Top 10 Plants for Dry Areas

The driest part of the garden is usually the sunniest, although other areas can be dry too. The base of a wall is often dry, either because the wall absorbs moisture or because it shelters the ground from the prevailing rain direction. Adjacent to a building can also be dry, where the roof overhangs or the area is protected from rain.

You can improve natural moisture retention in the soil by digging organic matter into the soil regularly (to help the structure) and by covering the surface with a mulch of bark or gravel to reduce evaporation.

Agapanthus

These stunning plants thrive in a hot, sunny border. They need sun on the base of the leaves every summer so they flower well in the following year. If they are planted too deeply, you will get leaves, but few flowers. There are evergreen and deciduous forms, some hardier than others. All have globe-shaped flower heads on tall stems, with small flowers in white and many shades of blue.

Buddleja

This plant has the common name “butterfly bush”, but it also attracts many other insects to its showy spikes of tiny, fragrant flowers in white, pink or shades of purple. There are many forms, ranging from over 2m (6ft) down to 1m (3ft). Tall forms may be cut down hard in early spring to encourage larger flowers in summer.

Convolvulus cneorum

Sometimes referred to as the “silver bush” this pretty little evergreen shrub hails from the Mediterranean region and loves a hot, sunny spot. It has pink buds that open into white, trumpet-shaped flowers with a yellow throat, in spring. Bees love them. Unlike its climbing cousin, this plant is not invasive.

Cytisus battandieri

Most forms of Cytisus will grow well in a hot, dry spot but this one is a bit different. It is a medium-sized shrub with trifoliate leaves that are covered with soft, silky silver hairs when they are young. Bright yellow flowers are produced in spikes in summer, up to 12cm (5in) long and scented of pineapple, giving the plant its common name of “pineapple broom”.

Eryngium

The “sea hollies” are architectural plants, covered with spiny leaves that make them resemble thistles at first glance. There are many forms, from deep blue stems, leaves and flowers to almost pure white all over. The form ‘Neptune’s Gold’ has golden foliage with deep blue flowers, making it a striking addition to a dry border. These plants really dislike shade and excess moisture.

Escallonia

These evergreen shrubs will actually grow almost anywhere, but they are tolerant of drier conditions which makes them valuable as hedging to protect other, less tough, plants. They have small, waxy leaves and flower from summer into autumn in white and shades of pink and red, depending on variety.

Lavandula

Lavenders just love a hot, sunny position. The silver hairs on the leaves reflect light, which means they cope better than many other plants. Popular with bees and many other pollinators, the foliage is fragrant in the sunshine and the white, blue or pink flowers not only smell good in the garden, but can be dried for use indoors.

Liriope

This tough, hardy perennial is ideal for providing colour in the autumn. It has purple or white flower spikes amid grass-like leaves. This plant will need watering in excessively dry periods, but will cope most of the time and too much shade will prevent flowering.

Osteospermum

Osteospermum jucundum, or the “African daisy”, is a popular rhizomatous perennial that flowers throughout summer and autumn. It has big, single, daisy-like flowers of pinkish-purple with a darker purple eye in the centre. There are other forms available as annuals and sub-shrubs.

Salvia

The sage family encompasses many different forms, from the cooking variety to attractive half-hardy forms with wonderful colours and scents. They have upright flowers in jewel-like colours including reds and purples. Many hail from Mediterranean regions and enjoy hot, sunny conditions on a free-draining soil. They flower during summer and autumn. Some need winter protection.