‘Drought tolerant’ plants which are ‘maintenance free’ to plant now

Gardening tips: Expert on how to grow lavender at home

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Last year was unlike any summer I’ve ever seen and these intense periods of heat and lack of rainfall are likely to become more prevalent.

“Gardeners need to adapt and think about what they can grow that’s tolerant of these difficult conditions.

“There are a lot of options from favourites like lavender to more unusual plants like passion flowers.

“There’s also other things gardeners can be doing now like installing water butts to collect rainwater to water their garden.

1. Lavender

Lavender is a staple in any UK garden with beautiful flowers and a strong fragrance which can fill the garden.

According to the expert, it’s also a good “drought tolerant” plant which can be planted close to a path or in a garden border to fully enjoy the scent.

They also work well in planters on a patio or decking which will help to attract beneficial insects such as bees.

2. Passion flower

Chris explained: “This exotic climber copes with a lack of rain well and thrives during hot summers. This is a show stopper in the garden.

“The white flowers with central rings of purple, blue and white spiky filaments are in full bloom from July to September, followed by egg-shaped, orange-yellow fruit.

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“These are perfect for a tropical garden but look stunning whatever your garden theme.”

3. Cordyline

Drought tolerant, cordyline creates a statement in the garden with its upright, palm-like appearance and sword-like leaves.

These hardy plants flourish in full sun and mature ones have fragrant, white blooms in clusters which appear during late spring.

3. Hebe

The gardening expert also recommend hebes which are the “ultimate” foliage plant, providing interest all year round.

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Chris added: “These evergreen shrubs will add colour and texture to your outside space. The low growing domes of densely packed leaves can be planted just about everywhere.

“They’re virtually maintenance free, frost hardy, drought tolerant and tolerant of shade, sun and poor soil.”

4. Perovskia

This drought tolerant small shrub is also known as Russian sage which has aromatic leaves and upright spikes to blue flowers to make a lovely display.

It flowers from July through to September and can be planted alongside a path to enjoy the sage scent from its leaves. 

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