain from about July through September. Plants that thrive here need to survive months without rain, and many also need to tolerate cold, wet soil in winter. Native plants evolved with this rhythm, which makes them a natural fit for water-wise gardens.
Most natives need regular watering during their first year or two to build roots. After that, many need little to no summer water, though shaded or very exposed sites differ.
Groundcovers
- Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): a low evergreen groundcover with pink-white spring flowers and red berries. It prefers good drainage and sun to part shade.
- Broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium): a succulent native for rocky, sunny spots.
- Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum): a gray-leaved perennial with yellow daisy-like flowers.
- Sea thrift (Armeria maritima): a compact coastal plant for sunny, well-drained spots.
Shrubs
| Plant | Notes |
|---|---|
| Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) | Early spring blooms for hummingbirds |
| Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor) | Creamy summer plumes; tolerates dry sites |
| Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) | Adaptable, useful for wildlife |
| Tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) | Evergreen with yellow spring flowers |
| Salal (Gaultheria shallon) | Thrives in shade; tolerates dry shade once established |
| Wild lilac (Ceanothus) | Some species suit the region; choose ones hardy for your area |
| Mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii) | Fragrant early-summer flowers |
Nursery lists for the region often include non-native shrubs such as rockrose, hebe, lavender and heavenly bamboo. They can be useful in a mixed garden, but natives offer more local wildlife value. Heavenly bamboo (Nandina) in particular is considered invasive in parts of the US, so check regional guidance first.
Perennials and bulbs
- Penstemon (Penstemon spp.): several species native to the region suit sunny, well-drained sites.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): tough, with flat white flower clusters.
- Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea): silver-green foliage and papery summer flowers.
- Douglas aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum): late-season bloom for pollinators.
- Common camas (Camassia quamash): blue spring flowers that go dormant in summer, in step with the dry season.
See our pillar guide to perennials for dry sunny areas for general planting advice that applies here as well.
Grasses and ferns
- Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) and Roemer’s fescue (Festuca roemeri): fine bunchgrasses for dry, sunny sites.
- Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum): a woodland fern that tolerates shade and some summer dryness once established.
Trees
Garry oak (Quercus garryana) is a classic dry-site native tree of the region. Shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) and Douglas fir are also native, though large trees need planning for space. Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) is admired but notoriously hard to transplant and is best left to nurseries that specialize in it.
Establishment and low-maintenance tips
- Plant in fall when rain returns, so roots can grow through the wet season.
- Water new plants deeply through their first summer, and likely their second.
- Mulch with a layer of wood chips or similar material, keeping it off stems.
- Prioritize drainage. Winter wet can be as damaging as summer drought for plants like kinnikinnick and penstemon. Planting on a slope or raised area can help.
- Group plants by water needs so you can irrigate only what requires it.
For a low-maintenance landscape, mixing evergreen shrubs, groundcovers and bunchgrasses cuts down on trimming and watering over time.
West versus east of the Cascades
East of the Cascades, conditions are much drier, colder in winter and hotter in summer. Plants from the sagebrush steppe, such as bitterbrush, rabbitbrush and many buckwheats and penstemons, are better matches. Native plants from west-side gardens might need more water there.
For a different Mediterranean-style setting with similar dry summers but milder winters, see our Bay Area guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best outdoor plants for the Pacific Northwest? Native shrubs like red-flowering currant, Oregon grape and snowberry, and groundcovers like kinnikinnick, are widely recommended.
What plants tolerate drought and full sun? Penstemon, yarrow, Oregon sunshine, sedum and fescues are good choices.
What are some low-maintenance landscaping ideas? Use natives, group by water needs, mulch, and use drip irrigation for the first few years.