Because of the recent heat wave, many gardeners are wondering what plants are drought and heat resistant. The question is more complicated than it may appear. Many heat- and drought-resistant plants are not necessarily suitable for our USDA Garden Zone 7 or 8 area, here in the Pacific Northwest, where we have dry summers and wet winters.

We would like to give you a list of some good bets for heat and drought resistance in our local climate but first we want to make a couple of important points.

1. New plants, as in new to your garden, require babying and plenty of water while they acclimate and send out roots. Don’t expect extreme drought resistance from something you planted last week.

2. In most jurisdictions, it’s okay to hand-water shrubs, plants, baby trees, and food gardens. Watering restrictions are designed to prevent the over watering of grass.

3. For young trees, like apple trees that are only one or two years old, a good rule of thumb is when using your hose, water for 5 minutes per inch of trunk diameter with the nozzle wide open, once a week. If the temperature is over 35 C, then do it twice a week for a young tree.

4. Also, a thick layer of mulch will help prevent evaporation of the water you give your plants.

With the above in mind, here are some suggestions for drought-tolerant plants.

Euphorbia, such as Euphorbia wulfenii. Just be care not to get the sap on you because it can cause a rash. Don’t get the sap in your eyes either! Wear safety glasses when pruning and clean your pruning tools afterwards.

Echinacea or coneflowers are very drought resistant once well established.

Lilacs. Yes, they are not just a pretty and sweet-smelling flower.

Succulents are a good bet like the Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) or Sedums.

Wisteria. Very tough and drought and heat resistant when established. Be careful where you plant it, though. These woody vines can tear down buildings.

Yarrow. Another tough specimen that comes in several colors. It also makes a nice cut flower.

Happy growing from all of us at Art Knapp in Surrey.

Art Knapp has 15 locations across British Columbia and is well known as the go-to garden centre for everything garden-related. Art Knapp, himself, began the business in the 1940's, and now, 80 years later, you can find more than he ever dreamed of in our stores. Come and see us on King George Boulevard in Surrey.

If you have any questions about this article or want to talk to us about gardening, just give us a call at (604) 596-9201.