6 Pollinator-Friendly Perennials for the Xeric (Water-Wise) Garden
Thea Watson
August 5, 2026
Why plant Xeric?
Xeriscaping is a planting technique designed to conserve water and minimize maintenance. In our changing climate, planning for seasons of potential drought is becoming increasingly important. Less watering = more time spent relaxing and enjoying your beautiful garden space!
However, drought tolerance is not the only thing we need to keep in mind. We cannot forget about our pollinators! See our list below of some of our favorite xeric, pollinator friendly perennials that we are carrying this summer:
Echium amoenum ‘Red Feathers’
Echium amoenum ‘Red Feathers’ at West Seattle Nursery
A hummingbird’s favorite! This beautiful, compact perennial hails from the Caucasus mountains. Only reaching about 12-16 inches in height and width, it makes a great border plant in any Xeric garden. Small clumps of green, feathery foliage topped with red conical blooms around 8 inches high.
Check out Echium amoenum ‘Red Feathers’ in full bloom here!
Zauschneria californica ‘Marin Pink’
Zauschneria californica ‘Marin Pink’ at West Seattle Nursery
Also known as California Fuchsia or Hummingbird Trumpet, this low growing perennial is perfect for dry hillside gardens. A quick grower and prolific bloomer in our summer heat, sometimes still blooming into late fall. The light green foliage will be sprinkled with small pink flowers. This Zauschneria will reach 1-2 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width. Excellent for ground control.
Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis at West Seattle Nursery
This tall, fast-growing perennial is a bee magnet! Perfect for background planting; it will get 3-6 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide. Long stalks and small, narrow foliage are topped with round purple flowers. Blooms summer through fall.
Asclepias tuberosa ‘Gay Butterflies’
Asclepias tuberosa ‘Gay Butterflies’ at West Seattle Nursery
You may know this popular perennial as a butterfly host plant, with its lesser-known quality being its drought tolerance! Varying shades of orange flowers cover the top of this plant summer into fall. This heat loving plant will provide a great contrast in the garden at a more manageable size, 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 wide. These flowers are also enjoyed by other pollinators.
Check out Asclepias tuberosa ‘Gay Butterflies’ in full bloom here!
Kniphofia POCO™ ‘Butter Brickle’
Kniphofia POCO™ ‘Butter Brickle’ at West Seattle Nursery
This tall perennial showcases orange torch-like blooms on long stems. But orange is not the only color Kniphofia can be! We carry many other varieties during the summer season, coming in red, yellow, or bicolor. Coveted by hummingbirds due to the flower shape and vibrance in the garden. Kniphofia size can vary, depending on each variety. POCO™ ‘Butter Brickle’ will reach 1-2 feet in height and 1-1.5 feet in width.
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Perovskia atriplicifolia at West Seattle Nursery
Though its common name is Russian Sage, it is not native to Siberia. This plant is actually native to Central and Southwestern Asia, and the Himalayan Mountains. The arid mountains of the Himalayas are the perfect environment for the Perovskia, making this an excellent selection for the xeric garden. Soft, silver foliage topped with small lilac colored blooms, flowering from late spring into fall. Generally reaching 3-4 feet in height and width. A bee's favorite!