Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Container Gardening

Looking for some shrubs that not only work well in a container but also are drought tolerant? These choices have many fine elements that make them a winner in container gardening. Drought tolerant shrubs should not need additional watering after they are established if left in natural rainfall.

Thorny Eleagnus (Elaeagnus pungens)

The thorny eleagnus is also known as silverthorn and spotted elaeagnus. It is a fast growing fragrant shrub that is evergreen and attractive to songbirds. It is part of the oleaster family of plants. Growing up to 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide, there are broad leaves and cream bell-like flowers. Blooms are in clusters and tiny. Fruits are red-brown and are eaten by birds. Plant this in full to partial sun with any soil that isn’t soggy and water-logged. Propagate by seed, hardwood cuttings, or by softwood cuttings in USDA hardiness zones of 7 through 9. It has been placed in the ‚”Invasive” category for Florida.

Coral Plant (Jatropha multifida)

This drought tolerant shrub works well in containers. It has also been called the Guatemala rhubarb and the physic nut. It grows 6 to 10 feet on average but may get as big as 20 feet high. Large leaves are deeply cut while coral red flowers are in clusters. They bloom all year long. Plant a coral plant in full sun to patchy shade conditions and any soil that is not salty. Propagate by seed or cuttings in USDA hardiness zones of 10 through 12. The coral plant is poisonous and should not be ingested. The sap of the plant can also be a skin irritant.

Japanese Mockorange (Pittosporum tobira)

The Japanese mockorange is a fast growing evergreen that is fragrant. It is attractive to butterflies and can grow up to 15 feet tall. Leaves are leather-like and glossy with citrus orange scented flowers. Blooms are white and age to yellow, coming in the spring. The Japanese mockorange should be planted in any lighting, from sun to shade, and in any soil except soggy water-logged soils. Propagate by seed or cuttings in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10.

Yellow Elder (Tecoma stans)

The yellow elder is also known by the names yellowbells, trumpetbush, ginger-thomas, and tronadora. It is an aromatic fast growing shrub that attracts hummingbirds and is a member of the bignonia family. It has leaves that look like elderberry leaves, bright green and compound. Flowers are in clusters and are trumpet-looking yellow blooms.

After flowering, it will fruit with hanging bean-looking pods. Plant a yellow elder in full sun with any type of soil that is well-drained. Propagate by cuttings and seed in USDA hardiness zones of 7 through 11.

These are but a few of the great drought tolerant shrubs that can be used in container gardening. Always check the planting and growth requirements of the plants you want to use to make sure they are hardy in your USDA zone.