The key to any successful garden is proper plant selection. Before you purchase any new plant for your garden, be sure that it will grow in your region. Drought tolerant perennials are no different. It is possible to buy drought resistant plants at your local nursery that will not thrive in your growth zone. It does happen and that is why the wise gardener researches all plants before purchasing and planting them in their gardens.
1. Lavender
Lavender is a wonderful perennial that is drought resistant. It produces beautiful blooms in white, blue, bright purple or lavender. The aroma is inviting and relaxing as it is often used for aroma therapy. Lavender is also used dried for crafting projects.
Lavender can grow to three feet in height. It does best in growing zones 3 through 8. It will thrive in dry soil with minimal weekly watering. The roots of the Lavender will rot if the soil is to wet so water carefully and only when absolutely necessary.
2. Yarrow
The popular Yarrow plant is quite commonly seen is areas where drought occurs often. The flowers can be red, white, orange, pink or yellow in color. Many years ago, farmers would plant Yarrow because it kept rabbits, gophers, deer and other critters out of their crops. The Yarrow flowers are also used in dry arrangements.
Yarrow grows best in zones 3-9. It can get to be four feet tall. It prefers full sun and soil with adequate drainage. It will not grow in wet areas.
3. Sundrops
A bed of cheerful, yellow Sundrops will bring a welcoming touch to any home. They thrive in hot, dry areas and will not bloom if the soil is too damp for their liking. Sundrops will actually grow like weeds in the proper conditions so the gardener must show caution for other plants when installing them.
Sundrops do best in growing zones 5 through 8. They only grow to be about six inches tall. They are a pretty addition to a dry walkway area and will create a beautiful entry for your guests.
4. Globe Thistle
A lot of gardeners have never seen let alone heard of Globe Thistle. The Globe Thistle is so easy to grow and absolutely beautiful to look at that it is a wonder why more gardeners do not incorporate it into their gardens. The flowers are large and circular. They are a greyish blue color which almost resembles the color of blue steel.
Globe Thistle absolutely loves full sun and well-drained, nearly dry soil. It is so easy to grow in zones 3 through 9. It will grow to about four feet tall and really looks impressive when clumped together.
5. Pine Leaf Penstemon
The Pine Leaf Penstemon is an absolutely beautiful plant for those hard to tend areas of your yard. In summer, they produce huge amounts of bright red flowers. When planted in large quantities, the Pine Leaf Penstemon will draw an incredible volume of butterflies and hummingbirds. The Penstemon is a popular plant for nature lovers trying to attract these creatures.
It grows best in zones 4 through 10 which make the Pine Leak Penstemon quite versatile in climate. It does prefer full sun and a soil that drains well. Standing water is detrimental to the root system. Although it only grows to about eighteen inches in height, the Pine Leaf Penstemon will impress your visitors with its beauty.
6. Purple Coneflower
The Purple Coneflower is a very popular drought resistant perennial. They are easy to grow and increase the population of butterflies to your garden. Coneflowers consistently produce loads of purple flowers throughout the summer. There are other varieties that produce flowers that are white, yellow, orange and pink.
The plants can grow as tall as five feet in height. They do best in zones 3 through 9. Well-drained soil suits the Purple Coneflower flower best. They prefer full sun and will thrive with minimal care.
Whichever drought resistant perennials you choose to install in your garden area, please be sure that the soil is well drained. Plants that do not require tons of water will die if the soil retains too much fluid. So, make sure you have a successful garden with proper plant selection.
Want to learn more about drought tolerant perennials?
More information can be found at:
Drought Resistant Perennials
Perennials for Texas Landscapes
American Penstemon Society
Photos would be very welcome, and I guess I’m not the only one who is not familiar with the names of many plants. As a first time garden owner I have so much to learn. I live in a hot and dry part of Spain and I’m trying to plant what will feel at home and thrive in this climate. Please photos, always, they really help.
Photos would be great in thas article, thanks!
Photos would be very helpful. Thank you.