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There’s nothing quite like having your own little sanctuary in the back garden where you can decompress after those particularly demanding days.
However, Britain’s famously fickle climate makes this rather tricky to achieve. Maintaining a flourishing outdoor space can prove as challenging as nailing jelly to the wall unless you know which species to grow.
The right selection can endure those occasional dry spells without losing its splendour.
Drought-tolerant flora come in a riot of colours and are much easier to care for than many traditional plants. You’ll surely find some that suit whatever ambience you’re dreaming up in the following guide, but first, let’s explore what makes them so special.
What Makes Plants Drought-Resistant
Over the years, some resilient species have learned to adapt to harsh environments that would be inhospitable to most other kinds.
To make the right purchases, research the flora you’re considering before committing. They should have at least one of the following traits.
- Long roots. Some species have particularly long roots that penetrate deep into the ground to find hidden sources of water to use in times of drought.
- Water storage. Succulents have an unparalleled water storage capacity. They retain water in their leaves, stems and roots. This allows them to survive without regular rain or irrigation.
- Moisture retention. Many of these species have small, hairy, thick, waxy, or divided leaves. These help trap moisture inside, effectively reducing water loss.
- Some plants shed their leaves and slow down their metabolic activity during extremely dry spells. This allows them to conserve water and energy until their surrounding conditions stabilise.
Now that you know what sets these wonderplants apart, let’s discover some varieties that will effortlessly elevate your landscape.
1. Lavender
You’re probably familiar with lavender’s heavenly scent from your fancy soaps and bath bombs. In addition to their tantalising aroma, those gorgeous purple spikes are a sight for sore eyes.
They even possess healing powers, capable of putting your mind and body at ease. That’s why you find lavender in many soothing balms and teas.
To enjoy all those wonderful perks, cultivate it during the spring in a sunny corner, and water it once or twice a week during its first summer. After that, you only need to water it deeply, yet infrequently, during prolonged periods of drought.
2. Aloe Vera
Another strong contender, aloe vera, has long been a favourite in the botanical world. Aside from its striking, sculptural shape, it also has soothing, medicinal properties. Plus, its thick, fleshy leaves hold enough water to keep it hydrated for weeks on end.
Low maintenance doesn’t even begin to cover it. Aside from needing very little water, it also requires minimal fertilising. Just give it a cool, sunny spot and feed it once or twice a year, and the leaves will reward you with a soothing gel for sunburn or dry skin.
This plant would be content outdoors in well-draining soil or even indoors by a south-facing window. As long as you abide by these simple conditions, you won’t have to fear those unexpected scorching waves in Brighton anymore.
3. Coneflower
Coneflowers breathe life into any garden. They possess a daisy-like charm that butterflies, bees, and birds cannot resist.
They, too, are incredibly hardy and can shrug off drought with ease. All they need is a good dose of daily sunshine and loamy or sandy earth to thrive.
They also come in an explosion of colour. From purple and pink to red, orange, and yellow, their bright and cheerful hues look like a summer sunset in full bloom.
With their tall and graceful stems, they can accentuate your patio or draw beautiful borders around certain elements in your garden to highlight them.
4. Sea Holly
Most blooms present themselves in a delicate manner—not sea hollies, though. They flaunt their silvery-blue spikes like a proud peacock.
Tinged with an alluring purple undertone, these dramatic flowers bring proper character to any garden border.
With similar requirements to coneflowers, they endure dry conditions with minimal fuss and are perfect for coastal or sunny spots. Plus, they pair beautifully with Lavender, so you don’t have to worry about clashing aesthetics.
5. Yarrow
Characterised by its intricate, lacy leaves and clusters of dainty blooms, yarrow effortlessly adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
It comes in an impressive range of colours, from yellow and pink to red and peach—although white is the most common shade. However, even in its simplest hue, it adds a splash of joy to any lawn.
This makes it a fantastic choice for any home, as it can be incorporated into pretty much any landscaping design.
This perennial is rather tough, too. It will continue to thrive, even when immersed in poor or dry soil with an irregular moisture supply.
6. Wallflower
This delightful plant got its charming name from its habit of sprouting through the weathered stones of ancient castles, like something out of a gothic novel.
Come early summer, wallflowers put on quite the show just as your spring blooms are calling it quits. They’ll breathe life into your yard with their zesty colours long after other flowers fade.
Don’t be fooled by their petite size. They have quite the complex aroma that will make your yard the most fragrant spot in the neighbourhood—sweet and warm, yet subtly spicy at the same time.
They love basking in sunshine but can’t tolerate fierce gusts of wind, so tuck them somewhere cosy where those delicate stems won’t get battered about.
Tips to Maintain Your Drought-Resistant Garden
Don’t mistake drought-resistant for invincible. Even these botanical powerhouses still need a little attention now and then, starting with mulch. It’s essentially like a warm blanket for your soil, keeping it moist and chock-full of nutrients.
Organic materials, like compost and bark chippings, work best. Straw and dried leaves help enrich and protect the earth as well.
Simply scatter them around your flora in the spring once the ground dries out to give your colourful companions a little boost, and let them be. They will practically raise themselves!
Most of these species are sun-worshippers, so be sure to place them where they can soak up as much light as possible. Additionally, verify that the soil is sufficiently dry to keep the roots from decaying.
Planting them in clusters is another clever trick, as that way they will share shade and water..
Conclusion
Picture yourself with your cup of tea in hand, lounging in your colourful garden with not a single care in the world. That’s not just a daydream, but absolutely achievable with these drought-resistant specimens.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, pop these plants into the ground, and get ready to enjoy your own little slice of heaven.
