Gardening expert Sarah Raven has identified seven drought-tolerant plants that can keep gardens looking "lively and vibrant" without excessive watering, as the UK experiences warmer summers due to climate change. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Raven emphasised the importance of choosing plants that thrive in hot, dry conditions to maintain beauty while conserving water.
Why Drought-Tolerant Plants Matter
Raven noted: "There are many ways that we can ensure we are being considerate of the environment whilst also maintaining the beauty, colour, and joy of our outside havens…One of the simplest things you can do is to introduce drought-tolerant plants to keep your garden looking lively and vibrant without the need for excessive watering." These plants have evolved to withstand heat and limited water, making them ideal for changing climates.
Lavandula ‘Hidcote’
This compact lavender variety produces purple-blue flowers rich in pollen and nectar, attracting bees and butterflies. Raven said: "To suit its original climate of the Mediterranean, Lavandula is both heat and drought-tolerant. The flowers are edible and can be used to add delicious flavour to cocktails, syrups, sorbets and salads." Gardeners should cut back spikes in autumn without cutting into the woody stem.
Pelargonium
Pelargoniums feature pink flowers suitable for containers or borders. While not extremely thirsty, they require regular watering. Raven advised: "You should water and feed the plants well in the summer and deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers."
Eryngium ‘Picos Blue’
This sea holly variety is one of the bluest, needing full sun and free-draining soil. Raven warned: "Their whorls of spikes can be sharp, so it’s best to plant them away from the edge of a border or path, especially if little legs will be running up and down." They attract pollinators and should not have their roots disturbed.
Limonium ‘Dazzle Rocks’
This plant produces pink-purple flowers that draw pollinators. It is drought-tolerant and heat-resistant, thriving in pots or borders.
Salvia ‘Cardonna’
Raven described it as "one of the earliest varieties of salvia" with spikes reaching up to 60cm. She said: "It is a drought-tolerant perennial but will perform best in a sunny spot with free-draining soil." Flowers appear from June to October; cut back in early summer for later blooming.
Gaura ‘Lindheimeri’
Ideal for lining paths or flower beds, Gaura flowers from June to August in full sun. It requires minimal maintenance throughout the year.
Verbena ‘Bonariensis’
Raven noted: "[They] produce an absolutely stunning display of purple flowers at head height from late summer through to autumn and are shrouded in confetti or butterflies as soon as there is a glimpse of sunshine." These drought-tolerant perennials need little care but should be protected with leaf mould or compost mulch in autumn.
