5 Favorite Plants that Can Handle Some Neglect Over The Summer

For one reason or the other, there is arguably every tendency to leave your garden to fend for itself in the coming months. As the family vacation and summer’s intense heat comes fast approaching, many garden owners are setting out to plant water-efficient gardens known as ‘xeriscape’. This is a process that requires a little effort to select plants that are drought resistant. Although a little amount of diligence is required, it is worth the effort. If you are searching for some drought tolerant plants for your xeriscape garden this summer, here are five perfect samples to consider.

Calendula
This is an annual aromatic plant that can survive in the heat of a full to partial sun. This drought tolerant plant is also referred to as a pot marigold. With a growing height of about 46 cm, Calendula begins to flower from the month of July. Most water-conscious gardeners are making it a staple choice due to its relatively large flower head and attractive color options from - deep orange to bright yellow.

Oriental Poppy
Although not native to Canada, this unique perennial plant has earned a stellar reputation for its ability to withstand drought. After flowering, it tends to wear the look of a withered plant as all its leaves get lost due to the hot dry sun, however, it blossoms again in the fall. This plant which can grow to a height of 30-120 cm tall is known to strive well in full sun due to its ability to handle some light shade. Depending on the cultivar, this plant can flower in different distinguishing colors ranging from deep maroon to pink to white usually from June to July.

Purple Coneflower
This plant of Canadian origin is a herb belonging to the Echinacea family. As the name implies, the purple coneflowers are known to play double roles in the garden. It can be fairly used as a drought tolerant plant as well as an immune system boosting medicinal plant. The purple coneflower can both tolerate shade and as well thrive in sunny dry spots. It can flower from July to September.

Common or Chinese lilac
Due to its ability to reach a growing height of about 6-7m high, the Chinese lilac is often mistaken for a tree. This large deciduous shrub comes in a variety of colors from white to dark purple. This drought-tolerant flower has fragrant flower clusters that are great for cutting fresh. Besides some optional pruning and deadheading activities, only very little work is needed for its maintenance and upkeep. When compared to Chinese lilac, common lilac is known to have a quicker growth pattern.

Rose of Sharon
This is one of the most respected flowers in the world. It is the ultimate choice of most gardeners due to its wide color selection ranging from pink, blue, and white while some varieties can combine two colors. This drought tolerant plant can virtually grow anywhere. It can attain a growing height of about 3 m in sunny locations with little pruning needed to maintain the desired size. Although is known to blossom late, mostly around August, it will, however, make it into the first hard frost.

These are all we have for now. Feel free to tell us more about what you know in the comments below.