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Featured Companies
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Drought Special Report: Hard-Core Plants
| Jennifer Polanz
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>> Published Date: 9/26/2012
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When it comes to drought conditions, consumers have the tendency to throw up their hands and abandon their lawn/garden/yard/patios/porches. Part of that hopelessness is watching plants wilt and wither despite attempts at watering. There’s hope for those 26 states that experienced drought conditions this summer, though. More and more plant companies are introducing drought-tolerant varieties that can withstand difficult conditions—and none of them look like tumbleweed. Here are just a few:
1 | The Sedum Sunsparkler Collection from North Creek Nurseries shows that the tough sedums don’t have to be boring. This collection includes multiple colorful groundcovers that provide interest from late summer through fall and some in the series can even make a nice addition as cut flowers.
2 | Nephrolepis Emerald Queen from Oglesby Plants International gives consumers choices when it comes to using ferns in the landscape, in patio displays and more. If shaded, Emerald Queen’s fronds arch slightly, giving it a softer appearance.
3 | Panicum Hot Rod from Emerald Coast Growers revs up landscapes with color and texture, something that’s often lacking in drought-worn settings. This switch grass starts blue-green, but changes to red faster than other switch grasses until it’s a deep maroon.
4 | Perovskia atriplicifolia Peek-a-Blue is a new introduction from Walters Gardens that is a shorter, compact plant that loves hot, dry conditions. Lavender blue flowers bloom from midsummer to fall and silvery green leaves provide interest in multiple seasons. Peek-a-Blue is great for borders and mass plantings and can add interest to cut flower arrangements.
5 | Physocarpus Summer Wine from Proven Winners ColorChoice has medium water needs to get established, but after the first year is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. It provides texture and wine-colored foliage for multiple seasons, plus pink clusters of flowers during summer.
6 | The Angelonia Serena series from PanAmerican Seed is one of Ball Horticultural Company’s top recommendations for drought-tolerant annuals through its Circle of Life EcoIndex. The Serena series is tough in the heat of the summer and blooms from late spring through summer. It’s well suited to landscapes, gardens and mixed containers.
7 | Luscious Berry Blend Lantana from Proven Winners is the newest addition to the Luscious series for 2013 that will bloom continuously in hot, dry conditions. This lantana needs very little supplemental watering and will thrive during the toughest parts of summer. It can be used in the landscape or in mixed containers.
8 | Salvia greggii SallyG Flamingo from Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm is a tough performer that can stand the summer heat. A perennial to Zone 8 or higher, this can be an annual garden addition to other zones and acts as an attractant for hummingbirds. Pink flowers bloom late spring to fall.
That’s just a taste of the drought-tolerant varieties gathered. Want more suggestions for drought conditions? We’ll post more to the Green Profit website with the October issue. Stay tuned! GP
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