Fire-Resistant & Drought-Tolerant Plants
Resilient landscapes for Canadian gardens
With hotter summers, droughts, and wildfires becoming more common, choosing the right plants is key. Learn which perennials, shrubs, and native plants can survive stress and keep your garden thriving.
What Makes a Plant Fire-Resistant?
Fire-resistant plants can reduce the spread of flames and protect your home and garden. Look for:
- Moist, fleshy leaves (low flammability)
- Slow growth and low resin content
- Native perennials adapted to local conditions
Example Trees, Shrubs & Plants:
Most of these plants you probably already have around your yard.
- Maple Trees
- Oak
- Boxwood
- Lavender
- Heather
- Sedum
- Russian Sage
- Hosta
- Daylilies
- Coral Bells
- Lilac
- Mockorange
- Pinks and many native grasses
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Drought-tolerant plants survive dry spells with minimal watering and often need less care. Focus on:
Tip: Group plants by water needs to make irrigation efficient and encourage natural resilience.
- Coneflower, Yarrow - Deep-rooted perennials
- Hardy native plants adapted to your region
- Herbs and ornamental grasses (e.g., thyme, fescues)
- Lilacs
- Ninebark
- Snowberry
- Barberry
- Black-eyed Susans
- Lamb's Ears
- Peony
- Periwinkle
- Russian Sage
- Forsythia
- Yucca
Planting Tips for Resilient Gardens
- Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Space plants appropriately to reduce fire risk and promote airflow.
- Include a mix of perennials, shrubs, and natives for diversity and year-round resilience.