Drought Tolerant Plants

Drought tolerant plants cope well with dry conditions once established. They have evolved clever ways to conserve water, such as silvery or waxy leaves, deep root systems, or narrow foliage that reduces moisture loss. These plants are ideal for UK gardens that experience hot, dry summers, free draining soils, or gardeners who want reliable results with less watering.

Planting correctly makes all the difference. Choose a sunny position with free draining soil, as most drought tolerant plants dislike sitting in winter wet. Dig a generous planting hole, loosen the soil beneath, and avoid adding too much rich compost, which can encourage soft growth. Water thoroughly at planting time, then mulch lightly with gravel or bark to help retain moisture while roots establish.

There is no single winner, but a few plants stand out for their toughness. Lavender is exceptionally resilient once established, thriving in poor, dry soils. Sedum, often called stonecrop, stores water in its fleshy leaves and shrugs off drought. Among shrubs, rosemary is remarkably hardy and keeps going through long dry spells with minimal care.

In the first growing season, water regularly to help plants establish a deep root system. After that, most drought tolerant plants need watering only during prolonged dry spells. A good rule is to water deeply but infrequently rather than little and often. This encourages roots to grow downwards, making plants far more self sufficient.

Pots dry out faster than borders, so choosing the right plants is key. Excellent options include lavender, cordyline and sedum. Use a gritty, free draining compost and pots with drainage holes, and group containers together to reduce moisture loss on hot days.