If you’re living in drought-prone areas, consider these outdoor plants that need little water. Learn how to grow zinnias, calendulas, and more, and use the blooms for a variety of applications, such as how to make calendula oil.
There are many reasons to consider planting drought-tolerant plants. One of the most important is water conservation. Drought is running rampant in parts of the country, and we must learn how to protect this precious resource. Drought-tolerant gardening is a way of limiting the use of water in our gardens and giving our pollinating friends their needed food sources. The annuals discussed below are drought-tolerant, attract pollinators, and are easy to care for and grow. This does not mean you can plant them and walk away; they do require a modicum of attention. These plants do need water until they’re established. Adding compost to the soil when planting will ensure that the soil does stay moist, allowing the root system to take hold.
Outdoor Plants that Need Little Water
Zinnias are the one of the hardest-working annuals in the garden. They come in many colors and sizes, and are easily grown from seed. They’ll bloom until frost, and deadheading (removing the spent blooms) will keep them re-blooming. With such a diverse assortment, surely a few cultivars will find a place in a container garden or flower bed in your landscape. Two of my favorites are ‘State Fair’ and ‘Lilliput.’ ‘State Fair’ is an excellent cut flower. They’ll grow to a height of 2-1/2 feet, with large, vibrant blooms that are long-lasting in arrangements. ‘Lilliput’ is a smaller version, growing to 18 inches in height, with small blooms just as colorful as its larger cousin. Both varieties are heirlooms, which means the seeds can be saved.
Calendulas, or pot marigolds, are a multi-purpose plant, usually considered an annual flower, but they’re also an herb. Calendula should not be confused with the Tagetes genus, more common in North America and referred to as simply “marigold.” The flowers of this deer-resistant plant are edible, used in various herbal concoctions and for dyeing and drying. Depending on the cultivar, they can reach a height of 30 inches and a spread of 12 inches. Deadheading will ensure continuous bloom throughout summer and into fall. Plants that bloom until frost are important late-season food sources for pollinators. The calendula blooms can be used in making herbal oil or a fabric dye. Calendula oil is made by using a small, clean, dry glass jar and filling it with the flower petals. Pick the flowers early in the day, after the dew has dried. Gently push the petals down in the jar and fill with olive oil, set in the sun, and naturally extract the oils. Occasionally shake the jar. This process might take up to two months. When you’re ready to use the oil, strain the used petals, put the finished oil in a clean jar, and store in a cool, dark place. Calendulas make a pretty yellow hued dye that is made by placing 1 cup of petals in a clean glass bowl. Boil 1 cup of water and pour on top of calendula petals. Stir, cover with a tea towel, and let steep until you have the color that you want. Drying calendula flowers is a way of preserving them for future uses and saving the seeds. Remove the petals and place in a cool, dry area. Store the finished product in a clean, dry jar. Lastly, I like to plant calendulas near my chicken yard so I can toss the old blooms to my friendly fowl. The flowers enhance the color of the yolks.
Portulaca, or moss rose, are small drought-tolerant plants useful for flower borders, container gardens, and rock gardens, even happily growing in the cracks of sidewalks. They freely seed themselves and can become invasive. Manually pulling the seedlings or transplanting them will solve that issue. The colorful blooms will last until frost. Portulaca flowers open on sunny days and close at night or on cloudy days.
Heliotropium is an heirloom plant that has attractive, lacey flowers sitting atop sturdy stems with a delightful scent. Some say the scent is reminiscent of baby power or vanilla. This plant needs to be planted in an area to be seen and appreciated. I like planting heliotropes close to a deck so I can enjoy the colorful visitors and the relaxing scent during hot summer evenings. The heirloom varieties grow to 36 inches in height, with a spread of 18 inches. The two most fragrant of the heliotropes, ‘Fragrant Purple’ and ‘Fragrant White,’ would rather be planted in the ground. The new cultivars of heliotropes can be used in container gardens because they’re compact in size, reaching up to 12 inches in height. The newer cultivars might have the flowers and color but not the scent. All cultivars of heliotrope are deer- and rabbit-resistant.
Lantana is one of the toughest plants that I’ve come in contact with. This shrubby plant can reach up to 4 feet height. It’s deer- and rabbit-resistant, and the bees can’t get enough of it. Lantana is considered to be an annual in most areas, but a perennial in Zone 8 and above. Lantana can be used in all type of areas where it’s difficult to get water to, such as grave plantings. Depending on the cultivar, they can grow quite large. Check with your local greenhouse person on the cultivar that you’re interested in. The hanging basket kinds are excellent for placing in a flower garden for added height.
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