Some of the Best Shade Garden Plants Are Also Drought Tolerant Perennials

Some of the Best Shade Garden Plants Are Also Drought Tolerant Perennials

By Published November 05, 2016 Updated July 05, 2022

Gardeners are always seeking shade garden plants with proven drought tolerance. Drought resistant perennialscan withstand periods of low water, but do need supplemental watering during the first year of growth. Rather than to sneak out at night to water because it's not their “day” to water, many gardeners are now choosing to work with the changing climate rather than fight it. At Plant Delights Nursery we have a wide selection of drought resistant perennials for you to choose from.

There are general guidelines for planting drought tolerant perennials in a sunny location or as shade garden plants. Make sure the soil is well-drained and loose. Leaving the soil loose will allow the roots to grow deep down where the moisture is held. Organic matter added to the soil will also help to maintain the moisture and nutrient levels. Then there is the matter of watering. Until the plants are established they will require an inch of water per week (including rain). And finally, mulch with about 2-3 inches of organic material such as shredded bark or leaves.

Now you have to decide which plants are suitable for your zone and get to work. Some shade garden plants that are also drought resistant perennials are Heucheras (coral bells). These perennials offer brightly colored foliage from chartreuse to copper to purple. Epimediums (Fairy Wings) are another shade garden plant which are drought resistant perennials as well as deer resistant. Aspidistra (cast iron plant) is an evergreen known for its ornamental value and winter hardiness. Another evergreen worth mentioning is the Euphorbia robbiae. This plant, too, is deer resistant! If you like ornamental grasses, Carex (Sedge) is a tough, low maintenance drought resistant perennial as well.

So whether you live in Texas or Massachusetts, Plant Delight Nursery has the knowledgeable staff to help you with your particular gardening needs. Give us a call or visit our website. Or, if you're in the area, please come and visit us during one of our Open Nursery and Garden Dates. We'd love to have you!

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