Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Drought tolerant perennials
With climate change, we’ve all experienced changes in our “normal” weather patterns. That means drought in some areas and flooding in others.
Today I share some hardy, tolerant perennials. Let’s begin with yarrow. One of my favorites for dry times and long lasting flowers.
It thrives in sunshine. Butterflies are drawn to the flowers flat surface and love to perch on it. From ‘Moonshine’, with it’s silvery foliage and yellow flowers to red and pastels, these are easy and forgiving plants.
Beardtongue, aka penstemon, is a tolerant beauty. Flowers can range from bright yellow to red and pastel shades. If you experience flopping plants in hot or humid areas, choose a compact variety and plant in a sunny area protected from strong winds. Penstemon hirsutus ‘Pygmaeus’
Mine is called ‘Onyx and Pearls’. It’s lightly lavender flowers sit on nearly purple foliage. Tall and lovely, it is tolerating the dry soil! This is it’s 2nd year and it looks fabulous.
Sedum is a workhorse in the garden and there are SO many choices. I have a number of them. From ‘Autumn Joy’, a stand alone beauty that’s very attractive to Painted Lady butterflies, to a number of ground covers.
It’s a showy sun-lover that defies drought, deer, insects, and diseases. WOW.
Coneflower is another favorite of mine. I have several kinds.
