Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Drought tolerant perennials 2022 update
Once again, many of us are living with drought conditions. Our climate is changing, that’s a fact and we really need to start considering more drought tolerant plants if we don’t want to water constantly.
My rain barrel FINALLY got filled up but it doesn’t take long for 55 gallons to be drank up by thirsty container plants and houseplants.
Finding perennials that are pest resistant, drought resistant and bloom all summer long!
The closest would be Heliopsis, also known as False Sunflower, sunflower heliopsis and smooth oxeye. It’s a native AND cold hardy to zone 3. There are several cultivars to choose from, I just purchased ‘Burning Hearts’. It’s gorgeous, growing to 4 ft tall with loads of flowers. I have noticed that it DOES NOT care for a sandy soil…
Heliopsis do require full sun and can be easily grown from seed. The native variety is best for that. Another drought tolerant perennial hardy to zone 3 is the Yarrow “coronation gold”. This one also makes a great addition to your dried flower arrangements.
There are lots of yarrows but watch for zone hardiness, some are only rated tolerant to zone 4. Yarrows flower from June to October!
Agastache aka hyssop is another drought tolerant beast. This is a native plant that has also been cultivated. Pollinators love it!
The Purple Coneflower or Echinacea Purpurea, is another super perennial for its long bloom, zone 3 hardiness and relative easy care.
I have many varieties and there are many more!
Read the label to make sure the cultivar fits your needs.
I’ll wrap up with another native, Aquilegia Canadensis or Columbine! It is deer resistant while being a butterfly and hummingbird haven.
Okay ONE more…. Big bluestem! This is ‘Blackhawks’ – it’s 2nd year in my garden and it’s gorgeous. It will flower later this summer and turn color in Fall.
