Herbs for Hot, Dry Areas

Many well-known herbs do well in hot and dry areas so if you are wanting to xeriscape with herbs you will have quite a few to choose from.  These herbs also are available in other varieties in addition to the common types.  Generally if a plant has grayish leaves it is drought tolerant. Check the label to be sure it will survive in your climate. Remember to water regularly until established.

Sage – Other varieties include Purple Sage (purple colored leaves), Tricolor Sage (green, white, and purple varigated leaves), and Golden Sage (yellow varigated leaves).

Oregano – varieties include dwarf, white flowered, purple flowered, and varigated.  If you will be using the leaves rub and smell before purchasing – oregano can vary quite a bit in scent and flavor.

Thyme – varieties include Silver Thyme (leaves have white edges), Lemon Thyme (lemon flavor and scent – some have green leaves, some yellow varigated), Oregano Thyme (oregano scent, larger leaves), and many other flavors and scents some shrubby, some low growing.  Wooly thyme is non culinary thyme which makes a great ground cover and releases a nice fragrance when walked on.

Lavender – various types of purple or lavender flowered, pink flowered, and white flowered, gray leaves or green leaves.  Some lavenders are hardier than other so as with other plants check the label or other information to see if it will survive in your climate.

Some other herbs that may do well: Artemesias including wormwood, Agastaches, Echinacea – available in white, yellow, and reds in addition to lavender colors. Aloe Vera ( In many climates will not survive the winter outdoors.  Mine turns pale if planted in full sun), Goji berry (Wolfberry), Dianthus, hot peppers, Winter Savory, Santolina, yarrows, yucca,  Russian Sage.

http://www.herb-arium.com