Woodie's Picks: Drought Tolerant Landscape Plants
We are under a period of extremely dry weather here in Eastern Maryland. As I was assessing the condition of my landscape, I kept noticing that over and over, I saw a few plants that seemed not to be affected by the drought and heat but seemed to be thriving as a result of it. I've decided that this week's Woodie's Picks would be a few of those plants.
Favorite Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Plants
Nandina Gulfstream
Nandina 'Gulfstream' is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its striking foliage and versatility in the garden. This cultivar of Nandina domestica grows to about 2.5 to 3 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for small gardens or as a border plant.
The foliage of 'Gulfstream' is particularly noteworthy, transitioning through a spectrum of colors throughout the seasons. New growth emerges in shades of bronze and copper before maturing to a lush green in the summer. In fall and winter, the leaves take on fiery hues of red and orange, providing year-round visual interest. Its dense, bushy habit makes it an attractive option for creating structure and texture in garden designs.
One of the standout features of Nandina 'Gulfstream' is its remarkable drought tolerance. Once established, this colorful shrub can withstand dry periods with minimal supplemental watering, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Its ability to thrive in full sun and partial shade further enhances its versatility and resilience.
During drought conditions, Nandina 'Gulfstream' maintains its vibrant foliage and overall health, ensuring your garden retains its aesthetic appeal even in less-than-ideal weather. Additionally, Gulfstream is pest and disease-resistant, adding to its durability and ease of care. With its combination of beauty and hardiness, Nandina 'Gulfstream' is a valuable addition to any garden, especially in regions prone to dry spells and high temps.
A note about Nandina: Nandinas have gotten bad press over the last few years, but responsible gardeners should not shy away from them. After the flowers fade, I simply nip off the spent panicles and don't allow mine to set berries. This easily solves all the problems that can be associated with nandinas.
Otto Luyken Laurel
Another plant that has stood up to the extreme weather conditions we’ve experienced is the Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'). This popular evergreen shrub is prized for its compact form and glossy, dark green foliage. This variety typically grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for low hedges, foundation plantings, and borders.
In the spring, Otto Luyken produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that contrast beautifully with its lush foliage. These blossoms are followed by small black berries, adding seasonal interest and providing food for wildlife. Its dense growth habit and attractive leaves make it an ideal plant for creating year-round structure and greenery in the garden.
Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel has impressive drought tolerance. Once established, this shrub can endure dry conditions with minimal watering, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes and areas with water restrictions.
During drought periods, 'Otto Luyken' maintains its vibrant foliage and overall health, ensuring it provides aesthetic appeal even in challenging weather. Its adaptability to full sun and partial shade further enhances its resilience, allowing it to thrive in various garden settings. Additionally, this cultivar is known for its resistance to common pests and diseases, adding to its reputation as a reliable and durable choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful yet hardy plant.
Midnight Marvel Hibiscus
Midnight Marvel Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos 'Midnight Marvel') is a stunning native perennial plant known for its eye-catching, large blooms and robust nature. This hardy hibiscus variety can reach 3 to 4 feet tall and spread to about 3 feet wide, making it a bold statement in any garden.
The 'Midnight Marvel' flowers are particularly impressive, measuring up to 8 inches in diameter (no kidding, 8 inches). These vibrant, deep red blooms have a striking, velvety texture and a ruffled appearance, providing a tropical feel to the landscape. The plant's dark green, glossy foliage adds to its ornamental value, contrasting beautifully with the vivid flowers and enhancing the overall visual appeal.
In addition to its striking beauty, Midnight Marvel Hibiscus is known for its ability to withstand periods of drought once established. This resilience has made it a valuable addition to my garden. During the current drought conditions, 'Midnight Marvel' has maintained its lush foliage and continues to produce spectacular blooms.
While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, this hibiscus variety is adaptable and can thrive with minimal supplemental watering. Its ability to endure less-than-ideal conditions without sacrificing its aesthetic qualities makes Midnight Marvel Hibiscus a versatile and reliable choice for adding dramatic color and texture to any garden setting.
Coral Magic Crape Myrtle
Since its introduction to my landscape, Coral Magic Crape Myrtle has attracted my neighbors because of its stunning floral display and vibrant foliage. This compact crape myrtle grows to about 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, making it a versatile choice for smaller gardens, hedges, and mixed borders.
Coral Magic Crape Myrtle produces abundant coral-pink flowers from late spring through summer, creating a striking visual spectacle. The flowers are clustered in large, showy clusters, which stand out beautifully against the glossy, dark green leaves. This extended blooming period ensures the garden remains lively and colorful for months.
One of the remarkable attributes of Coral Magic Crape Myrtle is its exceptional heat tolerance. The flowers maintain their vivid coral-pink hue and robust form even during the hottest weather.
In addition to its heat-resistant blooms, the foliage of Coral Magic undergoes an interesting transformation throughout the seasons. The leaves are rich dark green in spring and summer, providing a lush backdrop for the bright flowers. As autumn approaches, the foliage transitions to shades of orange and red, adding another layer of seasonal interest to my garden. This combination of heat-resistant blooms and dynamic foliage makes Coral Magic Crape Myrtle a resilient and visually captivating addition to my landscape and, hopefully, yours as well.
Shop Drought-Tolerant Plants Online
Regardless of your climate, opting to plant drought-tolerant plant varieties can benefit you and your environment in several ways. These benefits include but are not limited to the conservation of precious resources, a support of biodiversity, the reduction of erosion and so much more.