This article describes drought-tolerant perennial species and practical strategies for planting and maintaining them in Massachusetts landscapes. It focuses on reliable choices for USDA hardiness zones common in the state (roughly zones 5 to 7), and on site and management practices that reduce summer water needs while preserving attractive, long-lived plantings. Expect concrete recommendations for species, sun and soil preferences, planting technique, and seasonal maintenance.
Massachusetts has variable precipitation and an increasingly common pattern of hot, dry spells in summer. Soils range from sandy, well-drained coastal loams to heavier glacial tills inland. Drought stress in perennials shows up as wilting, leaf scorch, delayed flowering, and reduced winter hardiness when plants are repeatedly stressed.
Choosing drought-tolerant perennials is not a substitute for sound site preparation. The best outcomes come from matching plants to site conditions, improving soil where necessary, and applying a smart irrigation and mulching regime during establishment.
Native soil texture and drainage are the single most important factors. Sandy soils drain quickly and will need drought-tolerant species that can handle low available moisture. Heavy clay soils can create a paradox: surface plants may suffer drying between rains because roots cannot penetrate or access deep water; improving drainage with organic matter and creating planting berms or raised beds helps.
Most drought-tolerant perennials require full sun (6+ hours daily) to thrive. South- and west-facing slopes are warmer and drier; north-facing and heavily shaded sites are cooler and moister. Urban heat islands, buildings, and reflective surfaces create microclimates that amplify drought stress.
Wind and slope accelerate drying. Coastal sites add salt spray; choose salt-tolerant selections for exposed locations (for example some seaside-adapted grasses and sea thrift types). Evaluate wind exposure and slope when placing plants.
Choose species whose natural habits match your site. Prairie natives and Mediterranean-adapted perennials excel on hot, dry sites. Woodland-adapted species will not perform well in open, parched full sun.
Plant in the early spring or early fall to maximize root establishment before summer heat. When planting:
A 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch reduces evaporation, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. Keep mulch pulled back 1 to 2 inches from stems to prevent rot. For very rocky, compacted, or clay soils, incorporate coarse compost and use raised beds or berms for species that require superior drainage (e.g., lavender, sedum).
New plantings require regular watering for the first year. After establishment, water deeply and infrequently when drought stress appears rather than frequent shallow watering to promote deep root growth. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to minimize waste.
Deadhead spent flowers for extended bloom on many species (echinacea, coreopsis, rudbeckia). Cut back ornamental grasses in late winter or early spring. Divide congested perennials every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and reduce disease pressure.
Below are groups of reliable, drought-tolerant perennials that perform well in Massachusetts, including native species where possible. For each plant I list sun exposure, typical height, bloom season, and specific notes.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 24 to 40 inches.
Bloom: mid-summer to fall.
Notes: Deep roots make it drought-tolerant once established; valuable for pollinators and cut flowers.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 24 to 36 inches.
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall.
Notes: Tough, long-blooming, low-maintenance.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 12 to 18 inches.
Bloom: early to mid-summer, repeat blooms with deadheading.
Notes: Fine-textured foliage provides contrast, very drought-hardy.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 18 to 30 inches.
Bloom: early to mid-summer, long-lasting clusters.
Notes: Tolerates poor soils and dry conditions; can spread and self-seed.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 18 to 36 inches depending on species.
Bloom: mid-summer to fall.
Notes: Fragrant foliage, pollinator magnet, prefers well-drained soil.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 12 to 24 inches.
Bloom: late spring to summer.
Notes: Compact, reblooming varieties are available; deer-resistant.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 2 to 4 feet.
Bloom: late summer to fall (seedheads); excellent fall color.
Notes: Native prairie grass, very drought-tolerant and useful for structure.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 3 to 6 feet.
Bloom: late summer to fall.
Notes: Deep-rooted, stands up in winter; choose native cultivars for best results.
Sun: full sun to part shade.
Height: 6 to 12 inches.
Bloom: spring (short flower stalks).
Notes: Great for edging or rock gardens; tolerates dry soils.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 8 to 18 inches.
Bloom: late summer to fall.
Notes: Excellent for hot, dry sites and containers; minimal irrigation once established.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 2 to 4 inches.
Bloom: late spring to summer.
Notes: Fragrant, excellent between pavers and in rock gardens; tolerates foot traffic.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 4 to 8 inches.
Bloom: spring.
Notes: Good on slopes or rock gardens that dry quickly in summer.
Sun: full sun to light shade.
Height: 3 to 4 feet.
Bloom: late spring to early summer.
Notes: Deep taproot confers excellent drought tolerance; very long-lived once established.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 18 to 30 inches.
Bloom: mid to late summer.
Notes: Striking architectural form, prefers very good drainage.
Sun: full sun.
Height: 24 to 36 inches.
Bloom: foliage interest; small flowers are insignificant.
Notes: Silvery foliage provides contrast and tolerates very dry sites; prune in spring.
Dry shade is the hardest environment. Few perennials truly tolerate hot, dry shade, but some do reasonably well under trees if root competition and compaction are mitigated.
Sun: part shade to shade (morning sun best).
Height: 12 to 18 inches.
Bloom: late spring to early summer.
Notes: Choose varieties with heat tolerance; maintain mulch and leaf litter to preserve moisture.
Sun: part to full shade.
Height: 8 to 18 inches.
Bloom: spring.
Notes: Tolerates dry shade once established; useful for woodland understories.
Although many drought-tolerant perennials are well-behaved, check for self-seeding tendencies (achillea, coreopsis) and avoid species known to naturalize aggressively in your region. Avoid planting non-native invasives that escape into natural areas. When choosing cultivars, prefer sterile or less-aggressive varieties if you want to minimize spread.
Drought-tolerant perennials can create attractive, low-input Massachusetts gardens that flower through the summer, support pollinators, and reduce irrigation demands. With appropriate site evaluation, planting technique, and maintenance, these species will reward gardeners with long-lived, resilient landscapes.