Garden design solutions: 7 brilliant drought-tolerant plants
We seem to be getting consistently wetter winters here in the UK, so it may seem strange to be writing about drought-tolerant plants. But, the Met Office says that our summers are projected to become hotter and potentially up to 60% drier than we’ve become used to in recent years, so it is important that we think about how that will affect our gardens.
Such a comprehensive change will inevitably influence the way we will garden and, specifically, the plants we are able to grow. We need to turn to plants which are suited to drier conditions, and we will have to be realistic about the plants that won’t cope with the ‘new normality’. In general, drought-tolerant plants often share a few characteristics. These include silver or grey-green leaves (which can reflect the sun), very thin or very thick waxy leaves (which are resistant to drying out), or a covering of very fine hairs on their stems or leaves (to catch any moisture in the air).
Here are seven fantastic drought-tolerant plants that we might all want to consider for our gardens:
1. Stachys
With soft hairy grey leaves (pictured on this page), Stachys is ideal for a dry sunny border. Commonly known as ‘lamb’s ears’, it produces attractive bee-friendly purple flowers. Try Stachys ‘Big Ears’ or Stachys ‘Silver Carpet’.
2. Alchemilla
A really useful perennial, Alchemilla mollis has broad scalloped leaves which catch water droplets. It also flowers for a prolonged period, and looks fantastic when planted in large groups or drifts. It is able to withstand periods of drought once it is established.
3. Stipa
A lovely family of ornamental grasses, Stipa have very fine leaves and can cope with hotter conditions. Stipa tenuissima is a compact variety which dances in the slightest breeze, whilst Stipa gigantea is taller and features beautiful oat-like flowers.
4. Salvia
With many Salvia originating from the Mediterranean, it is hardly surprising that they are able to cope with warm dry summers. Many varieties have narrow wavy leaves which are resistant to moisture-loss, and almost all flower for a prolonged period. Salvia ‘Caradonna’, ‘Amistad’ or superba are all definitely worth a place in our gardens.
5. Sedum (Hylotelephium)
Sedums tend to have fleshy or waxy glaucous leaves which are resistant to moisture loss. They also provide lovely textural contrast alongside a wide variety of other perennials. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is our ‘go to’ Sedum, offering lovely coral pink flowers in late summer and early autumn.
6. Lavandula (lavander)
Ever popular, Lavandula’s fine grey-green foliage enables it to cope with sunny and dry locations. Lavandula ‘Hidcote’ is our favourite, but L. ‘Munstead’ is another good compact variety.
7. Euphorbia
With narrow, often glaucous blue-green, leaves Euphorbias are ideally suited to dry and sunny conditions. Euphorbia wulfenii is a star performer, getting up to 1m in height and boasting large clusters of acid yellow flowers.
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Tythorne Garden Design provides professional fixed-fee garden design solutions for customers in Grantham, Stamford, Newark and surrounding areas. Let's see how we can help you to enjoy your garden more. Call us on 07900 224 239 or 01529 455 355.
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