With UK summers becoming increasingly hot and dry, a gardener has shared the drought-tolerant plants that will keep your garden looking lively

As the climate continues to shift and British summers grow increasingly warmer, it’s becoming ever more vital to think carefully about the plants we grow in our gardens. One approach is to introduce “drought-tolerant plants” into outdoor spaces, according to renowned expert gardener and author Sarah Raven.

Certain plants have naturally adapted to flourish in hotter climates and can endure prolonged periods of heat and scarce water.

Sarah said: “There are many ways that we can ensure we are being considerate of the environment whilst also maintaining the beauty, colour, and joy of our outside havens…One of the simplest things you can do is to introduce drought-tolerant plants to keep your garden looking lively and vibrant without the need for excessive watering.”

Lavandula ‘Hidcote’

Sarah said: “The most floriferous of the compact lavenders, Lavandula ‘Hidcote’ has beautiful purple-blue flowers and is rich in pollen and nectar, so it is absolutely loved by bees and butterflies.”

“To suit its original climate of the Mediterranean, Lavandula is both heat and drought-tolerant. The flowers are edible and can be used to add delicious flavour to cocktails, syrups, sorbets and salads.”

Gardeners need only trim back the spikes come autumn, being careful not to cut into the woody stem, to keep the plant in excellent condition.

Pelargonium

Pelargoniums boast gorgeous pink blooms, which appear truly striking in containers or borders. They aren’t particularly thirsty plants, though regular watering remains essential.

Sarah added: “You should water and feed the plants well in the summer and deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers.”

Eryngium ‘Picos Blue’

The gardening expert said: “One of the bluest of the beautiful sea hollies, Eryngium ‘Picos Blue’ needs plenty of sunshine and free-draining soil to thrive.

“Their whorls of spikes can be sharp, so it’s best to plant them away from the edge of a border or path, especially if little legs will be running up and down.

“They attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators regularly due to their beautiful nectar-rich flowers. Well-drained soil is best, and you should avoid root disturbance.”

Limonium ‘Dazzle Rocks’

The expert noted that these plants produce a stunning array of pink-purple blooms that draw pollinators into the garden.

Drought-tolerant and heat-resistant, this variety flourishes equally well in a pot or along a border.

Salvia ‘Cardonna’

Sarah continued: “One of the earliest varieties of salvia, ‘Cardonna’, produces some of the longest spikes which can readily reach 60cm. It is a drought-tolerant perennial but will perform best in a sunny spot with free-draining soil.

“You can expect beautiful purple flowers from June through to October, but for the best results, cut back in early summer to encourage later flowering.”

Gaura ‘Lindheimeri’

This stunning plant is ideal for lining pathways or brightening up flower beds, looking equally spectacular in an arrangement or standing alone as a feature. Plant them in a sunny spot, as they tend to flower from June through August and are remarkably straightforward to care for year-round.

Verbena ‘Bonariensis’

Sarah said: “[They] produce an absolutely stunning display of purple flowers at head height from late summer through to autumn and are shrouded in confetti or butterflies as soon as there is a glimpse of sunshine.

“They are drought-tolerant perennials so need little maintenance, but you should protect them with a layer of leaf mould or compost mulch in autumn.”