When the hot summer months hit, maintaining a thriving organic garden can be a challenge. However, just because conditions are arid doesn’t mean your green space has to suffer. One key to success is choosing plants that are able to withstand drought conditions. To help out, we’ve rounded up a list of 5 drought-tolerant plant varieties that are perfect for organic gardens.
Benefits of Using Drought-Tolerant Plants
Using drought-tolerant plants in organic gardens can provide numerous benefits. These plants require less water, which means less time and effort spent watering them. In addition, drought-tolerant plants can be more resilient during times of drought, making them an ideal choice for regions with limited access to water. Using these plants can also promote sustainability and conservation efforts, as they reduce the amount of water needed to maintain a garden. Drought-tolerant plants can also provide unique and interesting landscaping options, as many come in a variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Overall, choosing drought-tolerant plants is a smart choice for any gardener looking to conserve water and promote sustainability.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, a succulent plant, is one of the most drought-resistant plants that you can add to your garden. This plant can survive with very little water, making it a perfect option for dry climates. It’s also low-maintenance, requiring infrequent watering and no fertilizers.
Not only is aloe vera a useful plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating burns and wounds, but it’s also an attractive addition to any garden.
Be sure to keep it in an area that receives full sun to keep it healthy and thriving.
2. Artemisia
Artemisia is a popular choice for today’s drought-tolerant gardens. This low-maintenance plant demands little water and thrives in full sun but needs soil with excellent drainage.
The leaves of the plant come in silvery gray or silvery green and are finely segmented, creating a textured and calming look in the garden. Artemisias range in size from the 6- to 12-inches-tall sea foam to the 6-foot-tall arborescens.
Silvery leaves make Artemisia a popular choice for moon gardens, and the plant’s leaves have been used for protection against moths, smudging ceremonies, and treatments for health ailments. The plant has many uses and is perfect for low-water landscapes.
3. Aster
With many species being native to North America, asters can be naturalized in a meadow or planted in a mixed border to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. This late-season bloomer produces daisy-like flowers in hues of purple, blue, white or pink.
While asters prefer rich, well-draining soil, these tough flowering plants can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
With climate change causing longer and more severe dry spells, making the switch to drought-resistant plants like asters is a viable and attractive alternative to thirsty green lawns.
4. Black-Eyed Susan
If you’re looking for a drought-tolerant plant that will bring sunshine to your garden, Black-Eyed Susan is an excellent option. Contrary to popular belief, this North American native has a range of colors and appearances, from maroon blossoms to full, frilly flowers.
‘Autumn Forest’ is one of the best varieties, with large, yellow, red, and mahogany petals that can stretch up to five inches across. Black-Eyed Susan is an attractive addition to waterwise borders, cottage-style gardens or meadow settings. These tough plants have an upright habit, grow up to four feet tall and bloom from summer to early fall.
5. Grass
Grasses make for an excellent groundcover option in areas of the garden that receive less moisture. There are various types of drought-tolerant grasses that are perfect for filling in beds and replacing large portions of soil or grass. They also add a distinct natural appearance to your landscape. One such grass is the Maiden Grass, also known as Miscanthus Sinensis, which is a beautiful, versatile, and low-maintenance option for a groundcover.
Other varieties include Bouteloua gracilis, which can endure long periods of drought and even tolerate low fertility; and Blue Fescue, which has lovely blue-green hues and thrives in dry soils. Choose a drought-tolerant grass that suits your garden and your style!
