Hailing from hot, dry climates such as the Mediterranean and Australia, drought-tolerant plants can withstand long periods of heat without rain. Most thrive in full sun, with their roots in a well-drained soil or gravel bed rich in peat-free compost. As our climate changes, they ensure that borders are a floristic show of color and fragrance all summer long, without the need for water.
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Drought-tolerant flowers for color
Oast House at Great Dixter, opposite a sea of ladybird poppiesParker Photography / Alamy Stock Photo
You can never have enough PoppyEspecially if you like dark color, and it is extremely drought hardy. Most like a sunny, well-drained soil, with some capable of growing in shingles. Eschscholzia californica ‘Orange King’ blazes tangerine, while Exchanged poppies ‘Ladybird’ And Papawar Riaz ‘Paradise’ There are sizzling-red blooms. Sow them directly in April.
Linus grandifloraDuncan Selby / Alamy Stock Photo
Even in summer there is intense red Linus grandiflora ‘red’ (an easy annual hemp that can be direct sown in April) and Potentilla ‘Gibson’s Scarlet’ (An exotic perennial for the front of the border that can be planted in autumn or spring). For deep red tones, pockets of long-stemmed blood pink plants, Bloody DianthusAnytime of the year: In early summer, it sends up crimson clusters Flowers Which hovers above the grass foliage and looks spectacular growing through the gravel.
Good color foils for red include lime greens (such as low-growing perennials Euphorbia myrsinites), blues (including Larkspur Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Blue Butterfly’which can be grown from seed in fall or spring, and hot pink (esp Lychnis coronaria, which is a fabulous short-lived perennial with downy silver foliage). Plant them all together for a burst of color even in the hottest, driest summer.
Drought gems for structure and impact
