Gardeners planning for next summer may want to reconsider what they plant now, with experts highlighting five drought-tolerant varieties that can cope with drier conditions while still providing colour, texture and structure. David Mitchell, head of plants at Blue Diamond, and Phoebe Cater, a plant buyer at the garden centre group, have noticed growing demand for plants that need less maintenance and can withstand dry spells. With October approaching, gardeners are advised not to wait until spring to start planting.
Why autumn is the ideal time to plant
David Mitchell said autumn is a particularly good time to plant new plants, as conditions can help them establish before the warmer months return. “Autumn is a good time for planting; the soil is still warm, and it’s not too dry or too cold,” he said.
Dianella ‘Waheen’ and Yucca rostrata
One of Mitchell’s top recommendations was Dianella ‘Waheen’, a variegated flax grass from New Zealand. He described it as similar to a phormium but praised the variety for being particularly clean and upright. “It’s not floppy,” he said, explaining that the plant stands upright and has proved particularly successful. Its strong, architectural shape makes it an option for gardeners seeking a more structured planting style while choosing plants that can cope with drier conditions.
Yucca rostrata was another of Mitchell’s recommendations. The variety has distinctive blue foliage and develops a strong trunk as it matures, allowing it to grow upwards rather than remaining as a low crown close to the ground. Yuccas have seen particularly strong growth in popularity, with Mitchell describing the increase in sales as one of the most significant uplifts he has seen. He also noted that people are increasingly using yuccas in pots and borders in much the same way they might previously have planted traditional flowering plants.
Nepeta ‘Persian Blue’ and Salvia ‘Caradonna’
Phoebe Cater picked out Nepeta ‘Persian Blue’ as one of her choices. The variety was featured in Blue Diamond’s Chelsea garden and has proved popular because it offers more than drought tolerance. Cater highlighted its texture, scent and fragrance, as well as its long flowering period. “It was a fantastic area of growth,” she said, describing how gardeners are looking for drought-tolerant plants that can also provide additional interest.
Salvia ‘Caradonna’ was another of Cater’s recommendations. Like Nepeta ‘Persian Blue’, it has a long flowering period, which experts say is becoming increasingly important to gardeners. Cater said customers are showing greater interest in plants that remain attractive for longer, rather than varieties that provide a short burst of colour. Salvia has also been among the categories showing steady growth as gardeners increasingly look for plants that become more drought-tolerant once established.
Roses: a surprising drought-tolerant choice
Roses may be an unexpected addition to a list of drought-tolerant plants, but the experts said they can be surprisingly resilient once properly established. Mitchell explained that roses have origins in Persia and can develop deep roots. Once established, they can cope well with dry conditions. He also said roses can actually be more susceptible to disease in humid conditions, meaning hot and dry weather is not necessarily a problem for established plants. There is also plenty of choice, from climbing roses to patio and border varieties. Cater said scented roses and patio roses have been particularly interesting to gardeners, with patio varieties also suited to growing in pots.
