I’ve heard two people in as many days sobbing about the state of their gardens. Rain has been in short supply in the UK since March and, along with the barrage of heatwaves, it has taken its toll on our plants. What would usually flourish at this time of year has wilted to a crisp, if not died. In short, the plants we’re accustomed to growing are no longer suitable.
So, rather than replacing like-for-like and struggling to maintain the water demands, gardeners are looking to alternative plants – ones that can handle the heat. To help, we spoke to three experts to find some of the best options out there, so you know what to look out for at the garden centre this weekend.
1. Creeping thyme
As the name suggests, creeping thyme will ‘creep’ across the ground. It’s often found bordering paving stones and slopes, producing a dense display of purple and pink flowers. It’s hardy enough to survive the current heated conditions, according to Angelika Zaber, lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf:
‘Creeping thyme thrives in dry soils thanks to its deep root system that allows it to easily access water reserves. It can be planted as ground cover in hard-to-reach places due to its ability to spread quickly and suppress weeds. Alternatively, it looks amazing when used to fill gaps between paving stones, adding character and charm to your garden.
‘Water it regularly during any dry spells until established. After that, the plant is highly self-sufficient, as long as it receives full sun and is grown in well-drained soil. For best results, it should also be pruned lightly in late autumn or early spring. This will improve its overall appearance and stop it from becoming too woody.’
2. Catmint
Catmint’s not just for cats! This perennial is another ideal option if you’re looking for drought-tolerant plants, according to Angela:
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‘Catmint leaves are a soft, greyish-green colour, allowing them to reflect some sunlight, while the extensive root system can reach moisture deep in the soil.
‘You can plant it at the bottom of your roses to create a beautiful display or in the borders. Some people also like to plant it along walkways, so that they can benefit from its lovely smell every time someone brushes against it.
‘In terms of care, the plant is prone to becoming waterlogged, so always plant it in soil that drains freely and trim the flowers back after blooming to keep it neat and to encourage more blooms to form. You can then cut the stems back once the growth dies completely.’
Catmint reaches heights of up to three feet, so keep in mind that, while it’s not invasive, some varieties can end up blocking the light for nearby plants, so place strategically. However, bees love the smell of catmint, so it’s worth making this addition if you want to invite pollinators.
3. Lavender
Lavender has its uses all over the home. The oils can help us drift off to sleep, it acts as a handy pest repellent for moths and it’s good for reducing stress, too. But lavender is a brilliant addition in the garden when things get hot, so says Jason Harker, managing director of Blue Iris Landscapes, with an RHS Diploma in horticulture:
‘This particular plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; a lot of people also don’t realise that the silver-grey foliage helps to reduce any water loss. Not only is lavender a great choice for hot weather, but it also produces a strong fragrance that attracts bees and other pollinators. A great choice for UK gardeners as it requires little watering, it establishes best when planted in a sunny border, gravel garden or a raised bed.’
Once the flowers are spent, you can also make your own scented bags to give them a second life. Just let the flowers dry and then collect while wearing a pair of gardening gloves and place them in a small fabric bag. Tie off the end and hang in your wardrobe for a refreshing scent!
4. Geraniums
Next up: geraniums. These plants are a popular addition in UK gardens and they’re one of the few that have survived the recent heatwaves, so they’re worth planting if you haven’t already.
Jason says: ‘Hardy geraniums are easy-to-grow perennials that cope well with periods of hot and dry weather. They’re best planted in full sun or even partial shade in well-drained soil; it’s wise to water them regularly during their first season, then only during prolonged dry spells. Once they have established, they produce masses of flowers throughout the summer and can quickly fill borders with attractive foliage.’
Take care not to overwater geraniums as their roots will rot. You can always check for moisture by digging a finger into the soil; if it’s damp at knuckle depth, then they’re fine.
5. Coneflower
Coneflowers are strikingly pretty. They come in an abundance of colours, including red, yellow, purple, white, pink and orange, and feature a cone-shaped flower where the centre protrudes and the petals point down. What’s more, despite their vibrant display, these plants are prepared to handle the heat.
‘Coneflowers, aka Echinacea, produce beautiful, colourful daisy-like flowers and can thrive in hot, sunny conditions,’ says Jason. ‘They have a deep root system that helps them to tolerate drought while also attracting bees and butterflies.
‘When planting your Echinacea, it’s best to choose a sunny position with free-draining soil, but remember to avoid waterlogged areas during the winter. If you want to extend the flowering season, deadheading can be a great technique to make the most of them; however, leaving some seed heads provides a great food source for birds.’
Keep in mind that coneflowers are unlikely to flower when planted in the shade.
6. Sedum
Sedum is recommended by Lucie Bradley, expert gardener with Easy Garden Irrigation; championed for its durability as well as its unusual alternative method of photosynthesis.
‘Sedums perform best when planted in south- or west-facing garden borders where they will get full sun for at least six hours every day. Most sedums, including the popular ‘Autumn Joy’, are succulents that store water in their thick, fleshy leaves. This makes them extremely drought tolerant, being able to survive weeks – even months – without water. To make the most of any moisture that becomes available, sedums have developed shallow root systems, which enables them to quickly absorb moisture from morning dew or the lightest of rains.
‘Sedums also use a different type of photosynthesis than most plants, enabling them to lose very little water via evaporation. Known as “CAM photosynthesis”, sedums open their pores at night to absorb carbon dioxide, rather than during the day, when more moisture is lost due to higher temperatures and stronger sunlight.’
7. Ground cover rose
Finally, another ground cover plant to make the list is the ground cover rose. This is a low-growing, dense option, which spreads well on borders and can help to prevent soil erosion. It requires minimal maintenance, even in the full heat the summer. Lucie recommends the ‘Flower Carpet’ variety in particular:
‘Flower Carpet Gold is a great ground cover rose that’s not only drought tolerant, but its dense habit also means it’s great at suppressing weeds while it blooms continuously from June through to October. It features bright, buttercup-yellow flowers, which appear in dense clusters of five to six blooms when planted in a sunny spot where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
‘This rose can tolerate drought conditions well as it has a mix of both shallow, surface roots and deep roots once established. While the shallower roots enable it to capture even minimal moisture provided by morning dew, its long roots can tap into the moist soil way below the surface, helping it to thrive even in heatwave conditions.’
