Plants 2
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