Plants for dry conditions
Submitted by Sue O from Barnet u3a
Now we are experiencing hotter and drier summers, which garden plants are going to manage best, especially if there is a hose ban? The RHS and well-known gardeners have produced some helpful recommendations.
In general: improve heavy clay soil with compost, and provide a thick layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Water well, both when first planting/sowing and until the plant is established, then you can taper off.
See the list below for a selection of recommended plants that can manage dry conditions a) in sun/partial sun and b) in shade.
SOME PLANTS THAT CAN TOLERATE DRY CONDITIONS
I have tried to choose plants that cope with clay soils and are reasonably hardy.
Plants that are attractive to pollinators are shown in italics.
SUN OR PARTIAL SUN
Flowering plants
Achillea (Yarrow)
Agapanthus
Allium
Artemisia eg stelleriana
Crinum powellii
Crocosmia
Crocus
Echinacea (Cone flower)
Echinops (Globe thistle)
Eryngium maritimum (Sea holly)
Eschscholzia (California poppy)
Euphorbia (Spurge)
Fritillary – imperial
Iris germanicus (Bearded Iris)
Kniphofia (Red-hot poker)
Muscari (Grape hyacinth)
Nepeta (Catmint)
Nerine
Osteospermum
Papaver (Poppy)
Pelargonium
Scabious
Sedum (Ice plant)
Verbena bonariensis
Veronica
Herbs
Fennel
Oregano
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Shrubs
Cistus (not fully frost-hardy)
Lavatera (Mallow)
Lavender
Perovskia
SHADE
Flowering plants
Alchemilla mollis (good ground-cover)
Anemone – spring
Anemone japonica (autumn)
Aquilegia (Columbine)
Astrantia
Cyclamen
Geranium (Cranesbill) eg himalayense
Hellebore
Heuchera
Lamium (Deadnettle) (good ground-cover)
Mecanopsis cambrica (Welsh poppy)
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Shrubs
Berberis
Cotoneaster
Mahonia