Water-saving blooms: 8 vivid florals that thrive on minimal water
Gardening in a Changing Climate: Embracing Drought-Tolerant Plants
In response to the increasing frequency of hot summers and hosepipe bans, Chris Bonnett of GardeningExpress advocates for the use of drought-tolerant plants in gardens. These plants, which require minimal water, are not only a smart choice for sustainability but also reduce consumption and maintenance.
Drought-Tolerant Flowers and Shrubs
Lavender, with its fragrant blooms and pest-repellent properties, is a popular choice for gardeners. It thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal watering once established. However, lavender is sensitive to frost, so it should be planted in regions with suitable climates.
Echiums, known for their tall spires of blue or purple flowers, are another ideal option. They thrive in hot, dry, and coastal conditions, and are low in pollen, making them suitable for gardeners with allergies.
Brittlebrush, with its vibrant yellow flowers, is a great choice for parched gardens. It requires full sun, dry conditions, and occasional watering.
Drought-Tolerant Succulents and Groundcovers
Sedum, a fire-resistant groundcover, provides vibrant blooms and is a low-maintenance option. Agastache and Yarrow are excellent for hot, sunny spots and are well-suited to dry conditions.
Drought-Tolerant Vegetables
Eggplant thrives in hot climates, providing large fruits with minimal water use. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to conserve water.
Drought-Tolerant Grasses and Trees
Psathyrostachys juncea, also known as Russian Wildrye, is a drought-resistant grass that can survive in dry conditions and regrow after fires.
General Care for Drought-Tolerant Plants
To ensure the success of drought-tolerant plants, it's essential to use well-drained soil, water sparingly once plants are established, and mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce watering frequency. Most drought-tolerant plants require full sun, so ensure they receive adequate sunlight.
Trending Drought-Tolerant Plants
Emma recommends sedums as a low-fuss ground cover plant, suitable for rockeries and the front of flowerbeds. Passion flower is a great show-stopper with minimal fuss, requiring a sunny, sheltered position and support to climb.
Scattering a mix of wildflower seeds into flowerbeds is an easy way to try the wildflower garden border trend. Pelargonium, often sold as geraniums, is a drought-tolerant plant suitable for window boxes and patio containers.
Fennel, an edible drought-tolerant plant, is aesthetically pleasing with the "Giant Bronze" variety being particularly popular for a grey and blue planting scheme. Tree germander, with delicate blue blooms, attracts butterflies and is well-suited to large pots and a Mediterranean garden theme.
Inspiration for Drought-Tolerant Plants
Harriet Worsley, managing director at Worsley Design & Consultancy, emphasizes the on-trend nature of developing a drought-resistant garden due to increasing summer heat and heatwaves. She recommends taking inspiration for drought-tolerant plants from wild vegetation in countries with hot summer climates, such as Greece, Portugal, Spain, and South Africa.
By integrating these plants into your garden and following these care practices, you can create a sustainable and water-efficient garden that thrives in dry conditions.
- The use of drought-tolerant plants in gardens, such as lavender, echiums, brittlebrush, and sedum, not only contributes to sustainability but also reduces water consumption and maintenance.
- Incorporating drought-tolerant vegetables like eggplant into your garden can provide large fruits with minimal water usage, making it an ideal choice for those looking to conserve water.
- By adopting a drought-tolerant lifestyle in gardening, choosing plants like Psathyrostachys juncea, passion flower, and tree germander, you can create a garden that is resistant to heatwaves and thrives in dry conditions.
- To mirror the on-trend nature of developing a drought-resistant garden, take inspiration from wild vegetation in countries with hot summer climates, such as Greece, Portugal, Spain, and South Africa.
