Top 5 plants to tolerate drought
These plants carry on flowering in even the driest of weather with cheery pops of colour
1 Delosperma ‘Jewel of Desert’ series
Low, spreading succulent producing mats of evergreen, globular and fleshy leaves. Vibrant display of ‘ice plant’ daisies in a range of colours throughout summer. Needs full sun and well-drained soil, especially in winter. H: 10cm (4in), S: 45cm (1½ft). Tip Grow in pots as table decorations.
From www.paddockplants.co.uk; tel: 02380 739912.
2 Euphorbia myrsinites Trailing, evergreen perennial. Waxy, blue-green leaves are attractive all year round. Heads of yellow flowers in spring. H: 10cm (4in), S: 30cm (1ft). Does best in poor, well-drained soil in full sun.
Tip Locate at a border edge or allow to cascade in a rock garden.
From www.claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk; tel: 01686 670342.
3 Nepeta racemosa ‘Little Titch’ Low-growing, mound-forming catmint. Small, neat leaves are tactile and aromatic. Blue flowers produced over a long season. Good pollinator plant. Full sun in well-drained soil. H/S: 30cm (1ft). Tip Trim back growth in late winter. From www.coblands.co.uk; tel: 01452 742445.
4 Phlomis tuberosa ‘Amazone’ Robust, bold-leaved perennial. Whorls of sage-like, lilac flowers on tall stems in July and August. Any well-drained soil in sun. H: 1.2m (4ft), S: 75cm (2½ft). Tip Leave seed heads for autumn and winter decoration. From www.macplants.co.uk; tel: 01875 341179.
5 Santolina rosmarinifolia ‘Primrose Gem’
Evergreen shrub with vibrant green, feathery, aromatic foliage. Pale yellow button flowers in June and July. Any well-drained soil in sun. H: 60cm (2ft), S: 1m (3¼ft).
Tip Remove spent blossoms after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
From www.ashwoodnurseries.com; tel: 01384 401996