designing a drought tolerant garden
With climate change making hotter, drier summers more likely in the UK, adding some drought resistant plants to your borders can be a good way to keep your garden looking full of life whilst you wait for the rain to return
Verbena bonariensis
A haze of purple flowers at head height from late summer to autumn, which is a confetti of butterflies the moment there is a glimpse of sun
Nepeta racemosa 'Amelia'
A deciduous perennial with beautiful arching stems and aromatic silvery foliage, which is covered in delicate pink flowers in summer and autumn
Salvia yangii 'Bluesette'
syn. Perovskia)
This salvia is drought-resistant, easy-to-care-for, and a favourite of the bees and butterflies
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
The most floriferous of the compact lavenders, with purple-blue flowers. Incredibly reliable
Limonium 'Dazzle Rocks'
One of my favourite trips as a child with my botanist Dad was to the coast of Norfolk near Blakeney, where sea lavender swathes the flats with delicious mauve all through the summer
Hylotelephium telephium 'Xenox Yellow'
An unusual colour form with peach-apricot flowers offset by dark plum foliage, this sedum is low-growing, drought tolerant plant which will add interest to borders through to autumn
Gaura lindheimeri 'The Bride'
Wonderful long, elegant spikes of pink buds opening to white flowers which flower longer than any other plant in my garde
Lychnis chalcedonica
This plant has bright, vermilion, cross-shaped flowers which are excellent for cutting and are favoured by bees and butterflies
spotlight on: alliums
Alliums are incredibly drought-tolerant and essential for late spring and summer structure
must-have kit
Useful and nifty equipment to help you use water wisely
Slimline 100L Water Butt
The ideal solution for capturing, storing, and recycling rainwater. This is compact, made from recycled plastic, and can be used alongside your potting shed or outside your back door
Water Slices
Specifically designed to gradually release water to your plants when they need it the most, the plant slices are reusable, durable, and can be used on potted plants, hanging baskets, and much more
Terracotta Watering Spikes
These terracotta watering spikes are the perfect way to ensure peace of mind next time you take a short break away. Simply soak the spike in water and drive it into the soil of your container plant
Grow Bag Waterers
Our grow bag waterers are designed to release water gradually, the perfect solution if you’re short of time. Simply position one waterer between two tomato plants in your grow bag
more advice & inspiration
learn more about
drought-tolerant plants
download our guide
to drought-tolerant plants
