Hannah Dean | January 16, 2026 | 3 min read
Oklahoma landscaping has a mind of its own. One week you’re dealing with scorching heat, the next you’re wondering if the wind might actually carry your backyard to Kansas. Most homeowners want a yard that looks great without needing constant babysitting, and the good news is you can absolutely have that here. With the right plants and smart design choices, your landscape can stand up to our wild Oklahoma weather. As Will Rogers said, “Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” We’ve designed enough Oklahoma yards — especially across the Oklahoma City metro — to know what holds up and what doesn’t.
Choose plants that aren’t scared of Oklahoma weather
The secret to drought tolerant Oklahoma landscaping starts with plants that know how to behave around here. Native plants and drought-tolerant varieties are used to the heat, the clay soil and the occasional “what in the world?” weather moment.
Some of our favorite drought-tolerant plants for Oklahoma landscapes include:
- Russian sage
- Catmint
- Skullcap
- Switchgrass
- Red Yucca
- Little bluestem
These plants won’t wilt at the first sign of summer, and they don’t need constant fussing. They bring color, texture and a whole lot of charm to your yard. Think of them as the friends who show up early, stay late and never need to be reminded what to bring.
Add hardscaping that works as hard as you do
Hardscaping is one of the simplest ways to make your landscape beautiful without adding more chores to your list. We often say, you don’t need to worry about keeping rocks alive.
A few solid choices:
- Oklahoma Flagstone or patios
- Metal or stone edging
- Rock in place of mulch around plantings
- Crushed granite walkways
Hardscaping cuts down on watering, mowing and weed management. Plus, it helps keep our famously stubborn clay soil where it belongs.
Use mulch and drip irrigation to cut your workload
Mulch is a lifesaver in Oklahoma landscaping. It keeps soil temperatures steady, reduces weeds and helps hold moisture — a must when the summer sun starts acting up. Pair mulch with drip irrigation and you’ll have a system that waters plants at the root without wasting a drop.
This combo saves time, saves water and keeps plants healthier. It’s like giving your landscape a quiet little support system that works behind the scenes.
Ready to roll?
If you’re ready to create a landscape that stands up to Oklahoma weather and still looks good doing it, Red Earth Landscaping is an Oklahoma City landscaping company specializing in low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape design. We design and install outdoor spaces that feel timeless, easy and tailored to how you actually live.
Give us a shout when you’re ready to start planning. We’re right here in the Oklahoma City metro, building yards that look good even on the days the weather decides to show off.