As the heatwave continues and a hosepipe ban looks set to come into place, planting for a lack of rain becomes increasingly important for gardeners. All plants need water, however some do better than others during prolonged dry spells. While we wait for the heavens to open, as they inevitably do here in the UK, we’re taking a look at plants which will tolerate a drought. These plants may wilt in dry conditions, but when water arrives they’ll perk back up in little time at all.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
A brightly coloured hardy perennial, Gaillardia makes a stunning impression with its fiery red and yellow flowers, and has no problem withstanding warmer weather.
- Aspect: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Verbena
With its small colourful flowers, Verbena is a popular garden plant and adds both height and colour to summer borders. Pollinators also enjoy Verbena, making it a good choice for bee and butterfly friendly gardens.
- Aspect: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Sedum (Stonecrop)
A low maintenance flowering plant which offers an abundance of late summer colour, Sedums don’t mind drier weather and are much loved by bees and butterflies.
- Aspect: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Lavender
With its fragrant scent and country garden feel, Lavender is a beautiful addition to the summer garden. A sun loving plant, this easy-to-grow evergreen shrub looks lovely and tolerates drought well.
- Aspect: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Eryngium (Sea Holly)
With their spiky, silver-blue heads and distinctive appearance, Eryngiums make an impression in the garden. Known for their structural appeal, they are also tolerant of drought.
- Aspect: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
A favourite with butterflies (as its name may suggest), Buddleia do well in dry weather, only needing a good watering every few weeks.
- Aspect: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-drained
Huechera (Coral Bells)
These evergreen, herbaceous, drought tolerant perennials can be found in a plethora of varieties, all with different toned leaves and flowers.
- Aspect: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-drained
Geranium
Popular in hanging baskets and summer bedding, Geraniums are also drought tolerant making them a good choice for dry spells.
- Aspect: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-drained
Delosperma (Ice Plants)
A genus of succulents, Delosperma is a colourful and drought resistant addition to summer borders. With its pretty, daisy like flowers and evergreen foliage, it’s a good choice for year round ground cover.
- Aspect: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)
A summer flowering perennial which works well in borders and containers, Agapanthus is known for its pretty blue – purple blooms; it also tolerates dry weather well.
- Aspect: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Asters
These daisy-like perennials flower in late summer and autumn; as well as bringing plenty of colour to the garden, Asters are also able to withstand spells of dry weather.
- Aspect: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-drained
Sempervivum (House Leek)
Sempervivum means “always alive”, which gives a good indication of the nature of this succulent perennial. As well as being drought tolerant, Sempervivums are also able to withstand frosts, making them a low maintenance garden plant year round.
- Aspect: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Dahlia
Dahlias are a summer border staple and cope well with warm, dry weather. Remember to dead head dahlias during dry spells to keep them flowering.
- Aspect: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Hebe
An evergreen shrub which can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, Hebes are low maintenance and offer blooms throughout summer and well into autumn.
- Aspect: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-drained
Wondering what to add to your garden for a little extra colour during dry weather? Our friendly staff are always on hand to help with any questions you may have about gardening during a heatwave.
