Tending to a garden can be hard work and if you forget to water your plants it can lead to devastating results. You may be left disappointed if you go away for a few days in the warmer weather as some plants may not survive.
But there are several plants you can grow that are drought resistant – and beautiful blooms will come through despite a lack of watering.
Many flowery species native to the Mediterranean are accustomed to a much warmer and drier climate along with drought-tolerant plants originating from countries such as Africa or Mexico.
There’s a lot of choice when it comes to garden plants that can cope – and even thrive – in dry weather conditions.
Many drought tolerant plants are a great choice for summertime and many are even hardy enough to also survive the colder seasons.
In the British summertime, when there is always the potential for a dreaded hosepipe ban, many of these flowering plants will be quite happy without water for a while.
You’ll still be rewarded with stunning blooms if you choose these drought resistant species, such as hardy geraniums or certain irises.
Geraniums will bloom in an array of fabulous colour, these plants are known to thrive in dry conditions.
Bearded irises are also an attractive option for your garden, these bulbed plants come in a huge choice of vibrant colours and are tolerant of drought conditions.
There are several other plant types too that will give your outdoor space an abundance of vibrancy and texture – and all of them will thrive even if you forget to water them often.
Geraniums
Hardy geraniums are a colourful plant species that come in blues, purples and bright pinks and they are a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
Some are native to the UK while other types were introduced from other countries – the species is also known as ‘cranesbills’.
Gardener’s World describes hardy geraniums as “long-flowering perennials that can flower for months from spring, and need very little care”.
The Gardener’s World website reported: “They thrive in sun or partial shade, can deal with some drought, and are good for the front of the border.
“Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush.”
Bearded irises
Another drought tolerant choice is bearded irises – and these along with hardy geraniums can also be grown in pots.
Bearded irises do need to be in a sunny spot in your outdoor space, however, hardy geraniums are happy in full sun or part shade.
Italian bugloss
Other plants that can cope with little watering are anchusa azurea, also known as Italian bugloss.
Anchusa azurea have smaller pretty purple flowers and tend to bloom in late spring adding earlier colour to your outdoor patch – this species needs full sun to thrive.
Colewort
Stunning Geums (also named colewort) is a hardy flowering plant that is available in a huge range of colours – these are happy in partial shade making them even more adaptable.
Cotyledon orbiculata
This is a succulent, cacti-like plant that is happy in a drought and will add a different texture to your garden.
Pony tails
Drought tolerant stipa tenuissima is also known as ‘pony tails’ and this species, a type of grass, will add interest to your garden.
Stipa tenuissima
This grows in a mass of fluffy texture – and comes in greens or purple shades.
This grass species is an evergreen, it’s also tolerant to a lack of water and makes a great feature in a garden border.