I’ve never known a summer when my garden has struggled as much as it has this year. My lawn has gone into dormancy and resembles straw rather than a lush green carpet, and my plants are drooping from a long stint of high temperatures and lack of rainfall.
What’s more, my region has just announced outdoor water-use restrictions. Although I am allowed to keep my homegrown fruit and vegetables watered, I’m banned from getting out my hose pipe.
So, with ongoing intense heat and a lack of rainfall, I’ve been considering a shift in what I plant. And it just so happens that one of my favorite gardeners, Adam Kirtland, who shares his gardening knowledge on his Instagram account @viewfromthepottingbench, has three top plants he recommends that will thrive in hot weather.
1. Lavender
It's probably no surprise that lavender makes it into Kirtland’s top three plants for a hot, dry climate. I can personally vouch for how well it performs in intense sunlight and with limited water. What’s more, it’s a great space-filler and smells divine, especially when you brush past it.
Kirkland describes this shrub as “an absolute classic” and “a must-have in every garden," adding, "We all know about lavender, but this really is one plant that we all need. "
He suggests buying a large plant or a smaller one and giving it time to grow on. It’s also best planted in dry, free-draining compost and loves full sun.
2. Echinacea
Kirtland’s next recommendation is the show-stopping Echinacea, commonly known as the coneflower. This daisy-like beauty is a long-lasting perennial that thrives in full sun.
Although it’s available in a wide range of colors, he has chosen a pink version. But if pink isn’t your thing, you can choose anything from soft coral to bright yellow and fiery red.
Apart from being a top performer in the heat, Kirtland says, “Pollinators absolutely love echinacea from bud to flower to dried seed head; this is a flower that looks amazing all year round.”
3. Agapanthus
I have to admit to having a soft spot for agapanthus. This plant never fails to stop me in my tracks, as I admire its striking flowerheads.
What’s more, it looks great whatever size your garden is. “Whether you’ve got a small garden or a sprawling estate, this is a plant for you,” says Kirtland.
However, he doesn’t believe in being shy about how many you plant. “The trick with this is to plant a few, not just one and repeat it throughout your garden.”
As an added benefit, he explains it has an amazing root system, which means it is perfect for dividing and splitting in your garden — making it an excellent choice for a plant that keeps on giving.
How is your yard changing shape in the heat?
With high temperatures and less rainfall, are you changing what you plant in your yard? I’d be interested to know what extra steps you are taking to care for your plants in these extreme conditions, and whether you are opting for more drought-tolerant plants that will survive the heat. Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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