A list of drought-tolerant plants suitable for Calgary’s climate, categorized based on shade tolerance:
Full Sun Drought-Tolerant Plants
1. Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides)
Review: A native grass ideal for full sun, Buffalograss thrives in dry conditions, requiring minimal water and maintenance once established, making it perfect for Calgary's climate.
2. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Review: With vibrant blooms and resilience to dry, sunny spots, Blanket Flower requires little water once established and is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial in Calgary.
3. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Review: Russian Sage thrives in dry, sunny areas, offering aromatic foliage and tall purple spires. It's highly drought-tolerant, needing very little water once established.
4. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Review: Known for its tough, drought-tolerant nature, Purple Coneflower thrives in full sun, attracting pollinators and enduring Calgary’s dry, hot summers with minimal water.
5. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Review: Daylilies are incredibly resilient, requiring minimal water and thriving in full sun. They’re perfect for Calgary’s dry, hot conditions with a variety of colors to choose from.
Partial Sun Drought-Tolerant Plants
6. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Review: Sedum, or "Stonecrop," is ideal for partial sun and dry conditions. It stores water in its leaves, making it drought-tolerant and perfect for Calgary’s unpredictable weather.
7. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Review: A sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennial, Black-eyed Susan thrives in partial sun, requiring little water once established and offering bright, long-lasting blooms.
8. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
Review: Shasta Daisies perform well in partial sun with minimal water, offering bright, cheerful blooms and being remarkably drought-tolerant, ideal for Calgary gardens.
9. Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum 'Autumn Joy')
Review: This drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant thrives in partial sun and is known for its vibrant pink-to-red flowers in late summer, attracting pollinators.
10. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Review: Yarrow is a hardy perennial that thrives in partial sun, requiring very little water once established, and can withstand Calgary’s dry summer conditions without fuss.
Full Shade Drought-Tolerant Plants
11. Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Review: Hostas are excellent for full shade, thriving in moist, dry conditions with minimal water once established. Their large leaves offer a lush, green look even in Calgary’s dry summers.
12. Ferns (Various species)
Review: Many fern species are drought-tolerant and can thrive in shaded areas with minimal watering. Ferns like the Lady Fern can handle dry shade, making them perfect for Calgary gardens.
13. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
Review: Astilbe is perfect for shaded areas, offering vibrant flowers and striking foliage. Once established, it thrives with little water, even in Calgary's dry conditions.
14. Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Review: Lungwort is a great choice for shaded gardens in Calgary. It’s drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water and providing early-season blooms with attractive foliage.
15. Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica)
Review: Virginia Bluebells are drought-tolerant in the shade, requiring minimal watering once established, and they offer vibrant blue blooms in early spring.
General Drought-Tolerant Plants (Adaptable to Different Light Conditions)
16. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Review: A native prairie grass, Little Bluestem thrives in both full sun and partial shade, requiring minimal water and providing stunning color through fall, ideal for Calgary landscapes.
17. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Review: A low-growing, drought-tolerant groundcover, Creeping Thyme thrives in both sun and partial shade. It’s hardy, fragrant, and requires very little water once established.
18. Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
Review: Siberian Iris is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant suitable for Calgary gardens. It thrives in both sun and partial shade, needing minimal water after establishment.
By choosing these plants, you’ll create a thriving, water-efficient garden that can handle the challenges of Calgary’s fluctuating climate. These species are ideal for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscapes, helping conserve water while providing year-round beauty.