Drought-Tolerant Native Plants to Grow in Ohio This Summer

7/17/2025

Backyard English cottage garden on brown pavement and green lawn

Ohio can go from rainy season to drought season very quickly, and that’s where native plants come into play when planning your landscaping. Native plants are naturally adapted to our ever-changing climate and are built to handle the seasons with minimal human effort. On top of that, they’re beneficial to local wildlife and a win for you and nature!

Here are some native plants to consider for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape:

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

This eye-catching, drought-tolerant wildflower boasts bold purple petals and sturdy stems. It attracts bees, butterflies, and even goldfinches.

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

This native prairie grass features blue-green foliage that turns a striking coppery-red in fall. It’s ideal for poor soil areas and requires little watering, meaning they are perfect for dry Ohio summers.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

A bright orange milkweed species that’s a magnet for monarchs and other pollinators. It thrives in full sun and dry soil.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

A sunny yellow bloomer with a dark center, this hardy perennial is easy to grow and drought-tolerant. It adds cheerful color to any wildflower garden.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

This lavender-colored flower is fragrant, beautiful, and attracts bees and hummingbirds. Just be aware, it spreads easily!

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

An ornamental grass with soft, fine texture. It’s drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and adds graceful movement to garden beds.

Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)

This native groundcover features purple trumpet-shaped blooms and thrives in dry, rocky soils.

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

A small native shrub with white, nectar-rich blooms in early summer. It’s drought-tolerant and great for attracting pollinators.

Summer Watering Tips:

Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs.
Add mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Plant native species in sunny, well-drained areas and reserve cooler, shaded spots for non-native plants that may not handle the heat as well.

In Conclusion

By choosing native, drought-tolerant plants, you’re supporting local pollinators, conserving water, and reducing yard maintenance. As always, when you need the right equipment to tend to your landscape and lawn, give us a call.