5 Drought-Tolerant Fruit Trees That Can Thrive in Dry Weather Add these low-water trees to your garden. Close Credit: Getty Images Fruit trees are a wonderful way to fill your yard with delicious produce. Plus, many varieties offer year-round beauty even when you are waiting for a harvest. However, fruit trees can be water mongers that require consistently moist soil, especially when they're getting established. If you want to grow one of these plants in your garden but the maintenance intimidates you, we are sharing a few expert-recommended drought-tolerant varieties. By opting for fruit trees with deep root systems and flexible water needs, your backyard will blossom (even when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate). Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson and Perkins Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation 15 Fast-Growing Fruit Trees That Will Yield a Delicious Harvest in No Time 01 of 05 Ficus Stella Fig Credit: Jackson & Perkins Fig trees (Ficus carica) are a beautiful and delicious addition to any garden. For a drought-tolerant variety, consider growing a Stella fig tree, which puts out deep roots that allow the tree to produce sweet fruits with little moisture. "This fig tree requires minimal supplemental watering and thrives on natural rainfall," says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson and Perkins. "It is ideal for warm, dry climates with full sun and some winter chill. It adapts well to various soil types, making it perfect for xeriscapes and water-wise gardens." The large, green figs ripen from August to October. Zones: 7 to 11Size: 8 to 10 feet tall x 5 to 6 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun to part shade; well-draining, normal to loamy soil 02 of 05 Eversweet Pomegranate Credit: Jackson & Perkins Vibrant pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) add bright color to the landscape, and the 'Eversweet' variety is ideal for drought-prone climates. "Its deep root system and natural preference for long, hot summers make it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes," says Funk. "This highly ornamental deciduous shrub features glossy green foliage, vibrant orange-red flowers from mid-summer to early fall, and uniquely sweet, virtually seedless fruit." Unlike common pomegranates, this variety produces transparent, non-staining juice sacs that are sweet even when immature. The plant can be pruned to thrive in small yards and produces full-sized fruits, whether grown in the ground or in containers, says Funk. Zones: 9 to 11Size: 8 to 12 feet tall x 8 to 10 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil 03 of 05 Olive Arbequina Tree Credit: Jackson & Perkins The petite olives produced by this olive tree (Olea europaea) are an attractive complement to its leaves and blooms. "This elegant, self-pollinating olive tree features a weeping habit, evergreen grayish-green foliage, and fragrant spring blooms," says Funk. "Once established, 'Arbequina' thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal watering. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including saline and sandy types, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and coastal regions." While the tree grows best in zones 8 and 9, it can survive in containers in northern regions as long as it's brought inside for winter, says Funk. "Its salt tolerance makes it suitable for coastal gardens, while its compact size allows for easy incorporation into small spaces, espaliers, or container plantings." Zones: 8 to 9Size: 20 feet tall x 12 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; dry, well-draining soil 04 of 05 American Plum Credit: Getty Images Low-maintenance plum trees (Prunus domestica) bear juicy purple fruits after just three years, says Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. Plum trees also boast a "deep and extensive root system" that allows them to adapt to rocky, sandy, or dry areas. "This native tree is well-adapted to local conditions and can withstand stress from drought," says Phillips. Look for gorgeous blossoms in early spring and lush fall colors, and harvest the fruits to use in delicious meals or on their own. Zones: 3 to 8Size: 20 feet tall x 15 feet wideCare requirements: Full to part sun; dry, well-draining, loamy soil 11 Drought-Tolerant Vegetables for a Bumper Harvest—Even if You Forget to Water Them 05 of 05 Red Mulberry Tree Credit: Getty Images Turn the sweet-tart berries of the red mulberry tree (Morus rubra) into jams or pies—or eat them just-picked, ripe from the tree, says Phillips. This tree is best suited to the eastern and central United States because these regions have distinct seasons, says Phillips. Red mulberry trees can grow in various soil types. The large size of this tree makes it a good fit for spacious landscapes, while the berries and branches offer food and nesting areas for birds and butterflies. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 30 to 60 feet tall x 30 to 60 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun to part shade; well-draining soil 10 Plants That Provide Food and Nutrients for Birds, According to Experts Explore more: Garden Landscaping