Key Points
Plants like ocotillo and catmint thrive in July heat with little water.
Drought-tolerant picks like mesquite and lantana cut water use and costs.
These tough plants add bold color and texture to summer gardens.
Want to keep your garden vibrant throughout the summer? Many plants not only survive but thrive during the scorching July heat and beyond.
From vibrant bloomers to desert natives, you’ll find no shortage of plants that bring beauty and resilience to your yard during the summer. These expert-recommended picks are the best drought-tolerant plants for July, for dry climates or water-conscious gardens.
Meet the Expert
Nick Martzahl is a landscaper and the owner of Valley Hardscapes.
Ocotillo
Credit: McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc. / Getty Images
“I’m a big fan of ocotillo plants,” says photographer and gardener Martha Retallick. Why? One reason is that they can handle a drought with ease, Retallick says.
The Spanish word ocotillo means “little torch,” an apt name for a plant that can withstand the harshest summer temperatures.
Ocotillo is a spindly plant with spiky stems, and it is often used as natural fencing. Though ocotillo is most often found in harsh deserts, it can be successfully grown in milder climates throughout the Southwestern U.S.
Blooming from March to June, ocotillo brings color to the garden in the form of lush green leaves and red tubular flowers.
Plant ocotillo in rocky, well-drained soil. Tough landscapes, such as slopes and hillsides, are well-suited for ocotillo.
Russian Sage
Credit: The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
If you’re searching for drought-tolerant plants for July and want a softer look, consider Russian sage.
“Russian sage offers soft, silvery foliage and vibrant lavender-blue flowers,” says Nick Martzahl of Valley Hardscapes.
Despite its gentler appearance, don’t mistake Russian sage for a fragile plant. Martzahl notes that the plant thrives in poor soil and, once established, it needs very little watering.
A native of Afghanistan, Russia, and parts of China, Russian sage grows to about three feet high and wide. It brings delight to dull summer yards, blooming from mid-July to September with stunning lavender colors.
Plant Russian sage in areas of full sun. The soil should be sandy, dry, and well-drained.
Mesquite
Credit: samuel howell / Getty Images
Typically associated with harsh, dry climates, the mesquite is one of Retallick’s favorite trees.
Once the mesquite is established, it needs practically no supplemental watering. The secret lies in its extremely deep root system, which seeks out moisture deep underground.
Mesquite’s fragrant, feathery leaves add beauty to a bland summer yard. This hardy, adaptive tree can provide shade for plants that need partial shade in the summer.
Sedum
Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
“Sedum is incredibly hardy and brings texture to any landscape with its fleshy leaves and late-season blooms,” Martzahl says.
Sedum, or stonecrop, does well in drought conditions, and it thrives in poor soil. Because sedum grows fairly low—usually at six to eight inches—it gives your landscape a clean, low-maintenance look, says Martzahl.
Sedum holds up well against high temperatures, though temperatures above 90°F may result in browned, scorched leaves. Sedum plants thrive in both dry and humid heat conditions.
Although sedum generally blooms in partial sun, it’s best to plant it in full sun conditions for guaranteed blooming.
Hostas
Credit: The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
“If you’re looking for something leafy and lush, planting hostas is a great choice,” Martzahl says.
They work exceptionally well in shaded areas.
“While they aren’t fully drought-tolerant, once mature and well-mulched, hostas can handle longer dry spells,” Martzahl says. “Just avoid full sun, and they’ll do great.”
Because they aren’t visually dramatic plants, a great hostas garden design idea is to pair them showier companion plants. Favorite hostas companion plants are hydrangeas, coral bells, and astilbe.
Catmint
Credit: The Spruce / K. Dave
Catmint is perfectly suited for summer growing. This ornamental herb in the mint family blooms in late spring or early summer. It thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal care, provided it has become established.
Catmint blooms with white, pink, or lavender-blue flowers. Its underlying foliage remains gray-green, even in drought conditions.
With its standout beauty and durability, catmint is an excellent choice for growing in the July heat.
Lantana
Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
“Keeping the water bill out of the stratosphere is a key concern,” Retallick says.
She notes that, in her area, 40% of water is used for gardens and landscaping. In other areas, that figure can be as high as 60%. But lantanas help you reduce your residential water consumption.
Lantana is a beautiful bloomer that displays pom-like flowers, for a rainbow-like garden throughout July and the rest of summer.
Be sure to grow your lantanas in full sun. Although the plant tolerates drought conditions well, it requires consistent watering in the first year to help it establish itself.
Read the original article on The Spruce
Comments are closed.