Plants for Dry Months: Drought-Tolerant Choices for UK Gardens

With hotter, drier summers becoming more common in the UK, choosing plants that can thrive

with minimal watering is a smart way to futureproof your garden. Drought-tolerant plants not only

save time and effort but also help create beautiful, resilient borders that cope well in dry spells.

The key to success is selecting species that naturally tolerate poor, dry soils and storing water in their roots, stems, or leaves. Mediterranean-style plants are a great choice, as they’re adapted to hot summers and less frequent rain.

Perennials and Shrubs

♦ Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Loved for its fragrant purple flowers and silvery foliage, lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

♦ Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Both ornamental and edible, rosemary is hardy and drought-resistant once established.

♦ Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ – This perennial wallflower produces vibrant purple blooms for months and tolerates dry conditions well.

♦ Cistus (Rock Rose) – A low-maintenance shrub that produces delicate, papery flowers and loves

poor soils (pictured)

Ornamental Grasses

♦ Stipa tenuissima (Mexican feather grass) – Adds movement and texture to dry borders.

♦ Festuca glauca (Blue fescue) – Compact, drought tolerant grass with striking blue foliage (pictured)

Ground Cover Plants

♦ Sedum (Stonecrop) – Succulent leaves and clusters of late-summer flowers make this a drought tolerant favourite.

♦ Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – Perfect for filling gaps between paving stones and releasing fragrance

when stepped on.

To help these plants establish, water them well during their first season and improve drainage by adding grit to heavy soils. Once settled, they’ll cope with dry periods far better than thirstier alternatives. By planting with drought in mind, you can enjoy a garden that looks beautiful, supports pollinators, and stays healthy even in the hottest UK summers.