The plants should be compatible with the landscape design and well suited to the environment, which includes the soils and light exposure. Xeriscaping involves not only plant selection but also grouping plants according to wster needs. If plants are grouped properly, supplemental irrigation can be applied only to the plants that need it. To help with grouping, this listing of plonts includes water-use zones for eoch plant. This information is based on observation, experience, and several cross references from notable horticultural sources.
Many plants can grow in any or all of the three zones.
For greatest wster conservation, use plants in zones that require the least amount of water. The condition of the planting site should match the water-use zone. Place plants that require more water in areas of the landscape that stay moist and plants that need less in areas that are naturally drier. Hardiness zones refer to regions of North Carolina that are suitable for the plant. The map on this page indicates the zones.