Drought-tolerant
perennials for YOUR space!
A successful plant-driven garden design
requires planning before planting,
and winter is the perfect time of year to consider which plants might succeed
if Southeast Wisconsin is stricken with another drought like the summer of
2012. Some perennials thrive in hot,
dry conditions while others struggle, but survive.
Advance planning may help to avoid
costly mistakes when selecting plants for your garden space, and plant knowledge
is key to your success… which
perennials can handle drought and still remain attractive throughout the
growing season? My “short list”
appears below… perennials which add color and charm to your garden, even when
rainfall and irrigation are limited. NOTE: New plantings need additional water
to become well established and fully drought tolerant.
Yarrow (genus Achillea) commonly available in shades of yellow and some pastels
Yarrow (genus Achillea) commonly available in shades of yellow and some pastels
Tickseed
(genus Coreopsis) a daisy-like yellow
flower on tall, slender stems
Coneflower (genus Echinacea) now
available in several pastel and bold colors
Catmint
(genus Nepeta) an aggressive plant
with a striking aroma; cultivar ‘Walker’s Low’ is utilized in landscape designs
and provides silvery blue foliage
Lavender
(genus Lavandula) several cultivars
available, each with its own charm, but all offer the intensely scented foliage
and flowers we know and love!
Stonecrop/sedum (genus Sedum)
nearly 400 species of flowering ground covers and tall flowering varieties
available
Russian Sage (genus Perovskia) silvery
grey foliage with bluish purple blossoms
Peony
(genus Paeonia) several cultivars and
colors available; can handle drought conditions and may bloom earlier when
moisture is lacking, but plant can survive
I suggest you Google® on the genus names
provided above to help you become acquainted with each drought lover listed. When
it’s time to buy, choose wisely!
M. Lynn Schmid, Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
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