Drought tolerant annuals and perennials are plants that can withstand dry soil after their roots are established. No plant is drought-resistant until it become established.
All plants require a steady supply of moisture when first planted. Once a plant is established and has a deep root system, it requires less water.
Annuals and perennials started in spring when the soil is relatively moist can set down roots and then survive dry weather. It is best to start drought-tolerant annuals and perennials in the spot they will grow through dry weather rather than transplant them into the garden when the weather is hot and dry.
Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.
Althaea–commonly called marsh mallow–is a perennial often grown as an annual. It closely resembles the hollyhock (Alcea) but with smaller, usually stalked flowers. Althaea is often grown in moist, brackish habitats. Althaea bears pink to purple, cup-shaped flowers on tall, erect stems in summer. The flowers are smaller than hollyhocks with notched petals. The flowers…
Helianthemum — commonly called sun rose or rock rose–includes both species and many hybrid sub-shrubs grown for their bright and pastel blooms above gray foliage. Helianthemum grows well in average soil and thrives even in dry soil making it a colorful ground cover for banks and sun-drenched beds. Helianthemum blooms from late spring into summer. Each flower lasts just…
Groundcover plants are used to cover the ground and to conceal all signs of soil beneath. Groundcovers can be used to smother weeds, act as a living mulch to conserve soil moisture and to hold in place, and stem soil erosion. Low-growing shrubs can be used as groundcovers. Most are deep-rooted and longer lived than…
Bulbs are remarkably beautiful flowers and they are remarkably beautiful cut flowers. Bulbs flower in a wide range of colors, forms, and sizes. They can be grown indoors as well as out, and they are relatively easy to grow. As cut flowers they certainly rival annuals and perennials. Botanically speaking a bulb is an encased…
Dietes–commonly called fortnight lily or African iris–is a rhizomatous perennial cultivated for colorful iris-like flowers. All varieties grow quickly and produce flowers at two-week intervals throughout spring, summer, and fall. Dietes is an iris-like plant with fans of stiff narrow, evergreen leaves growing from dense long-lasting clumps. The flowers resemble small Japanese irises; each flower…
Selaginella–commonly called club moss or moss fern–is a mossy, fernlike perennial that grows in mounded clumps or upright with creeping branches. Selaginella has a delicate airy effect. It thrives in moist, shady conditions. Selaginella are grown for their foliage. Selaginella is neither a true moss nor a true fern, but it has characteristics of both….
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