As UK summers become increasingly hot and dry, choosing drought-tolerant plants is essential for maintaining a beautiful garden while conserving water, according to renowned gardening expert and author Sarah Raven. Certain plant species have naturally adapted to flourish in hotter conditions and can withstand prolonged heat and scarce rainfall.
Sarah said: "There are many ways that we can ensure we are being considerate of the environment whilst also maintaining the beauty, colour, and joy of our outside havens...One of the simplest things you can do is to introduce drought-tolerant plants to keep your garden looking lively and vibrant without the need for excessive watering."
Lavandula 'Hidcote'
Sarah said: "The most floriferous of the compact lavenders, Lavandula 'Hidcote' has beautiful purple-blue flowers and is rich in pollen and nectar, so it is absolutely loved by bees and butterflies." To suit its original Mediterranean climate, Lavandula is both heat and drought-tolerant. The flowers are edible and can be used to add flavour to cocktails, syrups, sorbets and salads. Gardeners should trim back the spikes in autumn, avoiding cutting into the woody stem, to keep the plant in excellent condition.
Pelargonium
Pelargoniums boast gorgeous pink blooms, particularly striking in containers or borders. They aren't especially thirsty plants, though regular watering remains essential. Sarah added: "You should water and feed the plants well in the summer and deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers."
Eryngium 'Picos Blue'
The gardening expert said: "One of the bluest of the beautiful sea hollies, Eryngium 'Picos Blue' needs plenty of sunshine and free-draining soil to thrive." Their whorls of spikes can be sharp, so plant them away from border edges or paths, especially where children play. They attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators due to nectar-rich flowers. Well-drained soil is best, and root disturbance should be avoided.
Limonium 'Dazzle Rocks'
These plants produce an abundance of pink-purple blooms that draw pollinators into the garden. It is drought-tolerant and heat-resistant, flourishing equally well in a pot or along a border.
Salvia 'Cardonna'
Sarah said: "One of the earliest varieties of salvia, 'Cardonna', produces some of the longest spikes which can readily reach 60cm. It is a drought-tolerant perennial but will perform best in a sunny spot with free-draining soil." Expect beautiful purple flowers from June through to October; for best results, cut back in early summer to encourage later flowering.
Gaura 'Lindheimeri'
This plant is ideally suited to lining pathways or enhancing flower beds. It looks stunning as part of an arrangement, but equally striking when displayed alone. These plants thrive in full sun and typically bloom from June through August, requiring very little upkeep throughout the year.
Verbena 'Bonariensis'
Sarah said: "[They] produce an absolutely stunning display of purple flowers at head height from late summer through to autumn and are shrouded in confetti or butterflies as soon as there is a glimpse of sunshine." They are drought-tolerant perennials needing little maintenance, but protect them with a layer of leaf mould or compost mulch in autumn.
