Aside from drought-resistant grasses, hot-dry-garden-loving perennials are also a good bet. Marigolds, Sedums, Yuccas, and Artemisias are a few of the best choices for these conditions. However, these plants do require some extra care to thrive, so if you’re unsure of which one to choose, keep reading to learn more about what you can include in your garden.
Marigolds
Marigolds are among the easiest plants to grow in a hot, dry garden. They are highly resilient, grow easily from seed, and attract pollinators to the garden. And they are resistant to root-knot nematodes. In addition to their colorful blooms, marigolds are also edible. Harvest the blooms early in the morning or late in the evening to take advantage of their fragrance.
Marigolds can be grown from seed or young plants, and should be planted after the danger of frost has passed. You can easily start your marigold plants indoors in Miracle-Gro(r) seed starting potting mix and transplant them into your garden. African and French marigolds take longer to mature. Space seedlings eight to ten inches apart. And remember to keep dead heads off of your marigolds to encourage more blooms.
Marigolds can be planted directly in your garden, but they need full sunlight and a well-drained soil. Marigolds grow best in soil that is moderately fertile, but if you don’t want to work too hard to prepare it, try growing them indoors four to six weeks before the end of winter. Space marigold plants about six inches apart. Tall African marigolds should be planted after the danger of frost has passed. They mature slower, but they produce flowers.
Artemisia
Artemisia is a beautiful and versatile perennial that is commonly known by many other names. Its finely divided leaves are aromatic. Artemisia flowers are small and yellow and appear on arching stems in summer. It thrives in hot, dry areas, but can also grow in partial shade. If you are concerned about their invasiveness, you can try limiting their spread by planting them in containers or digging them up on a regular basis.
If you grow Artemisia in a pot, make sure the roots have enough space to expand. Be sure to gradually increase the amount of water the plant gets. Once the plant reaches the desired size, divide it by using the strongest roots. This is best done every two to three years. Artemisia is also easy to propagate from cuttings. Just keep in mind that they can be a bit challenging to grow from seed, so you might want to buy them already established.
The artemisia plant is a native of Asia, the Far East, the Aleutian Islands, and western Canada. Its silver-gray foliage makes for a nice contrast in the garden. It thrives in hot, dry climates and tolerates salt spray. If you are worried about its soil requirements, you can grow artemisias in pots or in loose soil. However, they are most suitable for hot, dry areas.
Sedums
A hot dry garden is no place for a shady plant. However, there are several attractive and low-maintenance sedum varieties you can include in your landscape. Autumn Joy Sedum is perhaps the most popular and best-known variety, with rosettes of rosy pink leaves that bloom in late summer and early fall. Little Miss Sunshine Sedum is a lower-growing type with a bright yellow flower head in midsummer. Other varieties include ‘Postman’s Pride’ and ‘Elsie’s Gold’, which have variegated foliage and large clusters of deep pink flowers in midsummer.
Sun-loving sedums are best suited for hot, dry conditions. They can grow in poor soil, but should be planted in a sunny location. In addition, sedums do best in conditions without excessive humidity. Plant them in a sunny location, and space them four to 28 inches apart. Sedums require loose soil, so be sure to provide ample drainage around them.
There are three main species of Sedum. Sedum corynephyllum has upright stems with fleshy, light-green leaves. The rosulate, star-shaped flowers of Sedum cremnophila are a delightful addition to a hot dry garden. The species also blooms in the summer, and its flowers are yellow star-shaped. You can find these varieties in both large and small sizes, and they are perfect for sunny locations.
Yuccas
Although yuccas are drought-tolerant, they can be moderately toxic to animals, so watering them regularly is essential. Even though they can tolerate drought, they may not tolerate standing water and may develop root rot. Also, mature yuccas should be planted away from walkways, as their massive root structures can disrupt retaining walls and even invade irrigation pipes. To reduce your chances of experiencing any problems with this plant, consider growing it from seed or offsets. Make sure to protect your new plant from the first few months until it develops its roots.
Typically, yuccas thrive in sunny, open areas, and need full sun for best growth and coloration. However, part-shade is not detrimental to yuccas as they can tolerate partial shade and retain their vibrant colors. However, part-shade will result in fewer plants and narrower leaves, and will increase the chances of rot. As a result, yuccas are best planted in full sun.
Yuccas come in various color variations, so choose a variety that matches the theme of your garden. For example, ‘Gold Sword’ has green foliage while ‘Color Guard’ has gold foliage. Some yuccas have thread-like filaments on their leaves. Other types have grass-like foliage or are solid blue-green. Yuccas also produce bright white flowers on long stalks.
Crab apple
A crab apple tree will thrive in the hot, dry climate. Crab apples grow in many different forms, from dense shrubs to slender, vase-shaped small trees. The fruit of some varieties is bright pink, and other varieties produce bright orange or red fruits. These plants are woody ornamentals that offer four seasons of beauty. They are also beneficial to wildlife, providing valuable pollinator support.
Many cultivars of the crab apple are disease-resistant. These plants can be easily managed and will grow in a variety of conditions. They can also be used as bird feeders. While some cultivars can be overly large, they are usually fairly compact and are suitable for containers. They will grow in either sun or part shade and can grow up to 20 feet tall. If you’re planning to plant a crab apple in a hot, dry garden, you’ll want to know which cultivar is best for your climate.
The crab apple tree is hardy and drought-tolerant. In periods of drought, it will not collapse, but will instead use its carbohydrates for survival. If you don’t water the crab apple, you’ll have less impressive displays next year. Plus, many new flowering crabapples are disease resistant. Disease resistance is achieved through the plant’s genetic immunity to disease. The same applies to disease tolerance.
Euphorbia milii
A well-known desert plant, Euphorbia milii is a great choice for hot dry gardens. The most common pest is cochineal, which attacks the plant’s leaves starting from the margins. If you can spot these insects early, you can remove them manually with cotton canes and alcohol. To avoid further damage, mineral oils containing insecticides are recommended. This plant is resistant to a wide range of conditions.
Another succulent that thrives in dry climates is the Crown of Thorns. This plant was originally found in Madagascar, but some believe that it was growing in the Middle East at the time of Christ. Its branches are often arranged in the shape of a crown. If you’re looking for a beautiful plant to add to your garden, consider growing Euphorbia milii. The following guide explains how to care for this plant.
This perennial grows in USDA hardiness zones 9B to 11 and has multiple stems. Its leaves are dark green but are covered with soft black thorns. This plant is named for the crown Jesus wore during his crucifixion. It’s easy to grow and will bloom in any season. It also grows well in sunny windowsills. You can choose between pink and white versions.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a drought tolerant perennial that requires little water. Once established, it only needs frequent light waterings to encourage germination and mature small seedlings. Approximately half an inch of water per week is sufficient for plant growth. It needs at least a little bit of moisture to prevent root rot. However, the plant can be dry during the hot summer months, so you should water it only if it appears dry.
Yarrow is a perennial that tolerates heat, drought, and full sun. Its rosy-red flowers bloom from early summer through fall and fade to lighter shades of pink and salmon in the fall. The flower heads of yarrow are three to four inches wide and are ideal for use as cut flowers. It is also pest-resistant. A good plant for hot, dry gardens is native to the United States and is native to the American West.
This perennial spreads rapidly and aggressively under ideal conditions. To keep your plants healthy and well-tended, divide them every two to three years. By doing so, you can relocate them to a new location or gift them to friends. To divide a yarrow, you will need a spade shovel, gardening gloves, and compost for the plant’s root ball. When transplanting, be sure to remove any winter mulch from the plant’s base.