South Carolina Summers can be hot and dry, especially in August and July. My mother has an exposed south-facing wall where the sun beats all day in the driest months of the year. She has the hardest time getting anything to grow there. I thought I might make a short list of shrubs that she could use for the hottest driest places in the garden, and I am sharing it with you.
Boxwoods
The old hedge standby, boxwoods love the sun, and they will tolerate
some of the driest climates. Water deeply once a week in the driest
times, otherwise your shrub should hold up to the elements. The will
hold their leaves and color when others would fade.
Buddleia
The butterfly bush, this bush fills with beautiful, colorful blooms
throughout the summer. It will also attract pollinators, especially
butterflies, which will make all of your plants more productive. It
loves full sun, and stands up to warm dry weather.
Dogwoods
More a tree than a shrub, but it provides the bonus of eventually
adding a little shade to those over-baked patches of your garden. With
beautiful blooms and changing foliage, dogwoods provide three season of
interest. They also really love full sun.
Camellia
This shrub is the real rock star of drought tolerant plants. With
beautiful bright blooms and evergreen foliage they provide 4 seasons of
garden interest. They are drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and really
love those all-day sunny spots.
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