logo dark logo light logo
  • Home
  • Products
    • Wet & Forget Outdoor
      • Application
      • Before & Afters
      • Surfaces
      • Testimonials
      • FAQs
    • Wet & Forget Indoor
      • Application
      • Before & Afters
      • Surfaces
      • Testimonials
      • FAQs
    • Wet & Forget Shower
      • Application
      • Before & Afters
      • Surfaces
      • Testimonials
      • FAQs
    • Miss Muffet’s Revenge
      • Application
      • Testimonials
      • FAQs
  • Videos
    • Wet & Forget Outdoor Videos
    • Wet & Forget Indoor Videos
    • Wet & Forget Shower Videos
    • Miss Muffets Revenge Videos
    • New Home Spotlight
  • Contact
  • Sign Up
  • Store Locator
  • Visit Wet & Forget
Menu
mobile logo
  • Home
  • Products
    • Wet & Forget Outdoor
      • Application
      • Before & Afters
      • Surfaces
      • Testimonials
      • FAQs
    • Wet & Forget Indoor
      • Application
      • Before & Afters
      • Surfaces
      • Testimonials
      • FAQs
    • Wet & Forget Shower
      • Application
      • Before & Afters
      • Surfaces
      • Testimonials
      • FAQs
    • Miss Muffet’s Revenge
      • Application
      • Testimonials
      • FAQs
  • Videos
    • Wet & Forget Outdoor Videos
    • Wet & Forget Indoor Videos
    • Wet & Forget Shower Videos
    • Miss Muffets Revenge Videos
    • New Home Spotlight
  • Contact
  • Sign Up
  • Store Locator
  • Visit Wet & Forget
Drought Tolerant Plants
June 30, 2021
Gardening

Best Drought Tolerant Plants for a Lush Summer Garden

A lack of water doesn’t have to interfere with your enjoyment of a lush garden. Whether you live in a city with water restrictions or the weather has been usually dry, many drought-tolerant plants can withstand dry spells in the garden.

Drought Tolerant Plants for Full Sun Locations

Limelight hydrangea thrives in full sun, which makes this blooming shrub different from its shade-loving relatives. They bloom in white flower mounds, which gradually turn to pink or red as the season progresses.  Limelight hydrangea blooms on new growth, so it’s best to prune in winter or early spring.

Fountain grass has tall stems and feathery blooms, thus adding a dramatic accent to your garden. The graceful stems move in the breeze offering a soothing, meditative effect to any outdoor space. Fountain grass is available in various colors and thrives in dry soil, making it an excellent choice for a drought-tolerant yard or landscape.

Drought Tolerant Shade Plants

Pachysandra is a popular ground cover for shady spots in the garden. Planted underneath a tree or along a landscape border, pachysandra adds an attractive carpet of green to your yard. And, it’s deer resistant, too.

Coralbells are native to rocky cliff locations where rainwater tends to drain, so they naturally tolerate dry conditions. Coralbells are easy-care, available in a wide variety of colors, and a favorite stop for hummingbirds.

drought tolerant flowering plants

Drought Tolerant Flowering Plants

Canna lilies are native to the tropics, so they thrive in the heat. And they are surprisingly drought-tolerant flowers as well. Canna lilies come in a wide range of bloom colors and grow to an impressive six feet in height.

Rudbeckia, often referred to as black-eyed susan, is another easy-care perennial that stands up to dry stretches in the garden. The bright yellow flowers with their brown, cushiony centers will attract butterflies and bees to your garden.

Drought Tolerant Vegetables

The deep root system drought-tolerant veggies have helps them withstand both the heat and a lack of water. Some are quick growers, which also reduces their need for moisture. When shopping for new veggies to add to your garden, check that they grow well in sun, hot temperatures, and require minimal watering.

Okra thrives in the heat of summer. Plant in mid-summer, when the temperature is above 60 degrees. Okra can withstand drought conditions but for the best yield, give them at least an inch of water per week. Harvest pods when they are two to four inches in length.

drought tolerant flowering plants

Summer squash grows well in hot, arid conditions. Most varieties produce mature vegetables in as little as 60 days, which helps to lower water requirements. Summer squash varieties include yellow squash, zucchini, and crookneck squash. Frequent picking will encourage the plant to produce more. Adding a layer of mulch or compost will help lock in moisture.

How do I make sure my plants stay healthy during a drought?

Here are a few tips for drought-proofing your garden this summer.

Install a drip irrigation system

A drip irrigation system is the most water-saving way to water your plants at any time of day. The system ensures that the water reaches the roots, which will benefit plants the most.

Water in the early morning or after the sunset

The hottest part of the day is when moisture loss happens the most. To minimize evaporation, water your plants in the coolest part of the day – before 10 am or after 4 pm. Water the soil slowly and deeply by laying the garden hose on the soil and turning the water on to a slow trickle.

Add a timer to your drip irrigation system

A timer will offer the right amount of moisture at the best time of day, making watering a no-brainer. No more wasted water!

Boost soil wettability

During extended periods of dry weather, your soil may become dry to the point that it can no longer hold water. Mixing in a soil-wetting product such as Eco-Wet® will help moisture penetrate the soil faster down to the root zone. It also helps to spread moisture throughout the soil and helps to hold in water longer.

Use water-saving crystals in potted plants

Mix the crystals in a container with water and then mix with the potting soil. Do not use water-saving crystals when growing vegetables, herbs, or other edibles.

Stop applying fertilizer

If you routinely add fertilizer, then stop as soon as you notice drought conditions. Fertilizers cause plant growth, and the bigger the plant, the more water it needs. And, if fertilizer salts build up in the soil, this may damage their roots.

Hold in precious water with mulch

Besides making your garden look polished and full, mulch is essential for keeping your garden soil cool and moist. Mulch works as a natural wetting agent to increase the soil’s ability to hold moisture. A generous layer of mulch will help your garden benefit from every ounce of moisture in the soil.

Choose drought-resistant plants for your garden

Visit your local nursery to discover which plants will grow best during a water restriction or with minimal moisture.

Bonus Tip: Different vegetables have different water requirements. Group together vegetable plants with similar moisture needs to help conserve water.

Related Posts

  • 4 Ways to Drought-Proof Your Garden and Stay Green when it’s Dry4 Ways to Drought-Proof Your Garden and Stay Green when it’s Dry
  • 10 Sun Loving Flowers That Bloom All Summer10 Sun Loving Flowers That Bloom All Summer
  • Flower Spotlight: Heavenly Hydrangeas Steal the Show!Flower Spotlight: Heavenly Hydrangeas Steal the Show!
  • Growing Lilies: How to Grow and Care for DayliliesGrowing Lilies: How to Grow and Care for Daylilies
  • Harvesting Summer Vegetables: Tips and How-tosHarvesting Summer Vegetables: Tips and How-tos
  • See Our Top Tips to Liven up your Soil and Grow your Best Veggies Yet!See Our Top Tips to Liven up your Soil and Grow your Best Veggies Yet!
Tags: drought tolerant plants, low-water plants, types of drought tolerant plants
Share:
Posts you'd might like
Extreme heat can wreak havoc on your garden.
July 30, 2024
How To Protect Your Garden From Extreme Heat
tips to keep garden green
November 7, 2014
4 Ways to Drought-Proof Your Garden and Stay Green when it’s Dry
Post a comment cancel reply

Search
Categories
  • Bathroom Cleaning
  • Gardening
  • Home Décor
  • Home Improvement
  • Indoor Cleaning
  • Miscellaneous
  • Outdoor Cleaning
  • Promotions
  • Spider Control
Recent Posts
  • Vegan Twists On Classic Thanksgiving Dishes
  • How to Check for Outdoor Damage After Winter Storms
  • How to Reduce Fall Allergies for Easy Breathing
  • Boost Fall Flavors with an Indoor Herb Garden
  • Preparing Your Garden and Yard for Fall
Tags
best shower cleaner best spider killer black algae clean shower fixtures deck cleaner deck cleaning DIY enter to win flower garden get rid of spiders grand prize great backyard giveaway green algae indoor garden indoor herb garden indoor mold kill spiders mildew cleaner mold mold & mildew mold and mildew mold and mildew cleaner mold and mildew remover mold and mildew stains moss moss on roof moss remover recipes remove deck stains remove mold and mildew remove shower grime roof cleaner roof moss save money shower cleaner shower spray soap scum spider killer spiders spray and rinse spray once spring cleaning vegetable garden water damage weekly shower spray