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.
Most orchids are easy to grow. All you need to do is give them what they need. In a nutshell, orchids need suitable potting soil or medium, adequate light, a warm environment–about the temperature of your house, water, fertilizer, and fresh air. These needs are just about the same for all houseplants. There are about…
Eryngium–commonly called sea holly–is an upright perennial with heart-shaped, divided green leaves. In summer, it produces tall blue stems topped with cone-shaped purple flowers surrounded by spiny bracts. Eryngium is stiff-branched and thistle-like. There are 230 species in the Eryngium genus; some are fibrous-rooted and some are tap-rooted. Eryngium self sows. Eryngium is an excellent…
Tagetes–commonly called marigolds–bear yellow, orange, red, or mahogany flowers from summer to early fall. The marigold is a tender annual. African marigolds and French marigolds are commonly grown in summer gardens. African marigolds grow 2 to 4 feet (61-122cm) tall. French marigolds grow just 6 to 12 inches (15-30cm) tall. Marigolds flowers can be simple…
Tender perennials—plants that grow year after year in warm climates but can’t survive freezing temperatures—require extra care to make it through winter. After gardening in both mild Sonoma Valley winters and harsh Iowa Zone 5 winters, I’ve learned that overwintering these plants is completely manageable with the right approach. Whether you dig and store them…
Dusty Miller, Centaurea cineraria, with its silver velvety foliage adds light to gardens. The leaves are nearly reflective as walkway edgings at night. Its compact form fits nicely in open spots in beds and borders. Summer flowers are usually mustard yellow and occasionally purple, but they are nearly an afterthought to the decorative foliage. Centaurea…
Linaria–commonly called toadflax–bears trailing stems with a succession of snap-dragon-like, orange-centered purple-violet flowers in summer. Linaria can trail over walls and raised beds or spread over a gravel bed. Linaria is a genus of rather low-growing annual, biennial, and perennial plants some trailing and some erect. The genus contains about 100 species. The flowers that…
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