Dry weather comes and goes, but your gardens should never be without water!
The heat should not deter you from adding colour to your landscape with various plants and bushes. Even if there are dry spells and no rain for an extended period of time, some plants thrive and blossom in dry conditions.
Aren’t these plants incredible? They certainly do!
Drought-tolerant plants are such plants, and they come with no additional baggage while delivering the perfect landscape and scenery for your home.
So, what exactly are drought-resistant plants? What are their distinguishing features? How many different kinds of drought-tolerant plants are there?
All of these inquiries are genuine, and this blog is designed to assist you in answering them. So, let’s get this party started!
What are Drought-tolerant Plants?
Drought-tolerant plants are commonly assumed to be those that can only live in deserts. This, however, is not the case!
Drought-tolerant plants are those that can thrive in a variety of arid environments, whether rural or urban. Surprisingly, these plants are similar to common flowers and plants that have rich, vibrant qualities.
Some Common Characteristics
These plants have a few common characteristics, which are as follows:
- Because of natural adaptation to arid situations, minimise water loss and utilise less water.
- It’s possible that it’ll have fewer leaves and more needles.
- The leaves may have a thick layer of wax on them that helps the plant preserve water.
- The presence of tiny hairs on the leaves helps to maintain moisture.
- Have deep roots that extract moisture from the soil.
- Requires less upkeep and care
Types of Drought Tolerant Plants
If you’re planning on designing or landscaping soon and aren’t sure which plants to use, read the following list to help you make an informed decision!
- Aloe
Despite the fact that there are over a hundred species of aloe, Aloe Vera is the first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word.
Other members, such as soap aloe, jewel aloe, and coral aloe, however, make excellent drought-tolerant landscaping plants. These plants have mottled leaves that are grey and greenish in colour.
These plants need to be watered once a week in the summer, but not in the winter due to the cooler temperatures.
2. Lavenders
Lavenders are the classic and beautiful plants of Mediterranean climes, and they thrive in well-drained soil and grow swiftly in sunset zones.
They’re a terrific choice if you want to build your garden landscape with flowers that are water-wise, aromatic, and have attractive foliage.
These plants are also multi-purpose, as they may be dried to make oil and items like potpourri and aromatic sachets. They’re also great with pastries and ice creams!
3. Yarrow
Yarrow is not only a lovely bloom, but it also makes your garden proud by handling heat like a pro.
The plant comes in a variety of colours, including red, yellow, and orange. Its deep roots and divided leaves minimise transpiration, allowing it to thrive in any type of drought.
Bees are attracted to the flowers because they produce a lot of nectar.
4. Agastache
These are the perfect pick if you have a fetish for scented plants! Agastache has the ability to blossom in the fall and summer.
It’s known as the ‘Desert Sunrise’ plant, and it’s a popular drought-resistant plant with a wide range of colours and incredible adaptability.
These flowers thrive in full sun and dry to mild moisture conditions.
Sedum
Sedum is another flower of the Sedum genus, which has hundreds of variations that are drought tolerant and can withstand extreme environments. Their fleshy leaves can help the flower store water for any dry spell, regardless of whatever kind you choose to plant.
Russian Sage
It’s one of the toughest perennials you’ll find! Russian sage comes in purplish-blue tones and can withstand droughts as well as cold and poor soil conditions.
It will not disappoint you even if you put it in the sunniest part of your garden, and that is its best characteristic!
Cactus
We have a negative reaction to cactus plants because of their jagged exterior, but we don’t realise that it’s one of the few plants that can grow in arid conditions.
The thorns that make cactus so unappealing satisfy their thirst and assist them in surviving!
Marigold
Marigold blooms are a blend of yellow and orange tones with a carnation-like form and are as hardy as they are gorgeous. Not only that, but they also actively repel pests while adding to the aesthetic appeal of your landscape.
Lantanas
These clump-forming plants come in a variety of hues and have a rough feel. Surprisingly, the hotter the weather gets, the more flowers grow! These shrub-like plants also require less water and are pest-resistant.
Zinnia
This one can be used in a variety of ways. It has silky and fuzzy textures in its blossoms. Zinnia plants, like other drought-tolerant plants, thrive in hot, dry conditions and can function without water.
They attract a lot of bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies because of their bright colours.
Kangaroo Paw
It is an Australian plant with 11 different species that grow naturally in arid pastures and sandy areas.
Because of the sap in their roots, these plants can endure dry spells. In the summer, supplemental water may be necessary once a month if there is no rain.
Bearberry
It’s a drought-tolerant shrub with glossy leaves that turn colour in the fall. It can withstand sandy, gravely, and acidic soils, as well as the sun’s heat intensity. Furthermore, these shrubs provide your landscape a distinct look.
Conclusion
Drought-tolerant plants are hardy plants that can thrive with very little water. As a result, if you reside in a dry environment with no reliable water source, they should be your first pick.
Being Sunnies is based in San Diego, California, and aims to live in balance with nature and provide clean water, air, and soil resources for the next generation.