Drought-Tolerant Plants
While an official drought hasn’t been declared, it’s no secret that rain has been in short supply the past month. If the plants around your home are looking a little overdone in this heat and dry weather, consider incorporating junipers, ornamental grasses, cone flowers, or russian sage. These plants not only look great while complimenting your landscape, but they are hardy enough to withstand excessive heat and dryer weather! Read below to learn more about each option,
or give us a call and we can help design and install them into your landscape!
JUNIPERS
Various greenery trees and bushes fall under the Juniper family.
Junipers prefer well-draining soil, while also tolerating sandy or rocky soils. They do best with full-sun! Plant them the same depth as they are in the container upon purchase (typically just below the soil surface), and consider the Juniper’s mature size when mapping out the spacing - ranging from 2 to 6 feet apart. Water generously after install, then each day-every other day until established. Once established, they are drought-tolerant but don’t forget - they are still a plant! Don’t forget to water occasional during those dry spells.
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
There are many varieties to choose from!
Majority of ornamental grasses enjoy well-draining soil with full sun (though some can tolerate partial shade). Plant these decorative classes just at soil level and space them typically 1 to 3 feet apart. Water deeply after install until established. These grasses are drought-tolerant and a great option for those frequently away or prefer lower maintenance plants. Ornamental grasses are also the grass that keeps grassing - cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, and divide clumps up every few years. Buy once, enjoy for years to come!
CONEFLOWERS (also known as Echinacea)
Coneflowers come in many colors.
Coneflowers enjoy well-drained soil that is not overly rich, and full sun is best though they can *tolerate* light shade. Plant Coneflower seeds 1/4 inch deep and about 18 to 24 inches apart. Keep soil moist until the plant is established, then reduce to occasional watering. While Coneflowers are somewhat drought-tolerant, they do require that occasional watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, and cut the plants back in the late fall or early spring to promote new growth.
RUSSIAN SAGE
Boasting in a beautiful lavender, this is a great colorful option!
Russian Sage requires well-drained soil. God sandy or rocky soil? That’s no problem for this beautiful purple plant. Full sun is certainly required. Plant your Russian Sage about 2 to 3 feet apart from one another and water deeply until established. If you prefer to leave your plants alone to do their thing - this is the plant for you! Drought-tolerant means you don’t have to set your daily watering alarm. Cut back old growth in the early spring to encourage new growth.
Give us a call today for a free consultation to discuss adding these options (or others) to your landscape!
