What are drought tolerant plants?

Drought-tolerant plants: here are 6 species to grow

Do not waste water it should be an automatic and daily action, regardless of the very serious water crisis that we are currently living.

This also applies to the gardeningan area in which this precious resource is often used abundantly and incorrectly.

To help save water, it is possible to create gardens and flowerbeds with drought tolerant plants.

In fact, these specimens are used to surviving for medium-long periods with a total lack of watering and they bear the water stress.

Drought-tolerant ground cover plants: Clematis – Photo: Pixabay

As is known from various studies conducted by landscapers and botanists, one of the best methods for cultivating this type of plant consists in placing a mulch composed of crushed natural stones.

It is essential that the rocks have a diameter of about 15 mm, to allow the formation of condensation, given by the sudden changes in temperature that occur between day and night.

We must not forget that, although we are dealing with plants that tolerate a barren landafter planting it is always advisable to carry out a consistent irrigation, which will not be necessary for the maintenance of the plants.

Let’s find out together 6 drought tolerant plant varieties simple to grow and care for.

Mediterranean species: two plants that resist the sun

There are many species of drought tolerant Mediterranean plantswith which you can create borders and flower beds and create splendid potted crops from outside.

These specimens, perfect for being grown in almost all regions of our country, as well as having an exceptional aesthetic yield, are also durable over time.

Full sun border plants: juniper

Il juniper (Juniperus) it’s a aromatic plant which, depending on its variety, is used as ground cover (Juniper horizontalor creeping juniper) or, as hedge (common juniper).

Sun Tolerant Plants: Juniper – Photo: Pixabay

It is a evergreen shrub particularly suitable for rocky and Mediterranean gardens, or in any case, for all well drained soils. In fact, this species needs very little water to survive and grow.

The ground cover habit of the juniper means that it can be combined with tall trees, to obtain variegated and rich flowerbeds.

Sun-resistant terrace plants: prostrate rosemary

Il prostrate rosemary (Rosemary officinalis prostrate) is a perennial, evergreen plant hanging ideal for covering slopes, terraces, low walls and other structures.

Sun Tolerant Garden Plants: Prostrate Rosemary – Photo: Pixabay

It is a variety suitable for those who want to fill gardens quickly without paying particular attention to their maintenance.

Also in this case, irrigation must only take place when the soil is completely dry, so much so that it flakes off.

Drought-tolerant perennials: two species with multicolored flowers

In addition to being extremely simple to maintain, the perennial herbs they are plants that tolerate drought even for long periods.

Precisely for this reason, if you live in a place characterized by a dry climate it’s yes low rainfallit is possible to create mixed flower beds using some of these plants, to obtain an evergreen garden.

Perennial flowers by the sun: l’Agapanthus praecox

L’Agapanthus precox (said african agapanthus) it’s a evergreen rhizomatous plant present only in Trentino Alto Adige and non-existent in the other Italian regions.

Perennial full sun flowers, agapanthus – Photo: Pixabay

This variety produces clusters of purple, lilac and blue blooms which are supported by a long central stem. The leaves, elongated and in an intense green hue, are similar to those of lilies.

Watering agapanthus should be done after planting so that the roots absorb a sufficient supply of water to grow thicker and more robust.

Perennial full sun plants: Mesembrianthemum

Il mesembryantem (Mesembryanthemum) is one of succulent plants easier to take care of, because it does not need frequent watering, pruning and fertilization.

Plants that don’t need water: mesembriantemo – Photo: Pixabay

This species, originally from Africa, produces abundant blooms of different colors (orange, bright pink and yellow), characterized by a short duration, but very decorative.

Like all fat plantsalso the mesembryanthemum is resistant to drought, thanks to the tissues of which it is composed (called parenchyma aquifers), which are able to absorb and store large quantities of water, to be released in times of greater water stress.

The only precaution to have when exposing succulents to the sun is to protect them from burns: to do this, it is best to place the specimens in partial shade.

Drought-tolerant climbing plants: Clematis and Canada vine

The climbing plants they are perfect for covering external walls, building facades and pergolas.

These types of plants only need periodic pruning, to prevent them from becoming weeds.

Sun-resistant outdoor flowers: clematis

The clematide (Clematis) is a climbing species that adapts well to drought and does not survive for long in poorly draining soils. In fact, the main cause of failure in the cultivation of this plant are the water stagnation.

Garden flowering plant: climbing clematis – Photo: Pixabay

To minimize even the fertilization of Clematis, it is necessary to have a very fertile soil, rich in nutrients of natural origin.

Today, between hybrids and cultivars, there are many varieties of clematis, such as, for example, the Clematis montana rubens (whose peculiarity is vigorous growth) and the Clematis Jackmanii (which develops copious bright purple blooms).

Sun-resistant outdoor plants: the Canadian vine

The canadian vine (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), also called climbing parthenocyssusis one of the most popular plants, both for its aesthetics (given by a thick foliage of an intense red color) and for its resistance.

Drought Tolerant Hedge Plants: Canada Grapevine – Photo: Pixabay

This vegetable can tolerate high temperatures, so it does not need to be watered every day.

To prevent the younger and more fragile leaves from being damaged by the sun’s rays, it is advisable to place the parthenocissus in partial shade.