Oklahoma summers are hard on landscapes. Stretches of 100°F days with no rain will stress or kill plants that need consistent moisture — and watering every day during a drought burns money and time. At VistaScapes Design & Build, we help Broken Arrow and Tulsa homeowners build outdoor spaces that stay beautiful through Oklahoma’s toughest weather with smart plant selection and efficient irrigation design.
Oklahoma-Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants Worth Growing
Trees
- Chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii): Native, drought-tolerant once established, excellent fall color
- Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa): One of the most drought-tough oaks in Oklahoma; massive spreading canopy
- Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis): Oklahoma’s state tree; stunning spring bloom; handles heat and drought well after establishment
- Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis): Beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers; handles full sun and dry conditions exceptionally well
Shrubs and Grasses
- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): Native grass; turns deep red in fall; thrives in full sun and dry conditions
- Knock Out roses: Extremely heat and drought tolerant; continuous bloomer; resistant to black spot
- Vitex (Chaste tree): Large shrub with purple flower spikes all summer; deer resistant; handles Oklahoma heat without complaint
- Lantana: Annual in Zone 7a but self-seeds vigorously; handles heat and drought better than almost anything
- Russian sage (Perovskia): Silver foliage with purple flower spikes; one of the toughest perennials for dry spots
Perennials and Groundcovers
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Native to Oklahoma; thrives in full sun and poor, dry soil
- Coneflower (Echinacea): Native prairie plant; drought-tolerant after establishment; pollinators love it
- Salvia: Native and non-native varieties; excellent heat and drought tolerance; hummingbirds love it
- Creeping juniper: Groundcover for slopes and sunny, dry areas; excellent erosion control
Smart Irrigation Reduces Water Use
Drought-tolerant plant selection works best with efficient irrigation. We recommend drip irrigation for all planting beds — low-volume emitters deliver water directly to the root zone with minimal evaporation. Pair drip irrigation with a smart weather-based controller and you can reduce landscape water use by 30-50% compared to conventional spray systems.
Questions about water-wise landscaping or irrigation for your Broken Arrow or Tulsa property? Call VistaScapes Design & Build at (918) 779-1317.
