It seems to be a quirk of human nature that we can plan ahead for some things in our gardens such as the aesthetics of flower colour, plant textures and fragrance, but when it comes to such basic needs as water consumption and heat tolerance, we tend to overlook these completely. Given that Metro Vancouver has been in stage 2 water restrictions since May 1st and that these constraints have become the norm year after year, maybe it’s time to start planting for our drier future. The good news is that many of the species that tolerate heat and drought (once established) are available right now at Amsterdam Garden Centre and here are a few of your best options.
California Lilac (Ceanothus ‘Victoria’)
True blue flowers are a hard find at any time of year, but this evergreen shrub literally smothers itself in indigo blooms from late spring into early summer. These are much appreciated by the bees and the highly trimmable foliage can also be trained into an attractive flowering hedge. Grows 4-6’+ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 7.
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📸 MK Lascelle
Mugwort (Artemisia ‘Silver King’)
As far as drought tolerance is concerned, all silver-leaved perennials such as Artemisia ‘Silver King’ are a safe bet and they are also deer-proof. Although it is primarily a foliage plant, it is also a great choice for mass planting along with ornamental grasses. Grows 2-3’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 3.
📸 MK Lascelle
Spurge (Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii)
This is one of the taller spurge varieties and a common sight in streetside and municipal plantings. This architectural evergreen perennial features bluish-green foliage topped by bold chartreuse flowers from March to June. Grows 3-4’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 6.
📸 MK Lascelle
Creeping Thyme (Thymus ‘Coccineus’)
There are a lot of us replacing our lawns due to European chafer damage and creeping thyme is one of the few low-profile groundcovers that tolerates occasional foot traffic. Thankfully, most of these, including the ‘Coccineus’ variety featured are quite drought tolerant once established. Grows 2” tall by 18” wide. Hardy to USDA zone 5.
📸 MK Lascelle
Dwarf Broom (Genista lydia)
This well-behaved shrub should not be confused by the invasive Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) although the bright yellow flowers are somewhat similar. This species has a more spreading habit (up to 4’ wide) making it useful for covering slopes or embankments. Grows 2’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 5.
📸 MK Lascelle
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
All the lavenders are quite drought tolerant once established but the English has the benefits of a more compact growth habit and extra hardiness. Typical varieties feature sweet-smelling pale to dark blue flowers (white and pink are also available) in summer, which are edible and can be used in baking. Grows 1-2’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 5.
📸 MK Lascelle
Creeping Stonecrop (Sedum ‘Angelina’)
Another often overlooked category of perennials with both evergreen and herbaceous species. We are featuring the intensely coloured ‘Angelina’ with its evergreen bright gold needled foliage that takes on a brassy hue in the colder weather. Grows 3-6” tall. Hardy to USDA zone 3.
📸 MK Lascelle
Adam’s Needle (Yucca ‘Color Guard’)
I’ll admit that Yucca is a love or hate shrub, but you can’t fault these evergreens for their perseverance in neglected landscapes. Mature plants will feature bold creamy-white flowers held on tall spires and many varieties, such as the featured ‘Color Guard’ have attractive variegated foliage. Grows 2-3’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 4.
📸 MK Lascelle
Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
One trick to successfully establishing Pampas Grass is to plant it from late spring through midsummer, so it has time to root in before it faces its first winter. You will be rewarded with graceful feathery white plumes from late summer into early fall rising from a reliably evergreen, symmetrical foliage clump. Grows 3-5’+ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 7.
📸 MK Lascelle
Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum spp.)
Given the stunning foliage colour variety of this genus, it’s a wonder more of us aren’t creating tapestry groundcovers or planters of this stunning evergreen perennial. One thing they do need is sharp drainage in winter, but if you have a sandy slope that’s hard to water, then this is the plant for you. Grows 4-6” tall. Hardy to USDA zone 3.
📸 MK Lascelle
One last piece of advice is that no plant is drought resistant until it has been established in the garden, because the shrubs and perennials you purchase at the garden centre have been given ideal growing conditions and they will need regular watering during their first summer in order to establish a drought tolerant root system.
Copyright 2026 MK Lascelle
