The need to conserve water in the garden is increasingly becoming a challenge throughout many parts of the United States. Some areas of the country, like California, the Southwest and Texas, have naturally arid climates, while many other spots are experiencing extended periods of drought during the growing season. As a result, more gardeners are starting to use plants such as succulents and deep-rooted prairie natives in their ornamental plantings to mitigate the impacts of low water in the garden.
There are hundreds of outstanding plants that have adapted to dry conditions and will thrive in the garden, including kinds of cactus. The South African ice plants (Delosperma) are growing in popularity. We should consider, too, the myriad of rock-gardening plants that have adapted to the harshest of conditions. I recommend taking a close look at the following plants, which I highlight for their diverse sizes and appeal.
SEDUMS: SUPER SUCCULENTS
A group of plants that immediately comes to mind when planting a waterwise garden are the succulents. This group has swollen leaves and stems that act as a reservoir for water. Sedums qualify as succulents, and there are literally hundreds of species and cultivars from which to choose.
One that stands out is ‘Angelina’ stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’; USDA Zones 5–9), which received the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal Award as an outstanding ornamental plant for the Mid-Atlantic. Its narrow succulent leaves shine a bright golden yellow throughout the growing season, and in many climates they remain evergreen, adding color for the winter.
Denne historien er fra September - October 2024-utgaven av Horticulture.
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Denne historien er fra September - October 2024-utgaven av Horticulture.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following
NEW PLANTS
Multiseason Marvels
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
How three great minds think alike
Take It Indoors
Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir
ROOTED IN PLACE
LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.
LOW-WATER WONDERS
EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.
