Coming from Arizona, the amount of rain northern Alabama receives is still hard to get used to. The first two weeks we lived here, our town received more rain than we saw in an entire year in Arizona—I’m not even kidding. But what’s really shocking is that most of Alabama is in a drought. That certainly wasn’t something I was planning on when I started choosing plants for my garden.
Planting drought-tolerant plants in your garden is a smart way to create beautiful landscapes without using too much water. These plants thrive in low-water conditions but also offer a variety of aesthetic and ecological benefits. Here’s a closer look at why drought-tolerant plants are an excellent choice for any garden and which ones you should plant.
What are drought-tolerant plants?
Now that drought is more prevalent than in recent years, even in growing zones where rain used to be more common, drought-tolerant plants in the garden are a must-have. Drought-tolerant plants are species that have adapted to survive with minimal water. They can endure prolonged periods of dry conditions, making them ideal for regions with limited rainfall.
Drought-tolerant plants typically have characteristics like deep root systems, water-storing leaves, and reduced leaf surface area to minimize water loss through evaporation. By choosing drought-tolerant plants, you can create a garden that requires less irrigation, reduces water bills, and contributes to environmental sustainability. Plus – you won’t have to be out in the hot sun with your watering can every morning, so in some ways, they make life easier for you as well.
Benefits of drought-tolerant plants
Drought-tolerant plants offer several benefits beyond water conservation. They reduce the need for irrigation, which lowers water bills and conserves precious water resources. These plants are often more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments and promoting a healthier garden ecosystem.
Drought-tolerant plants demand less upkeep, so you can spend time doing other activities. These plants also benefit local wildlife, offering shelter and sustenance for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds.
Whether you’re looking to revamp your entire garden or simply add a few water-wise plants, including drought-tolerant plants, it is a step towards a more sustainable and water-conscious future.
Popular drought-tolerant plants
There are tons of beautiful drought-tolerant plants! Here are some of the most popular drought-tolerant plants that can add color to your garden:
Lavender
Known for its fragrant purple flowers, lavender is a hardy, drought-resistant plant that thrives in full sun. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to any garden.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a versatile perennial that produces clusters of colorful flowers. Its attractive fern-like foliage makes it perfect for dry climates since it does not require a lot of water.
Sedum
This low-growing succulent comes in various shapes and colors, making it a versatile ground cover. Sedum is incredibly drought-resistant, requiring minimal water to thrive.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy shrub with needle-like leaves and aromatic blue flowers. It looks beautiful in the garden, and there are so many ways to use rosemary around your home.
Coneflower
Coneflowers are known for their daisy-like blooms in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and white. They attract butterflies and bees and are well-suited to dry, sunny locations.
Dianthus
Not only is dianthus drought tolerant, it is deer-resistant as well! These beautiful perennials grow well in zones 4-9 and likes to be in a sunny spot. They will add a beautiful pop of color to your garden.
Zinnia
Social media’s favorite flower – the zinna! If you’re looking to add colorful blooms to your drought-resistant garden, zinnia is the way to go. These tall, bright flowers are easy to care for and make beautiful floral arrangements.
Aloe Vera
You may have used aloe vera to sooth a sunburn, but did you know they are a beautiful succulent you should include in your landscaping? Aloe has bright green leaves that can survive with very little water and don’t mind the summer sun. If you’re in a cooler climate, aloe works well as a house plant, too.
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