Best Drought-Resistant Plants for Canterbury and Otago Gardens

Do you live in Canterbury or Otago and struggle to keep your garden green during dry months? You’re not alone.

These southern regions get hot summers, low rainfall, and strong winds that can quickly dry out your plants. The good news is that you can still have a beautiful garden without using much water. All you need are the right drought-resistant plants that stay strong even when the weather gets tough.

Let’s look at some easy-care, low-water plants that grow wonderfully in Canterbury and Otago.

Best Drought-Resistant Plants for Dry Southern Regions

Here are some of the best drought-tolerant plants you can grow, explained in detailed and straightforward ways:

1. Lavender

Lavender is one of the easiest plants to grow in dry places like Canterbury and Otago. It loves hot sun, dry air, and soil that doesn’t stay wet. Once the plant develops strong roots, it hardly needs any watering.

Its purple flowers smell amazing and bloom for a long time, adding colour to your garden even during dry months. Lavender also brings in bees and butterflies, which help other plants grow. With just a little pruning each year, it stays healthy and keeps its shape.

2. Hebes (Native NZ Shrubs)

Hebes are strong New Zealand native shrubs that don’t need much water to survive. They can live in windy, frosty, and dry conditions, making them perfect for southern gardens.

These plants come in many shapes and colours. Some are small and round, others grow taller. They have tiny flowers that attract birds and insects. 

Once planted, Hebes need almost no care. Just give them a sunny spot or light shade, and they will stay green all year.

3. Flax (Harakeke and Mountain Flax)

Flax plants are very tough. Their long, thick leaves store water, which helps them survive long dry periods. They also handle strong winds, which are common in Canterbury and Otago.

Harakeke grows big and bold, while mountain flax is smaller and suitable for smaller gardens. Flax plants add drama and height to your garden design. They’re also used to attract birds because the flowers hold nectar. Apart from cutting old leaves, flax needs very little care.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is a herb that grows like a vigorous, woody shrub. It thrives in full sun and dry soil, so it doesn’t need much water. Its leaves are full of natural oils, which help the plant stay fresh even in the heat.

It also gives you fresh herbs for cooking and produces small blue flowers that attract bees. Rosemary grows well along pathways or in pots. Just make sure the soil drains well, because it doesn’t like “wet feet.”

5. Tussock Grasses

Tussocks are native grasses that grow in clumps and wave beautifully in the wind. They are excellent for dry gardens because they don’t lose much water through their thin, narrow leaves.

These grasses are strong, low-maintenance, and perfect for adding shape and movement to your garden. 

They grow well in sloped or rocky areas where other plants struggle. Once they’re planted, they rarely need watering or attention. They simply keep increasing year after year.

6. Succulents (like Aloe, Sedum, and Agave)

Succulents store water inside their thick, fleshy leaves, acting like tiny water tanks. It makes them ideal for dry, sunny regions.

They come in many colours and shapes, some look like flowers, some look like spikes, and some grow like tiny trees. Succulents are perfect for rock gardens or pots on balconies. They need almost no watering, just plenty of sunlight and soil that drains fast so the roots don’t rot.

7. Manuka and Kanuka

Both Manuka and Kanuka are hardy native shrubs that thrive in dry, windy places. Their deep roots help them find water from deeper in the soil, so they don’t depend much on rainfall.

These plants produce tiny white or pinkish flowers that attract bees, adding life to your garden. They grow into thick, bushy plants that fill space easily. Once established, they need very little water or care.

8. Corokia (Wire Netting Bush)

Corokia is a New Zealand shrub with thin, zig-zag branches and small silver or dark green leaves. The leaves help reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of water the plant loses.

Corokia survives drought, frost, and strong winds extremely well. It’s excellent for hedges, garden borders, or adding structure to your landscape. 

In spring, it grows small yellow flowers and later produces berries that attract native birds. It’s a low-water, high-impact plant choice.

Build a Thriving Garden Even in Dry Conditions

By choosing the right drought-resistant plants, you can enjoy a colourful, healthy, and low-maintenance garden year-round. These plants save water, survive harsh weather, and still make your outdoor space look amazing without constant care.

If you want help designing a garden that fits your climate, lifestyle, and space, the Zones Landscaping team is here to support you. 

From plant selection to complete garden makeovers, we can plan, design, and build a landscape that stays beautiful even in the driest conditions.

So are you ready to create a garden that’s strong, stylish, and built for the southern climate? 

Get in touch with the Zones Landscaping NZ team today. We’d love to bring your dream garden to life.