Assuming you live in a space that encounters drought, you know it can be challenging to maintain your landscape. With so much water unavailable, plants can tolerate dry conditions to help out. This article will take a gander at some of the best drought-tolerant perennials for your flower garden. From hardy geraniums to succulents that can handle low humidity levels, these plants will help make your garden more resilient during dry spell conditions.
What are drought-tolerant perennials?
Drought-tolerant perennials are plants that can survive periods of drought, even when other plants around them die. This makes them an excellent choice for gardens where water is limited or expensive. There are several types of drought-tolerant perennials to choose from, and each has its benefits.
One common type of drought-tolerant perennial is the annual, which will complete its life cycle in one year and reproduce by seed. Annuals are best suited for areas with little rainfall because they rely on stored water to survive.
Annuals include sunflowers, coreopsis, and poppies. These plants need plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to grow well, so they are only sometimes a good choice for gardeners in areas with high humidity or rainfall.
Another drought-tolerant perennial is biennial, which lives two years but reproduces by root division rather than seeds. Biennials need moist soil but can tolerate lower light levels than annuals. Some popular biennials include bird’s foot trefoil and goldenrod.
Biennials are excellent for gardens that get a lot of rain because they can handle wet soils well. They also work well in shady areas or locations that receive partial shade because they relatively tolerate low light levels.
Many perennials are drought-tolerant and attractive enough to use in traditional garden designs. Popular choices include bluebonnets and cardinals.
How to choose drought-tolerant perennials
When deciding which drought-tolerant perennials to add to your flower garden, it is essential to consider the climate where you live. There are many perennial options available that can thrive in various environments, so be sure to research the specific conditions in your location.
One of the most excellent ways of deciding if a plant will survive in a dry environment is to look at its native range. Many drought-tolerant plants grow wild in areas with less water availability.
Once you have determined what plants will work well for your area, it is essential to look at their watering needs. Most drought-tolerant plants are not heavy water users and can be watered sparsely throughout the summer. If you experience a prolonged dry spell, give these plants a slight water boost by spraying them with a water hose or giving them a light watering following rainfall or snowfall.
Finally, choosing relatively easy plants to focus on and having low upkeep is essential. Not all drought-tolerant plants require regular maintenance; however, many require grooming or pruning once or twice per year.
How to water drought-tolerant perennials
Watering drought-tolerant perennials are critical to their success. Here are some tips to help you water your drought-tolerant perennials:
1. Follow the label instructions. Each perennial has different watering needs, so pay attention to the label. Some may need daily watering; some may only need occasional watering.
2. Mulch your plants. A layer of mulch will assist with keeping the dirt moisture levels high and protect the plants from harsh weather conditions.
3. Use a rain barrel or hose to water plants outside in direct sunlight. Applying water directly to the plants can cause them to become leggy and weak if they don’t have enough access to oxygen and sunlight. Please ensure the water reservoir is big enough to drip water slowly onto the plants instead of spraying it straight at them!
4. Consider using a soil moisture meter like The Garden Wizard Soil Moisture Meter. This handy tool can tell you how much moisture your plant’s roots are getting without digging down into the soil yourself!
How to fertilize drought-tolerant perennials
To fertilize drought-tolerant perennials, mix fertilizer with elemental nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer directly to the plants or use a fertilizer spreader.
What to do if your drought-tolerant perennial dies
If your drought-tolerant perennial dies, there are a couple of things you can do to guarantee that it will find success later on. First, try to transplant the pot into a new location; this will help the plant get acclimated to its new environment. Second, water the plant regularly; failing to provide water will kill the plant. Finally, fertilize it occasionally with a diluted solution of fertilizer; this will help improve its growth and vigour.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you will be better equipped to choose drought-tolerant perennials for your flower garden. Different plants need different water amounts and frequencies, so it is essential to understand these needs before choosing them for your yard. Following this article’s tips, you can grow thriving flowers even during droughts.