Anyone who has attempted to grow a garden in areas where extreme temperatures are common can tell you it’s no easy feat. If you live in a drier part of the country, you might feel limited to only a few weedy greens than can tolerate severe climates. But a drought-proof garden does not have to be a dull one! If you are looking to conserve water but you would still like to have a beautiful and colorful-drenched landscape, here are 5 must-haves.
Commonly known as Yarrow, popular perennials are breeze to grow and their gorgeous wide, flat flower heads are irresistible to humans and pollinators alike! Incredibly tolerant of drought and willing to take off in even the poorest of soils, Achillea will often naturalize, increasing your display every year. Well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine is all this plant needs to take off in your garden.
Easy to grow and long-lived, Echinacea (Coneflowers) are the hardiest blooms you’ll ever grow – proving resistant to all manner of environmental stresses, from heat and humidity to cold and drought. They’re impervious to most pests and diseases, sending up blooms in summer in a range of eye-catching colors. In fall birds are drawn to their seed-filled cones. A truly lovely, trouble-free perennial for the sunny garden!
A superb choice for hot, dry spots, rock gardens, water-wise containers, and well-draining slope, Delosperma (aka Ice Plants) is a low-maintenance treasure that is exceptionally hardy, drought tolerant, and beautiful. The name ice plant stems from the distinctive, crystalline shimmer of its flowers and leaves. This groundcover is nothing short of breathtaking!
For blazing color in the garden, you can’t beat Salvia (Sage)! Easy to grow from seed and requiring little care, Salvia produces racemes, or panicles, that display flower colors ranging from the popular blues and reds to purples, whites, yellows, pinks, and salmon-oranges. Salvia species include annuals, biennials, and perennial herbs and all thrive in a variety of soil and water conditions. Best of all, hummingbirds and butterflies adore them! Salvia is great at surviving on its own, so plant it anywhere for lovely color from spring through autumn.
Hyssop is a long-time favorite in sunny gardens for its long flowerspikes of vibrant, butterfly- and hummingbird-attracting blooms and mint-scented foliage. Also known as Hummingbird Mint, this mid-sized perennial is carefree and adaptable to many conditions. The blooms come in many colors, including vibrant orange, pink, and purple tones.
These hardy plants will tolerate hot, dry conditions, and you will still have a landscape overflowing with
brilliant colors, fascinating textures, and unique forms.
Tips on Watering: Watering your plants properly will also help you conserve water and save your garden during a drought. Water deeply to ensure that your roots grow deep into the ground – light waterings lead to shallow roots which tend to lose moisture to evaporation during dry spells. Also try
to skip a few days between waterings unless your plant is in danger of scorching – this time will force your plants to seek moisture deeper under the ground, promoting strong root growth.
January 20, 2009
This info is just what I’m looking for…for my upcoming container garden.
Thanks so much.