Top Three Choices for the Drought Tolerant Garden

Despite the lack of rain lately, there are still a few bright pops of color in our yard.  Here are my top choices of plants that can take the drought.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

 

I picked up these two small plants ('Arizona Sun') off the "dead-and-dying" racks at Lowe's a few years ago, and since that time it  has become my top pick for perennial color.  I may or may not have said as much last week to another customer shopping the reductions.

In our climate it will bloom from early May until frost in late October or November.  The dead blooms are easy to remove, and it will continue to flower profusely.  As a bonus, the bees love it!

Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)

This is another one of those plants loved both by humans and insects.  It blooms continuously throughout the summer if the dead-heads are removed, and the butterflies and bees are attracted to the lovely blooms.  We have both the taller versions ('Black Knight') and a dwarf purple, one, too.

Zinnia

For years my mom had told me to plant zinnias, and then she finally came and did it for me.  Since that time they have become a staple in our summer garden.  Althought they are nott perennials like the gaillardia and buddleia, they will sometimes self-seed and volunteers will appear (this year some popped up in the cracks of the driveway).  Seeds can be found at Dollar Tree (and other box stores), and it's as easy as covering with dirt and keeping moist until established.  After that, they will grow without care, providing blooms until the fall.

 And one more for good measure?

Get thyself some sedum!  It comes in countless sizes - tall and small - and beautiful colors ranging from purple, blues, dark green and chartreuse.  Blooms if any are insignificant, but the texture and color is perfect for setting off the leaves and blooms of other plants.  Plus, no maintenance needed.