Self-watering planters helped me more than changing plants. Even drought-tolerant plants need a decent root zone. A reservoir gives you a buffer when life gets busy. I still check them, but one missed day no longer ruins everything.

For flowers, look at lantana, portulaca, geraniums and salvia if they suit your climate. My mistake was buying pretty shade-loving plants for a hot patio. They looked good for a week and then collapsed. Match the plant to the heat, not the display at the garden center.

Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage handle dry spells better than thirsty plants like basil. Use a bigger pot than you think you need, because small pots dry out too fast. I also stopped using tiny decorative containers for full-sun plants.