Here Are Some Big Blooms That Need Little Water
If you live in a hot, dry climate or are currently under water restrictions you can still have a garden that flourishes with big, long, lasting blooms. This might sound contradictory especially when the heat of the summer arrives. These flowers will not be deterred in the garden.
Gardening with little water can be a challenge. Even though it is not possible to completely eliminate the effects of drought or living in a hot climate, it is possible to minimize them with the right plant selection.
There are many ways to reduce water use in your garden and still have beautiful plants and flowers. Here are some friendly gardening ideas:
1) Use drought-resistant plants: These plants require less water, which can save you money on your water bill overall.
2) Use mulch: Mulching around your plants will help keep moisture where it's needed most - near the plant's roots.
Here are six plants you can consider for your garden:
Blanket Flower - Blanket Flower, also known as Gaillardia, is a perennial that grows from seed. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. The flowers are usually marked by bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. They bloom all summer and into the fall. The plants grow around 3 feet tall. Hardiness zones 3-8.
Catananche caerulea – Catananche caerulea, also known as Cupid’s Dart, is a flowering perennial plant in the Aster family. The flowers are blue to lavender-blue and are 2 inches in diameter. They have a dark center and bloom singly on naked stems growing up to 2 feet. The leaves are grass-like and gray-green in color, growing 8-12 inches long. The flowers bloom freely from mid-summer to autumn. Hardiness zones 4 to 7.
Echinacea – Echinacea is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to North America. It is also known as Coneflower. The plant was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. This resilient flower blooms much of the summer producing many blossoms. They are excellent plants for floral arrangements. It attracts many pollinators to the garden. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. They can grow up to 5 feet tall. Hardiness zones 4-9.
Globe Thistle – Globe Thistle is a hardy perennial that can be grown in a variety of climates. It is also known as Echinops 'Blue Globe'. This unusual plant produces round metallic blue flowers throughout the summer. It grows 3 feet tall and spreads about 3 feet wide. The interesting blooms make great dried flowers. Plant it in full sun and well-drained soil. It is easy to grow and needs little watering. Hardiness zones 4-9.
Kniphofia – Kniphofia is a perennial flowering plant that is native to South Africa. It is also known as "red hot poker" or "torch lily." This plant is dramatic at the back of a flower border. It grows 2 to 5 feet tall, and its flower spikes come in shades of yellow, orange, and red with most varieties having tops that are red/orange with yellow on the bottom. There are some new varieties that are lime-green and bright orange. Depending upon the variety they bloom from June to August and look best planted in groups of 3 or more. Hardiness zones 6-9.
Leonotis leonurus – Leonotis leonurus is an evergreen shrub also known as Lion's Ear. The plant is native to southern and eastern Africa. It grows from 3 to 6 feet tall and is cultivated for its showy orange color and tubular two-lipped flowers. The flower petals are said to resemble a lion’s ears. This plant is not particularly fussy about soil type and is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. The leaves have a fragrance that attracts bees and other pollinators. Hardiness zones 8-11.
Let us know if you have any flowers to add to our list!
