X is for Xeric. Xeric plants are those adapted to an extremely dry habitat. While the weather/climate in my area is definitely changing with periods of drought, and heavier rains when they come. I am paying more attention to those plants that are drought tolerant, if not really xeric.
These Gaillardias are a wonderful perennials that have done beautifully in my garden. After checking a list of drought resisant plants I was happy to see that I have a number already in my garden: echinops, yarrow, heliopsis, veronica, baptisia, dianthus,and perovski otherwise known as Russian Sage.
There are also a lot of drought resistant shrubs including Rugosa roses, of which I have a few, and they are tough in all weathers. Other drought resistant shrubs include the common forsythia, spirea, junipers and the wonderful fothergilla. For a larger list click here
We are all tryimg to adapt to the challenges of our weather, but adapting doesn’t mean a painful limit. We might just have to look at different plant families.
To see what else begins with x click here.
I’ve been adding more and more sedums to my garden. Right now the back is under water, but this summer it will likely be very dry.
I’m very happy that I have so many of the plants you’ve listed. The Gaillardias really go wild in my garden and they’re so pretty!
Are you sure those are gaillardias, Pat? They look like heleniums to me.
I hear you on planting more drought tolerant plants. I’m heading in that direction here, too. I’m tired of the supplemental watering!
My favorite drought resistant plants are prairie smoke and butterflyweed.
I have some gaillardia since last year sent by a blogger friend from the US. Yes they are resistant but they are not as good looking as in its natural habitat. Maybe our climate is too hot and dry that the flower stalks are so tall and lanky and they don’t produce much vigorous stems. They are always wilted in the afternoon, but they recover in the morning.
I suddenly remember there are differences in plants which are ‘tolerant’ and those which are ‘resistant’. Now I already forgot the differences.
Denise – Sedums are so useful.
Christy – I love the bright gaillardias.
Kylee – Yes they really are gaillardies, but you are right, they look very similar to heleniums.
Jason – I don’t know prairie smoke. Is it like Queen of the Prairie?
Andrea – Maybe tolerant means it won’t kill them, even if they do suffer?