drought-tolerant plants – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Fri, 22 Aug 2025 06:03:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 5 Fruit Trees That Can Thrive in Sandy Soils http://livelaughlovedo.com/hobbies-and-crafts/5-fruit-trees-that-can-thrive-in-sandy-soils/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/hobbies-and-crafts/5-fruit-trees-that-can-thrive-in-sandy-soils/#respond Fri, 22 Aug 2025 06:03:25 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/08/22/5-fruit-trees-that-can-thrive-in-sandy-soils/ [ad_1]

Some fruit trees might prefer wet weather and moist earth, but others will perform best with well-draining, sandy soil. It’s also a much easier medium to work with, and requires less effort to dig into. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to grow thriving fruit trees in naturally sandy soil at home—if you plant the right varieties. Here are a few that the experts recommend you try.

Black Mission Fig

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Getty / mamarama


Black Mission figs (Ficus carica) do well in dry, warm environments. They can tolerate quick-draining, sandy soil because their roots go deep, allowing them to hold more moisture for longer.

“These figs are a delicious, highly sought-after fruit,” says Mark Brewer, president and co-founder at The Living Urn. “Enjoy them raw, in desserts, or as jam.”

Young fig trees are sensitive to frost, but otherwise you’ll need to mulch regularly and water them deeply—but infrequently.

“Twice a year, fig trees produce soft, sweet fruit,” Brewer says, “Plus, they are easy to maintain and sport rich, green foliage.” 

  • Growing zones: 7 through 11
  • Size: 10 to 30 feet tall and wide
  • Growing conditions: Requires eight to 10 hours of sunlight each day in fertile, well-drained soil; figs are drought-tolerant once established, but be sure water drains well the first two years.

Elberta Peach

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Getty / gerenme


This peach tree (Prunus persica ‘Elberta’) is considered one of the most productive varieties, and thrives in sandy soil that warms quickly in the spring.

“To ensure its success, enriching sandy soil with organic matter yearly will help maintain fertility,” says Tammy Sons, founder and CEO at TN Nursery. “And, of course, regular watering during dry spells—particularly when fruits are developing—is important.”

  • Growing zones: 5 through 9
  • Size: Up to 25 feet tall; 10 to 20 feet wide
  • Growing conditions: Prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and well-drained, sandy soil; does not tolerate drought, so water deeply and regularly.

Fuyu Persimmon

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Getty / yusuke ide


Persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki) like well-drained soil and are mildly drought-tolerant, making them a great choice for sandy soil. 

“Similar to apricots in flavor and texture, sweet Fuyu persimmons are delicious eaten raw or treated like an apple or stone fruit for baking and preserving,” says Brewer. “Persimmon trees also grace your garden or yard with beautiful foliage.” 

Be sure to supplement yours with annual composting, which replenishes the soil. “But steer clear of excessive nitrogen fertilization if you want a large harvest,” he says.

  • Growing zones: 7 to 11
  • Size: 12 to 15 feet tall; 10 to 12 feet wide
  • Growing conditions: Prefers full to partial sun in well-drained soil; water deeply once per week until established, then monitor during drought.

Mulberry

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Getty Images


Adaptable by nature, mulberries (Morus) grow a deep, strong root system that allows them to weather the side effects of sandy soil, like rapid draining and reduced nutrition. 

“Mulberries are delicious and quite nutritious,” says Brewer. “Use them just like blackberries for snacking, baking, jams, and jelly.” 

A well-established mulberry tree will attract pollinators with shade and blossoms. “Do mulch your mulberry thoroughly to help it retain moisture,” says Brewer, “and plan on regular winter pruning.”

  • Growing zones: 4 through 10
  • Size: 10 to 25 feet tall and wide
  • Growing conditions: Prefers full sun for at least six hours per day; loamy or sandy soil with good drainage; needs deep watering about once per week.

Pomegranate

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Getty / GomezDavid


Pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) are native to the Middle East and its drier, sandier environment—and are also naturally less inclined to root rot.

“They’re delicious, versatile, nutritious, and perfect for snacking, topping salads, and juicing,” says Brewer. “Plant pomegranate trees in full sun and cultivate good air flow through branches by pruning.” 

  • Growing zones: 7 through 10
  • Size: 8 to 12 feet tall; 6 to 8 feet wide
  • Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil; water well to establish, then it’s drought-tolerant.

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/hobbies-and-crafts/5-fruit-trees-that-can-thrive-in-sandy-soils/feed/ 0 8 Mediterranean Plants That Add Old-World Charm to Your Garden http://livelaughlovedo.com/hobbies-and-crafts/8-mediterranean-plants-that-add-old-world-charm-to-your-garden/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/hobbies-and-crafts/8-mediterranean-plants-that-add-old-world-charm-to-your-garden/#respond Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:47:48 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/07/08/8-mediterranean-plants-that-add-old-world-charm-to-your-garden/ [ad_1]

Mediterranean-inspired gardens are becoming increasingly popular among home gardeners. Think drought-tolerant plantings, gravel pathways, rustic terracotta pots, and soothing color schemes. This gardening aesthetic isn’t just beautiful, it’s also very practical. As areas become drier and hotter, gardeners are looking for plants that are low-maintenance, sun-loving, and drought-tolerant—all characteristic of many Mediterranean plants. To help you achieve this aesthetic in your backyard, we spoke to gardening experts who shared the Mediterranean plants you can grow in your garden for a resilient, beautiful landscape.

Mediterranean plants are very popular in the United States. However, when considering non-native plants, be sure to check with your local horticultural agency to ensure you’re not selecting a species that is invasive in your area.

Common Fig

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Getty Images


The fig tree (Ficus carica) is native to the Mediterranean and Asia. “It was discovered thousands of years ago and has been a popular food source since,” says Adrienne Roethling, head gardener for a private estate and former curator of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens at Plant Delights Nursery. The fruits can be enjoyed fresh and dried. This tree can be grown from seed in parts of the U.S., including Florida and California.

  • Zones: 7 to 9
  • Size: 10 to 30 feet tall x 10 to 30 feet wide
  • Care requirements: Full sun to partial sun; moist, neutral to acidic soil

Lavender

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Elena Popova / Getty Images


One of the most popular Mediterranean plants, lavender (Lavandula), will fill your garden with Old-World charm. “Of the 40 or so species, gardeners are most familiar with the Spanish, French, or English lavenders,” says Roethling. “Flowers emerge in late spring and last well through the summer months. In addition to having fragrant leaves, the flowers give off the same, calming smell.” She adds that lavender does especially well in a raised bed or container.

  • Zones: 5 to 9
  • Size: 3 to 4 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
  • Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

Rosemary

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Rosmarie Wirz/Getty Images


Rosemary (Salvia officinalis) is an evergreen herb grown for its culinary and medicinal uses. “It has a wide native range in the Mediterranean, spanning Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy,” says Eleanor Storey, botanical horticulturist at Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. “It is a great plant for pollinators and provides color to beds.” The woody shrub will remain evergreen in certain zones.

  • Zones: 7 to 10
  • Size: 4 to 5 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
  • Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

Small-Flowered Foxglove

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Getty Images


Small-flowered foxglove (Digitalis parviflora) is native to Northern Spain and shows off beautiful, dainty orange flowers that grow on a spike. “It is grown in shadier areas of the Mediterranean garden to provide interest and is also grown for pollinators,” says Storey. It prefers evenly moist soil and won’t tolerate conditions that are too wet or too dry.

  • Zones: 4 to 8
  • Size: 12 to 24 inches x 10 to 12 inches wide
  • Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; humus-rich, medium moisture, well-draining soil

Rockrose

Pink Rockrose (Cistus creticus).
Credit:

 ffaber53 / Getty Images


Rockrose (Cistus) is a group of 34 shrubs native to the Mediterranean basin, but are mainly found around Spain and Portugal, says Storey. “They are prized for their delicate, showy flowers, which tend only to last a day but are produced in profusion,” she adds. One of her favorite varieties is Gum Rockrose (Cistus ladanifer), which has large white blooms with dark red dots surrounding its yellow center. It will flower for most, if not all, of summer.

  • Zones: 4 to 8
  • Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 3 to 5 feet wide
  • Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

Purple Jerusalem Sage

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Getty Images


Native to Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, purple Jerusalem sage (Phlomis purpurea) is a small shrub that produces beautiful whorls of hooded pink flowers throughout summer. It’s beloved by pollinators and grows happily in full sun and can tolerate periods of drought once established. A member of the mint family, this plant is best grown in containers to keep it from taking over the garden.

  • Zones: 7 to 10
  • Size: 2 to 4 feet tall x 3 to 5 feet wide
  • Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil

Spanish Poppy

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Getty Images


Spanish poppy (Papaver rupifragum) is a native perennial variety to Spain and Morocco that is beloved for its dainty blooms. “The flowers are an alluring pale orange and will flower throughout the summer months,” says Felix Cleverly, arboretum supervisor at Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. “Best grown direct from seed, this poppy needs full sun and requires a small amount of water to germinate.”

  • Zones: 5 to 9
  • Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wide
  • Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

Judas Tree

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Getty Images


A stunning Mediterranean tree, Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum), is found all the way from France to Afghanistan. “Another great plant for pollinators, this tree will benefit from some moisture in the soil but can cope with periods of drought,” says Cleverly. Judas tree produces beautiful, bright pink pea-like flowers that are often used in salads.

  • Zones: 6 to 9
  • Size: 15 to 25 feet tall x 15 to 25 feet wide
  • Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; slightly moist, well-draining soil

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/hobbies-and-crafts/8-mediterranean-plants-that-add-old-world-charm-to-your-garden/feed/ 0 Easy Breezy Landscaping with Low-Maintenance Outdoor Plants http://livelaughlovedo.com/hobbies-and-crafts/easy-breezy-landscaping-with-low-maintenance-outdoor-plants/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/hobbies-and-crafts/easy-breezy-landscaping-with-low-maintenance-outdoor-plants/#respond Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:03:14 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/27/easy-breezy-landscaping-with-low-maintenance-outdoor-plants/ [ad_1]

Have a brown thumb, live a busy lifestyle, or are new to gardening? This is for you. Outdoor plants don’t have to be complicated. You can create a beautiful garden and upgrade your landscaping game with a few easy options. So if you’ve ever worried while you watered your outdoor plants, it’s ok, we’ve got you.

Whether your outdoor space has full sun, partial shade, or somewhere in between, these resilient beauties are here to make your life easier and your garden gorgeous.

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

This North American native boasts sunny yellow petals and a dark center. We love them (and we think you will too) because they’re drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and bloom from mid-summer through fall. Plus, butterflies love them!

Fun fact: They look similar to daisies because they are a type of daisy.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

These succulent-like cuties are thick with pinkish blooms and thrive in full sunlight and dry soil. If you’re truly looking for a “set it and forget it” perennial, these are perfect.

Yarrow

From yellow, pink, and white, yarrow is handy and unfussy. These fern-like flat-topped plants are great for the outdoors because they’re pollinator magnets and add texture to perennial borders.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are gorgeous, purple daisy-like flowers that bloom all summer. These beauties attract butterflies and bees, but they aren’t just attractive — they’re also resilient, able to handle drought and poor soil.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

Gaillardia features warm orange and red tones, adding warmth and dimension to your garden beds. They’re great because they love the sun and hate fuss.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a cactus-like succulent that loves well-drained soil. The queen of minimal care, it grows particularly well in dry and hot climates. Bonus? Aloe vera gel is great for your skin.

Zinnias

Zinnias are vibrant, long-lasting flowers that are beloved for their low maintenance and fast growth. They thrive in sunlight and are great for filling garden beds.

Milkweed (Asclepias)

Adored for their unique “clustered” shape and variety of colors, this perennial flower blooms in the summer and thrives in dry soils. Not only are they easy to grow, but monarch butterflies and caterpillars love them.

Lavender

Inhale worry and exhale calm. That’s how it feels to smell the relaxing scent of lavender. This fragrant favorite is drought-tolerant and thrives in sandy, well-drained soil.

Hostas

Large with lush leaves, hostas are a foliage favorite because they need very little care. With blue-green or variegated leaves, they thrive in shade or partial shade.

Russian Sage

Featuring soft silver stems and purple-blue flowers, Russian sage is a staple for garden elegance. It’s deer-resistant, loves sun, and is resilient (even in poor soil).

Cosmos

If you’re looking to add a whimsical, airy touch to garden beds, try cosmos. Once planted, these pretty, soft pink to sunny orange flowers only need occasional watering.

Zebra Grass (Miscanthus)

Add some movement and dimension to garden beds with zebra grass. Its variegated leaves sway beautifully in the wind, offer a unique touch (without overpowering), and require little upkeep.

Lamb’s Ear

Lamb’s ear is a velvety, soft silver foliage plant that’s low-growing, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant, making it the perfect groundcover for a low-key lush vibe.

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Cheery and golden-yellow, coreopsis plants love to soak up the sun. We love them because they bloom beautifully without asking much in return.

Daylilies

These beauties come in almost every color and are beloved as low-maintenance perennials. Since they bloom again and again, they are great landscaping focal points.

Catmint (Nepeta)

This pollinator favorite is a fragrant purple-flowered plant that grows happily with little care.

Salvia

Commonly known as “sage,” this easy-to-grow plant is often burned for ceremonies or to clear out bad energy. In its purest form, it’s a pretty blue or at times fiery red plant that’s drought-tolerant, and a hummingbird favorite.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Pollinators love a good bee balm plant. Not only is it aromatic, it’s bold in color – you’ll love it too because it’s perfect for attracting bees, butterflies, and even the occasional hummingbird. Yep, it’s a garden fairy dream.

Succulents (Various)

Succulents are popular – you can pretty much find them in any nursery, especially in dry climates. Just make sure you store them in well-drained containers and don’t overwater.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are colorful, vibrant, and low-fuss — everything your garden needs. They bloom in early spring or fall and love the sun.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Got a shady spot? Coral bells are the answer. This bell-shaped perennial flower has vibrant foliage in purple, lime, or bronze tones that remain beautiful year-round.

Hydrangeas (Panicle or Oakleaf)

Some hydrangeas require more care, but panicle and oakleaf hydrangeas are surprisingly low-maintenance and beginner-friendly.

Dusty Miller

Soft and silvery, these plants add contrast and variety to any garden bed. Dusty miller is perfect for edging and thrives with very little help.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

A butterfly favorite, this fast-growing and fragrant shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune it in early spring, then let it flourish.

Ice Plant

Another succulent stunner, ice plants have vivid daisy-like blooms and thick foliage, perfect for sunny, dry spots.

Knock Out Roses

These aren’t your typical roses. Unlike the traditional variety, knock out roses are low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and bloom like crazy. (Not to be biased, but if you’re going to plant roses…)

Newbie Gardener Tips

Even the most resilient plants need a little love. Here are a few pro-tips (whether you’re new, novice, or consider yourself a pro) to keep your low-maintenance garden looking lush:

  • Start with the soil: Well-drained soil is key – add compost or sand to loosen things up.
  • Use a slow-release fertilizer once per season to keep your plants fed.
  • Install a soaker hose or drip system for low-effort, water-efficient irrigation.
  • Mulch it up: Mulching helps retain moisture and block weeds.
  • Group by needs: Place drought-tolerant plants together, and shade lovers in the same bed.
  • Cut and enjoy: Many of the options on the list make amazing cut flowers for a fresh indoor bouquet!

Pick Your Garden Aesthetic  

Whether you’re drawn to a dreamy cottagecore aesthetic or a desert oasis vibe, here are a few simple ways to design your garden:

  • Pick a palette: Orange and yellow (gaillardia + black-eyed susans), purple and white (salvia + yarrow), or monochrome.
  • Play with contrast: Mix dusty miller, lamb’s ear, and dark purple coral bells.
  • Add dimension: Vary taller plants with shorter plants to add depth and visual interest.

No matter where you are on your gardening journey, there’s a low-maintenance plant just waiting to be yours. These fuss-free favorites simply need a little sunshine, water, and a whole lotta love. So grab your garden gloves and cue up your favorite playlist – your dream garden is only a few blossoms away.

More outdoor landscape inspiration

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