As soaring temperatures grip the UK, gardeners are being encouraged to rethink how they care for their outdoor spaces by choosing plants that thrive in hot, dry conditions with little to no watering.
With climate change bringing more frequent heatwaves and prolonged dry spells, many homeowners are spending hours trying to keep their gardens alive. While regular watering may seem like the only solution, experts say selecting drought-tolerant plants can help reduce maintenance while keeping gardens vibrant throughout the summer.
A gardening expert, known on TikTok as @viewfromthepottingbench, has shared three plants that can flourish in the heat without frequent watering, making them ideal additions to UK gardens during warm weather.
Also known as coneflower, echinacea is another favourite for gardeners seeking colourful blooms with minimal upkeep. Available in a variety of vibrant shades, the hardy perennial is highly tolerant of dry conditions and performs well in most soil types.
The plant’s large flower heads attract butterflies and pollinators throughout the summer, while its ability to self-seed means gardeners can enjoy new plants year after year without extra cost or effort.
“The next one is one of my absolute favourite plants,” the expert said.
Lavender remains one of the most reliable choices for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant. The fragrant Mediterranean shrub is renowned for its long flowering season, drought tolerance and ability to attract bees and other pollinating insects.
Calling it “an absolute classic,” the gardening expert said lavender is “a must-have in every garden.” Adapted to hot, dry climates, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it particularly well suited to heatwave conditions.
The final recommendation is agapanthus, a striking South African plant known for its tall stems topped with clusters of blue, purple or white flowers.
The gardening expert described it as the standout choice, praising its impressive root system and resilience during hot weather.
“Whether you’ve got a small garden or a sprawling estate, this is a plant for you,” he said, recommending gardeners plant several together and repeat them throughout the garden for the best visual impact.
Because agapanthus develops strong root systems, it can also be divided and replanted over time, allowing gardeners to expand their displays with little additional expense.
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