Every gardener knows, there will come a time each summer when water is precious – for some, that time is the entire gardening season. During those times, you know the challenge: unpredictable rainfall, watering restrictions, and the constant worry about keeping plants alive while running up your water bill. But here’s the exciting part – you can absolutely have a gorgeous, colorful garden without constant watering.

The trick is choosing plants that are proven tough, not just labeled “drought-tolerant” on a nursery tag. Look for plants that have been tested by university programs, like the Blue Ribbon winners in UC Davis (CA) low water-use trials. These plants have gone through multi-year low water tests to show they can handle hot, dry conditions in real-world gardens. And it just happens that many of them carry the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® name. Here are a few of them:

A Rose by Any Other Name

Oso Easy® Urban Legend® rose is exactly as its name suggests. This true-red rose carries legendary beauty while being tough enough to thrive in urban landscape. It earned top honors at UC Davis and Louisiana State University for thriving with less water, which means it’s been tested and proven in actual gardens, not just a greenhouse.

The best part? Gorgeous red blooms pepper the plant all summer long and it has a wide hardiness range: USDA zone 4-9.

A Butterfly Bush for Smaller Spaces

Remember how butterfly bushes used to take over half the yard? Pugster Blue® butterfly bush is completely different. It stays small, just 2-3 feet tall, so it’s perfect for patios, containers, or tucking into a border. Despite its compact size, it’s a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds from spring through fall.

This variety earned UC Davis’s seal of approval for low water needs, and the fragrant blue-purple (seedless) flowers keep coming all season without constant watering. It’s basically a low-maintenance pollinator party in your garden. USDA zone 5-10.

Year-Round Interest Without the Work

If you want something unique that looks good in every season, check out Juke Box® pyracomeles. This UC Davis Blue Ribbon winner provides year-round color and excellent drought tolerance once it’s settled in. The compact, rounded shape works well as a boxwood substitute in foundation plantings or low hedges, and since it’s evergreen, your garden won’t look bare in winter. USDA zone 7-9, 1-3’ tall/wide.

Getting Started

Even tough plants need some TLC at first. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish, then you can gradually cut back. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around your plants to keep moisture in and soil temperatures stable. And here’s a pro tip: group plants with similar water needs together; this prevents waste and makes maintenance so much easier.

Your garden can be both beautiful and water smart. By choosing proven performers that have been tested under real-world conditions, you’re setting yourself up for success. The reward? A colorful, thriving landscape that doesn’t drain your resources or your weekends.

For more information, Discover Drought Tolerant Shrubs, or explore all our shrubs at Proven Winners ColorChoice Flowering Shrubs.