Water is a precious resource, and it is important to use it wisely, especially in gardens. In this article, we will look at the best plants for a water-wise garden. These plants have deep roots, waxy stems, and leaves, and fine hairs on their leaves to trap moisture and reduce water loss [9]. With the help of the search results, we have compiled a list of plants that are drought-tolerant and require less water, making them perfect for water-wise gardening.
1. Aloe Plants
Aloe plants such as jewel aloe, soap aloe, coral aloe, and tiger aloe are drought-tolerant and make great plants for water-wise landscaping. Aloe plants typically have grey to bright green leaves, sometimes with a striped or mottled appearance. During the summer months, most aloe plants require watering roughly every other week unless there has been rainfall [2].
2. Isolepis Cernua
Isolepis cernua is a great plant to grow in a water-wise garden. It is a marginal aquatic plant that will also help to oxygenate the water. It has creamy-white flowers that dot the grassy foliage in summer. Slender club rush can grow in shade, and it can be grown in bog gardens and container ponds [3].
3. Drought-Tolerant Shrubs
Several drought-tolerant shrubs are perfect for water-wise gardening. These include:
- Cistus
- Dodonaea
- Plumbago
- Rosemary
- Westringia
- Strelitzia
- Carissa spp.
- Coleonema (confetti bush)
- Buddleja
These plants work well in dry conditions and require less water [4].
4. Water-Wise Garden Design
In addition to selecting the right plants, water-wise garden design can also help to conserve water. Drip tubes are useful for initially establishing plants, and new plant roots can reach through dead turf into the soil. Dead turf provides organic matter as it slowly decomposes, and dead turf roots slowly decompose into existing soil. Drip tubes also minimize weed growth compared to overhead watering [7].
5. Cannas
Cannas are old-fashioned plants that add a refreshing, tropical feel to a landscape. They are also great for water gardens. Cannas can grow to be up to 6 feet tall, and they prefer full sun [8].
6. Trachelospermum Jasminoides
Trachelospermum jasminoides is a woody, evergreen climber that is one of the best plants for small gardens. It has rich, dark green leaves that turn a beautiful shade of bronze in winter. From mid-to-late summer, it produces clusters of highly fragrant white flowers [10].
In conclusion, creating a water-wise garden is an excellent way to conserve water and make your garden more sustainable. The plants mentioned in this article are just a few examples of the many drought-tolerant options available. When selecting plants for a water-wise garden, look for those with deep roots, waxy stems and leaves, and fine hairs on their leaves to trap moisture and reduce water loss.
In addition to selecting the right plants, consider using drip irrigation and other water-wise gardening techniques to conserve water. With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden that requires less water and is better for the environment.
