17 Drought-Tolerant Roses That Thrive in Arid Climates

Roses have an undeserved reputation for being thirsty plants, but many varieties are actually drought-tolerant. If you live in an arid climate, planting the right roses and following some water-wise tips will enable you to grow a beautiful blooming garden, even in drought conditions! In this article, expert gardener and rose enthusiast Danielle Sherwood shares what you need to know to grow gorgeous water-wise roses.

drought tolerant roses

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It’s true. Some roses just don’t do well with limited water. However, there are varieties that have flourished for decades in abandoned sites, even in the dry Texas sun, with no supplemental irrigation. A water-wise rose garden is possible and achievable! It’s all about knowing the right roses and the right cultivation practices.

This article will be all about roses that will thrive in some of the driest conditions. But planting the right rose isn’t enough. First, let’s start with a few tips.

  1. All plants, even drought-tolerant natives, need supplemental water to get established in their first year (unless you live in a very rainy climate).
  2. Avoid hybrid teas. These roses don’t have the drought tolerance needed for dry climates.
  3. Water deeply and infrequently. This encourages deep root growth.
  4. When you water, do it in the morning to reduce evaporation from the day’s heat.
  5. Every year in spring, add a layer of compost (as a nitrogen emitter) and top it with a layer of woodchip mulch around your roses. This combination will stabilize soil temperatures, retain moisture, and build healthy soil.

Keep these tips in mind, and don’t waste your time with fragile, short-lived roses. The beauties in this list will grow for you, even in arid climates. Ready to hear about some drought-tolerant varieties for your garden? Let’s get started!

‘Arctic Blue’

Close-up of a blooming 'Arctic Blue' rose plant in a garden. The flowers are medium in size, have a classic rose shape with overlapping petals forming a beautiful rounded shape. The petals are an icy purple color.
This resilient shrub rose with purple-toned flowers blooms abundantly in summer.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘WEKblufytirar’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun
height height 4’ – 5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-9

‘Arctic Blue’ stands up to heat and drought beautifully. It has much sought-after purple tones, with smoky lilac petals and a showy cream reverse.

This is a shrub rose with prolific clusters of double-petaled flowers throughout summer. The rose buds are pink, developing icy purple tones as the blooms open and mature.

In hot weather, ‘Arctic Blue’ has a light and pretty citrus scent. The frilly flowers are eye-catching in bouquets. Plant this with lavender for a fragrant and soothing water-wise garden!

‘Orange Freedom’

Close-up of a blooming flower against a blurred sunny garden background. The flower is covered with drops of water. The flower is large, bright orange in color, medium in size, has a classic rose shape with layers of overlapping petals.
‘Orange Freedom’ is a low-maintenance tall shrub rose with vibrant apricot to tangerine double blooms.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘ZARorfre’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 4’ – 6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-10

Sometimes, you just want a rose you know is going to bloom and bloom without a lot of fuss. Or perhaps all of the time? If this is you, try ‘Orange Freedom.’

This apricot to tangerine rose has lovely double blooms on a shrub reaching 4 to 6 feet tall. Plant several for an easy, low-maintenance hedge that provides lots of cheerful color all summer long.

‘Orange Freedom’ has a mildly spiced lemon scent. It looks striking paired with deep purple salvias or sedums, both of which can thrive in a low-water garden.

‘Iceberg’

Close-up of a blooming Iceberg rose bush in a garden against a blue sky. The plant produces many white flowers of medium size, classic rose shape, composed of many petals, giving them a lush and romantic look. The bush has climbing stems covered with compound leaves consisting of dark green oval leaflets with serrated edges.
‘Iceberg’ is a popular, versatile rose with full white blooms that thrive in various climates.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘KORbin’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun
height height 4’ – 12’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-10

Do you love the look of glowing white moon gardens? Do you want a sophisticated backdrop for colorful annuals? ‘Iceberg,’ one of the world’s most popular roses, has full, snowy-white blooms all season long.

A recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, this rose has proven itself in a wide variety of climates and conditions. Especially cold-hardy, it’s an excellent choice for gardeners with harsh winters and hot summers.

‘Iceberg’ is a versatile floribunda and can be trained as a midsized shrub or a climber up to 12 feet tall. It has a light sweet scent. Plant this for a beautiful and healthy specimen that will persevere when other plants struggle in the heat. If you crave a bit more color, try ‘Brilliant Pink Iceberg’ or ‘Burgundy Iceberg,’ both of which boast the same free-flowering qualities and drought tolerance.

‘Hansa’

A close-up of a blooming rugosa 'Hansa' rose bush in a garden. The bush shows large double flowers of bright purple color with ruffled and velvety petals. The leaves are dark green, pinnately compound, with oval leaflets with serrated edges.
‘Hansa’ roses are hardy and drought tolerant, have large magenta blooms, and have bushy foliage.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa rugosa ‘Hansa’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun
height height 5’ – 7’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-11

Rugosa roses are a hardy, rugged, drought-tolerant class. ‘Hansa’ is a particularly spectacular example, with large, double, magenta blooms and bushy forest-green foliage.

My neighbor has a ‘Hansa’ shrub, and I have to stop every time I pass by to inhale its intoxicating clove fragrance. This rose beautifully withstands the harsh heat and sun in summer and winter’s freezing winds and snow in our high desert climate.

‘Hansa’ develops into a large bush up to 7 feet tall. It will sucker and grow into a thicket if allowed to over time. It doesn’t mind harsh pruning if you want to keep it compact. Plant this for all-season interest: the fat, coral-red hips look stunning all winter and double as decor when used in indoor arrangements!

‘Perle d’Or’

Close-up of blooming roses 'Perle d'Or' in the garden, against a blurred green background. The flowers are small, semi-double, have delicate petals in shades from pale yellow to apricot.
‘Perle d’Or’ is a tough and resilient Polyantha rose with a rich fragrance and fluffy pale buff to apricot blooms.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘Perle d’Or’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 4’ – 5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-9

Polyanthas are another vigorous and tough class to explore for drought-tolerant gardens. ‘Perle d’Or’ is an Earth-KindⓇ rose that’s been trialed and tested in completely no-spray, limited irrigation gardens during intense heat.

This rose is an heirloom variety from the late 1800s. It has a rich, sweet fragrance and pompon-shaped fluffy blooms in pale buff to apricot. It will even bloom well in dappled shade.

I love this rose for its slightly pointed petals, lovely scent, and disease resistance. French for “golden pearl,” ‘Perle d’Or’ is a stunning bloom machine.

‘Lemon Fizz’

Close-up of a flowering 'Lemon Fizz' rose plant in a sunny garden. The flower is large, semi-double, bright yellow with large, slightly wavy petals. The leaves are pinnately compound, dark green, composed of oval leaflets with serrated edges.
‘Lemon Fizz’ is a vibrant rose with canary yellow semi-double blooms that persist from spring to frost.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘KORfizzlem’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun
height height 3’ – 4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-11

If you’re not shy about color, try sunny ‘Lemon Fizz,’ part of Kordes’ Kolorscape collection. This rose has canary yellow semi-double blooms that cover the shrub from spring through frost.

Trialed and found to be highly drought-tolerant at UC Davis, this rose is a performer. What it lacks in fragrance is made up for by its floriferousness and vivid impact on the landscape.

‘Lemon Fizz’ is pure summer, with bright blooms that don’t fade under the sun’s harshest rays. Try it with coreopsis for an irrepressibly joyful palette, or soften it with pale blue flax. Easy care and enjoyed by the bees!

‘Cramoisi Supérieur’

Close-up of a blooming Cramoisi Supérieur rose bush in the garden. The flowers are large, double, cup-shaped, deep velvety crimson. The leaves are pinnately compound, bright green, composed of oval serrated leaflets.
‘Cramoisi Supérieur’ is a striking China rose that produces continuous crimson blooms with a raspberry jam scent.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa Indica caryophyllea
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 4’ – 6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-10

China roses are known for their ability to thrive despite limited water. ‘Cramoisi Supérieur’ is a stunning found China rose with romantic chalice-shaped flowers.

‘Cramoisi’s’ crimson blooms smell like raspberry jam and appear continuously in warm climates. It’s popular in the American South, where it provides nearly year-round color.

The brilliant red blooms don’t fade or scorch in the hot sun, and the petals feature a light, silver-streaked reverse that elevates the look. ‘Cramoisi’ will grow about 5 feet tall and just as wide. Plant it with a low-growing ground cover, and you’ll have a simple yet striking easy-care garden bed.

‘Seafoam’

Close-up of a blooming rose 'Seafoam' against a blurred background in a sunny garden. The flower has a charmingly ruffled appearance with double white petals with a slight blush.
‘Seafoam’ is an exceptional ground cover rose with a weeping form, producing beautiful trailing clusters of ivory flowers.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘Seafoam’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 2’ – 3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

I need this rose! An unusual ground cover rose with a gently weeping form, ‘Seafoam’ looks beautiful when spilling over border edges or in elegant container displays. The flowers appear in trailing clusters from spring through fall.

‘Seafoam’ has arching canes covered in ivory roses with a hint of light green. It stays under 3 feet tall and will thrive in shade or sun. The individual blooms are gorgeous for such a useful landscape variety, fully double and almost camelia-like in form.

I’m tempted to try ‘Seafoam’ in a hanging basket to display its loaded flower trusses and pretty glossy leaves. You can’t go wrong with this drought-tolerant Earth-KindⓇ rose. It has some pretty hefty thorns but doesn’t mind heavy pruning- it won’t even flinch at a swipe from the hedge trimmer. A tough and showy winner!

‘Pink Pavement’

Close-up of blooming roses 'Pink Pavement' against green foliage. These are large, semi-double flowers of a gorgeous dark pink hue. The petals have a beautiful rippled texture that gives the flowers volume.
‘Pink Pavement’ is a rugged and compact rugosa rose with drought-resistant foliage and abundant deep pink blooms.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘HANbau’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 3’ – 5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-10

If you want the ruggedness of a rugosa rose in a smaller package, ‘Pink Pavement’ is your girl. The leathery green foliage resists drought, while the profuse deep pink blooms wow all season.

The blooms are large (4 inches across) and semi-double and look lovely when contrasted with the red buds. ‘Pink Pavement’ gets about 4 feet tall and gently spreads to fill a border. This is a reliable choice for an everblooming low hedge.

‘Pink Pavement’ has a light spiced floral scent and will develop cute red hips for continued winter interest. It’s highly resistant to both black spot and powdery mildew, even in humidity.

‘Lamarque’

Close-up of a blooming rose 'Lamarque' against a blurred background of dark green foliage. The flower is large, double, cup-shaped, with a pale lemon center and white outer petals.
This stunning noisette climber has pale lemon centers and luminous white outer petals.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘Lamarque’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 8’ – 15’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-10

‘Lamarque’ is a gorgeous noisette climber with pale lemony centers and luminous white outer rose petals. Blooms appear in robust flushes all summer and will continue into winter in year-round warm regions.

Named for the French General immortalized in Les Misérables, ‘Lamarque’ is a sturdy climber reaching up to 15 feet tall. It has long, graceful canes smothered in ruffled blooms that steal the show when trained over an arbor or up a trellis.

This antique noisette rose needs infrequent water after its first year. The flowers have a delicious scent of lemons and whipped cream. Unfortunately for me, ‘Lamarque’ is not made for northern climates. Give it some winter protection if you experience freezing temperatures, and it will reward you with decades of blooms.  

‘American Pillar’

Close-up of a flowering 'American Pillar' rose plant in a sunny garden. This climbing rose produces clusters of vibrant raspberry-pink flowers that resemble hydrangea flowers. The flowers are solitary, five-petalled, with a stunning combination of bright color and contrasting white eyes.
This is an iconic rambler rose with vibrant raspberry-pink blooms.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘American Pillar’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun
height height 10’ – 24’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

‘American Pillar’ produces almost hydrangea-like clusters of bright raspberry pink roses with a contrasting white eye. It produces one jaw-dropping display that lasts for nearly 4 weeks in midsummer.

This is an iconic rambler that grows up to 24 feet tall! Make sure you have plenty of space, and help it by attaching its canes via ties to a heavy-duty trellis or arbor (it will even grow up trees!).

‘American Pillar’ single blooms and pleasing golden stamens are a favorite of pollinators and gardeners. It produces lots of dark green foliage that is attractive even when not in bloom, and its nearly bullet-proof performance has made this a beloved rose since the 1910s.

‘Coral Drift’

Top view, close-up of a blooming Rosa 'Coral Drift' in a garden, against a blurred soil background. The plant produces profuse double flowers in a beautiful hot salmon pink shade. The blooms have a gorgeous, vase-worthy form.
‘Coral Drift’ is a hardy, drought-tolerant mini shrub rose with stunning salmon pink double blooms.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘MEIdrifora’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 1.5’ – 2.5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-11

This little rose’s fragile looks are deceiving. Though a mini shrub, it is drought-tolerant, winter-hardy, and all-around tough as nails.

‘Coral Drift’ will stop traffic planted en masse. The profuse double blooms have a gorgeous, vase-worthy form and are bright salmon pink. The shrub is bushy and vigorous.

Try it interplanted with nasturtiums and kniphofia for a water-wise border with lots of color, or stick ‘Coral Drift’ into any spot that needs livening up. If you like a softer color scheme, try ‘Apricot Drift’ for the same compact form and hardiness with light pink blooms.

‘Sombreuil’

Close-up of a 'Sombreuil' rose flower against a blue sky in a garden. The flower is large, delicate, cream-colored with double petals. The leaves are dark green, pinnately compound, with glossy oval leaflets with serrated edges.
‘Sombreuil’ is a stunning climbing rose with manageable canes and dense frilly ivory blooms.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘Sombreuil’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun
height height 8’ – 12’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-11

If you want a spectacular climbing rose that can handle drought and is easy to train, try the enchanting ‘Sombreuil.’ This climber grows up to 12 feet but doesn’t produce difficult-to-wrangle octopus canes like other varieties.

‘Sombreuil’ flowers densely, with small, frilly blooms in ivory tinted with blush. It has a romantic antique look and a luscious green apple perfume. I love it most in the moonlight, where the fluffy flowers look almost iridescent. Aside from its good looks, this rose resists black spot and powdery mildew and needs little water past the first year.

With a long list of awards to its name, ‘Sombreuil’ is a tried-and-true favorite. Grow it up a pillar near your front porch, where its wafting fragrance will welcome guests. If this lovely plant enchants your guests, tell them it’s named for French Revolutionary heroine Mlle. de Sombreuil, et voilà, ice broken! Be prepared for lots of compliments with this one. 

‘Harison’s Yellow’

Close-up of blooming roses 'Harison's Yellow' against a blurred background of dark green foliage. The flowers are medium-sized, double, with ruffled, wavy, bright yellow petals.
‘Harison’s Yellow’ is a resilient and treasured rose, attracting bees with its sunny flowers.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘CHEwpatout’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun
height height 3’ – 8’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

‘Harison’s Yellow,’ a vibrant golden yellow, was mistakenly thought to be a native rose by Texans who spotted it growing abundantly on neglected sites.

The truth is that this rose was so treasured by pioneers traveling west from New York in the 1800s that they carried it with them in their wagons. Its history gave it the nicknames “Oregon Trail Rose” and the “Yellow Rose of Texas.”

You can still find ‘Harison’s Yellow’ shining in untended locations along the Oregon Trail. It withstands punishing heat, drought, and complete neglect. It’s a proven survivor that looks beautiful in water-wise gardens, especially when contrasted with violet-hued delphiniums and asters.

‘Harison’s Yellow’ has sunny, semi-double flowers and matching gold stamens that give the bees easy access. It grows up to 8 feet tall and will slowly spread just as wide if you allow it. If you love American history and bright colors, this is a must-have!

‘Nootka’

Close-up of a blooming 'Nootka' rose against a blurred background of green foliage. The flower is medium in size, solitary, has five open petals of a pink-purple hue with bright golden yellow stamens in the center.
Choose ‘Nootka Rose’ for a drought-resistant garden that requires little water and produces shell-pink blooms.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘Nutkana’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 6’ – 10’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-10

The evidence is clear: If you want a drought-resistant garden, native plants are the way to go. The good news is that most regions have a native rose that looks beautiful despite little water, needs no chemical sprays, and serves as a food source for wildlife.

From northern New Mexico to Alaska, gardeners should check out ‘Nootka Rose.’ It has delicate-looking shell pink blooms with deeper centers, accented by yellow stamens. Blooms appear in one breathtaking flush from May to July.

This informal, thicket-forming rose is great for a privacy barrier. Since it can spread aggressively, it’s best for large properties or those who don’t mind a yearly heavy pruning to keep it under control.

When managed, it is beautiful in the landscape even in winter, when its copious hips provide forage for birds. ‘Nootka’ has a nice wild rose scent and loads of woodland charm.

‘Spice’

Close-up of a blooming Rosa 'Spice' against a blurred green background. The flower is large, of the classical form of a rose, double, with rounded large petals of a creamy pinkish hue arranged in several layers.
This fragrant rose with ruffled pale blush blooms thrives in hot climates.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘Spice’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 3’ – 6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-9

‘Spice’ is named for its tantalizing peppery fragrance. It has an old-fashioned ruffled aesthetic, with pale blush double blooms. Believed to originate in China, it’s one of the  Bermuda “Mystery Roses” (a group discovered in Bermuda with unknown provenance) that does particularly well in hot climates.

‘Spice’ earned the Earth-KindⓇ designation for performance in drought conditions. It is an attractive shrub at 6 feet tall and flowers continuously, unbothered by pests and disease.

The flowers begin to blush pink and fade to white in the sun. ‘Spice’ plays well with others and looks lovely with pastel Dianthus. You’ll want to cut this one often to bring fragrant bouquets indoors.

‘Marie Daly’

Close-up of a blooming rose 'Marie Daly' in the garden, with green foliage in the background. The leaves are pinnately compound, composed of oval green leaflets with serrated edges. Rosa 'Marie Daly' has a graceful appearance, with profuse mauve double petals.
This resilient polyantha rose with small double mauve-pink flowers blooms continuously.
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘Marie Daly’
plant-type plant type Perennial
sun-requirements sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
height height 3’ – 4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-11

‘Marie Daly’ has a deceptively dainty appearance, with generous flushes of small double flowers in mauve pink. It’s actually a resilient and vigorous polyantha that flowers continuously throughout the summer.

Named in honor of the first African-American woman to earn her doctorate in chemistry in the US, ‘Marie Daly’ is a dignified and graceful performer in the garden. It needs no chemical sprays to resist aphids and spider mites and will even persevere in the shade.

This carefree rose has a delightful musky scent and nearly thornless canes! It’s excellent for small spaces, where its tidy, compact growth form never outcompetes other plants. ‘Marie’ is a charming and useful rose for landscaping. Try it mass-planted or make it pop alongside drought-friendly echinacea. 

Final Thoughts

In this time of frequent drought, we could all stand to be more water-wise. You can do your part without giving up roses by selecting from our list of powerhouses that thrive in arid climates.

Whether you’re seeking a colorful groundcover, a giant climber, or a versatile shrub, there’s a tough rose with the potential to wow in your drought-friendly garden. Have fun shopping, and enjoy your roses!

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An arrangement of shrubs showcasing a variety of styles and colors. Among them, green, yellow, and red shrubs create a vivid and captivating visual display. In the background, a rich tapestry of towering trees completes the picturesque setting.

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