Many gardens have problem dry areas. Rather than struggling with plants ill-suited to arid spots, choose those that are adapted to cope with such conditions
Recent dry summers have encouraged many gardeners to think about growing drought-tolerant plants. In dry areas of the garden, these have several advantages. In particular, they need little or no watering once established and produce a more reliable display than plants that struggle in the conditions.
Coping with dryness
Drought-tolerant plants have natural adaptations to help them conserve water. Look out for hairy leaves, as the hairs help to shade the surface and trap evaporating moisture; fleshy-leaved plants store water; aromatic foliage releases volatile, scented compounds that are thought to cool the foliage as they evaporate. Other drought tolerant characteristics include grey, narrow and small leaves, leathery foliage and spikes that act as cooling fins.
Dry conditions tend to fall into two categories: sunny or shady. Sunny conditions are easier to fill, as many plants that naturally cope with dryness come from hotter parts of the world. Some of the toughest perennial choices include Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ears), Sedum, Sempervivum, Bergenia, Acaena, Verbascum, sage, rosemary, Miscanthus, Eryngium and Phormium. Many trees and shrubs will survive hot, dry British summers well once they have become established, however, Cistus (rock rose), lavender, brooms, Spartium (Spanish broom), junipers, Mahonia and Ceanothus (Californian lilac) are particularly resilient. Most spring-flowering bulbs grow, bloom, and die back before summer droughts.
Dry and dark
Dryness in shade is more tricky. Try Sarcococca (sweet box), Berberis darwinii or box (perhaps clipped into shapes), along with Lamium (dead nettles), Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae and Vinca (periwinkles). Hardy geraniums and heucheras also do quite well in dry shade.
With all drought-tolerant plants, it is important to ensure they establish well: only then will they be able to find the water they need to survive an arid summer. Plant in spring or better still, autumn, when conditions are more suitable. Water the plant in well if the soil is dry, and continue during dry spells until it is growing strongly. This can take up to three years for some trees and shrubs.
More information on drought gardening
More information on drought-resisting plants
Leigh Hunt