How to Pick Drought-Tolerant Perennials

Perennials are hardy plants that renew themselves each year. Choosing perennials that are drought tolerant allows you to have a garden that requires less watering and generally less maintenance. By preparing your garden and selecting the appropriate plants, you'll achieve a perennial garden that will please you for many years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide on the location of your perennial garden. Select an area away from large trees and shrubs so your perennials don't compete for nutrients and water.

2. Determine the light conditions of your chosen area. If your garden receives full midday sun, pick perennials that thrive in full sun. For strong morning or afternoon sun only, choose plants for partial shade. In an area that's bright but not in direct sunlight, select perennials that flourish in full shade.

3. Learn about the type of soil in your garden, usually clay, sand or loam. Establish the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Pick drought tolerant perennials that thrive in the conditions of your garden.

4. Consider the design elements of your drought tolerant perennials. Choose complimentary colors and contrasting heights for an interesting looking perennial garden. Opt for a combination of different forms and textures of foliage.

5. Pick plants that have different bloom times so your garden has color for an extended period of time. Take into account the size of the mature plant when designing so no tall plants obstruct short perennials, for example.

Tips & Warnings

• Once established, your drought-tolerant perennials only need yearly applications of compost or manure instead of regular fertilizer.
• Drought-tolerant perennials are excellent for raised or hanging containers since plants that are not directly in the ground dry out more quickly.