The Underrated And Drought-Tolerant Perennial That Yields Stunning Purple Flowers

If you live in hot, dry climate, selecting drought-resistant plants that can thrive without much water can make the difference between a struggling garden and one that's overflowing with blooms. Wright's skullcap (Scutellaria wrightii), also known as purple skullcap, is one option that doesn't get enough credit for its hardiness nor its beauty. Not only is this freeze-hardy evergreen naturally drought-tolerant, it also yields bright blue or violet-purple flowers that would make a beautiful addition to any landscaping project. 

Native to North America and named for international botanical collector Charles Wright, Wright's skullcap grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. It flowers between March and July and, with proper planting and care, can grow up to a foot tall. As a bonus, Wright's skullcap is a magnet for pollinators like birds and butterflies, which love its helmet-shaped, nectar-bearing blooms.

When planting Wright's skullcap, be sure to choose a location in your garden that gets ample sunlight. This heat- and drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate light or partial shade. It also fares best in soil with proper drainage that isn't too densely packed. Plant it in a hole that's deep enough to cover its roots, and water it regularly until established. If you're planting multiple Wright's skullcaps, leave a foot of space between them — this will ensure that each bunch has adequate airflow and room to grow. It does particularly well near paths, in rock gardens, or as a filler plant between bigger, showier flowers. Once those signature helmet-shaped flowers have bloomed, you can also trim it back to keep it contained.

During spring, you'll want to monitor your plant and make sure that it's getting enough water, especially if it's new. You can hold back during summer, though. Again, because Wright's skullcap is naturally resilient to drought once established, it requires very little watering on your part to remain in tip-top shape. If your area is experiencing a severe dry spell, you can give it some love. Make sure that the soil has fully dried out first so your plant's roots don't become waterlogged and susceptible to fungal infections. When it's dormant in the winter, you can add light mulch to protect your plant from the cold.

To fill out your garden, pair your Wright's skullcaps with other plants that favor similar conditions and complement their aesthetic appeal. Sun-loving golden thryallis (Galphimia glauca) is another flowering perennial that could do just the trick. This lush, drought-tolerant shrub boasts cute yellow flowers and grows much higher than Wright's skullcap (anywhere from 4 to 6 feet tall), making it an ideal pick for parts of your yard or garden that look sparse. It blooms between late summer and early fall and, similar to Wright's skullcap, is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. Be sure to position golden thryallis behind your skullcaps so they don't get lost in its dense shrubbery.

For a low-profile option, try Mexican mint marigold (Tagetes lucida), hardy in zones 7 to 10. At 16 to 18 inches in height, it's more compact than golden thryallis but will bring a similarly cheery look to your perennial garden. Like Wright's skullcap, it also thrives in full sun and can handle hot, dry weather conditions. Still not sold? Mexican mint marigold is an edible flower that will attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. So you can enjoy its attractive blooms and the wildlife it draws in.