Washington is a diverse state with climates ranging from the rainy , verdant land west of the Cascade Mountains to the teetotal , high deserts of Eastern Washington . Although uprise low-down - urine plants in Eastern Washington can be a challenge , even gardeners west of the Cascade Range discover it necessary to leave mountain of water during Western Washington ’s comparatively dry summers . Planting a low body of water garden filled with drought - tolerant plants will lessen the habituation on supplemental irrigation .

Basket of Gold

Plant basket of gold ( Aurinia saxatilis ) and you ’ll soon have mounds of low - maintenance , drought - tolerant , bright yellow flowers that will return to adorn your landscape year after year . Hardy in USDA zona 4 to 9 , basket of Au can be planted in full Sunday or calorie-free spectre . Once handbasket of gold is plant , it will thrive with only an episodic drink during hot , wry summer .

Purple Coneflower

With its grey - green foliage and silvery blue flower , purplish coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea ) is a perennial that will benefit from an inch of water every calendar week during the juiceless season . violet coneflower requires well - drained dirt and full sunshine , although the works will benefit from afternoon subtlety in the hot climates of Eastern Washington . empurpled coneflower is fearless to USDA geographical zone 4 .

Columbine

Native to the Pacific Northwest , Columbine , ( Aquilegia spp . ) is a perennial early summertime bloomer available in colors ranging from pastel pink or lavender to bold purple or carmine . Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9 , columbine is happy in full sun or partial shade . body of water columbine profoundly once every one to two weeks during ardent , dry weather .

California Poppy

Plant California poppies ( Eschscholzia californica ) and you ’ll have colorful blooms from early summer until the first icing . A arrant choice for a low water garden , California poppies can survive with no supplemental irrigation in Western Washington and only an occasional drink during lengthy dry periods in Eastern Washington . Although California poppies are annual , the flowers will often reseed themselves . California poppy are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9 .

Sunflower

Native to Washington , sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) is a improbable , sun - loving plant that once established will thrive without supplemental irrigation in all but the hot , driest climates of inland Washington . Harvest the sunflower seeds for snacking or bequeath the seeds on the flora for thirsty birds . Sunflowers are brave in USDA zones 3 to 10 .

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