5 best drought-resistant plants for pots
No gardener plans to let their plants dry out, but sometimes, life gets in the way. With hotter, drier summers and water restrictions now a fairly regular feature in many parts of the UK, it makes sense to rethink how we plant up our patios.
By choosing the best drought-resistant plants for pots, you can enjoy plenty of flowers and fresh herbs for the kitchen without being permanently attached to a watering can.
In fact, many of the toughest container plants originate from sunny Mediterranean or South African climates, where poor, stony soils and infrequent rain are the norm. Naturally, they can cope with the odd missed watering (or three).
If you’re tired of feeling guilty about neglecting your plants, it might be time to change what you grow, not just how often you water.
1. Geranium (Pelargonium)
DESCRIPTION: These colourful perennials are grown as summer bedding in the UK. Geraniums come with clusters of bright flowers and, in scented-leaf types, aromatic foliage that can smell of eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, apple and more!
Indigenous to South Africa, Geraniums are naturally adapted to hot, dry conditions and poor soils.
WHY IT’S SUITABLE: It’s the scented varieties of geraniums that are among the best drought-resistant plants for pots because the oils in their leaves reduce water loss.
Brilliant for window boxes and patio pots, even novice gardeners can keep these drought-tolerant plants flowering all summer long.
CARE/POTTING INSTRUCTIONS: Use a peat-free multipurpose compost with added grit or perlite for extra drainage. Water thoroughly, then allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry before watering again.
Feed every couple of weeks in summer and remove spent flowers to keep them blooming.
2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia and cultivars)
DESCRIPTION: We’re all familiar with the lovely English lavender.
While actually native to the Mediterranean, the compact evergreen shrub (with narrow grey-green leaves and highly scented purple or blue flower spikes) thrives in sunny, dry conditions (in borders and containers).
WHY IT’S SUITABLE: Once established, lavender needs very little pampering. For small gardens, keeping a single pot near a doorway means you’ll get to enjoy its floral scent for 5 to 10 years (potentially 15 with excellent care!)
CARE/POTTING INSTRUCTIONS: We recommend choosing a pot with large drainage holes and filling it with a loam-based compost mixed with up to a quarter coarse grit.
Place it in full sun and water deeply, but infrequently. Be sure to let the top of the compost dry between waterings.
3. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
DESCRIPTION: You might be surprised to learn that Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is one of the best drought-resistant plants for pots. This woody, fragrant herb is characterised by its needle-like leaves. In Spring, it may produce small, blue flowers.
You can clip it into neat shapes in a pot or allow it to form a relaxed, arching shrub.
WHY THEY’RE SUITABLE: Rosemary will die quickly if overwatered: this plant’s roots should never be saturated with water. Like lavender, once established, it rarely needs watering: perfect for forgetful gardeners.
CARE/POTTING INSTRUCTIONS: Plant in a terracotta pot with free-draining compost and plenty of coarse sand, perlite, or expanded clay. Water regularly during the first season while it is establishing, then cut back during dry spells.
4. Cistus (rock roses)
DESCRIPTION: Did you know that one of Whitaker’s favourite drought-resistant plants for pots is the Cistus?
Another evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean (and Africa), these silky rock roses have beautiful, wavy, aromatic leaves that appear in profusion from late spring into summer.
Each bloom lasts only a day, but the plant produces new ones daily for weeks.
WHY THEY’RE SUITABLE: Rock roses are extremely drought-tolerant and naturally suited to poor, stony soils. That makes them perfect for hot, sunny patios where other shrubs might sulk.
CARE/POTTING INSTRUCTIONS: Use a gritty, well-drained compost and a pot with good drainage. Water regularly in the first year, then only during prolonged dry spells
5. Osteospermum (African daisy)
DESCRIPTION: Osteospermums (African daisies) differ from ‘typical’ daisies in that their blooms come in an extraordinary range of colours – you might see white, cream, yellow, pink, purple and bi-colours with contrasting eyes.
WHY THEY’RE SUITABLE: These sun-loving perennials from South Africa form neat, bushy mounds of green foliage which are naturally adapted to dry conditions.
Recommended for gravel gardens, the African daisy thrives in hot, sunny borders and containers where water is limited.
CARE/POTTING INSTRUCTIONS: For the best flowering, we recommend planting Osteospermum in full sun; they can tolerate a little light shade but bloom far more in a bright, warm spot.
In pots, use a good multipurpose or peat-free compost mixed with grit or perlite, and always choose containers with drainage holes.
Shop for gardening supplies with Whitaker’s Garden Centre!
Drought-resistant plants for pots still need nurturing.
Give them the best start with high-quality gardening supplies from Whitaker’s Garden Centre. Here, you’ll find everything from terracotta pots and planters to gritty composts, mulches and plant feeds (everything sun-loving displays need).
- Daniel Corlett