Plants that are drought tolerant?
by
Carole
+9
I need help finding plants that are drought tolerant, that are green year round, grow in Red Clay Soil, I live in the Atlanta area, and are suitable for a full sun, gentle slope area. I thought of Yucca, but they are not suitable for the cold temps in this area. I would like for them to grow only about 4 feet tall. Smaller would be fine. Thanks for any suggestions.
12 answers
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we are in Houston Tx. my favorites are Plumbago (blue flowers) and Lantana (yellow, orange or red flowers) both are very hearty. i hope this helps :)
Tami @ Curb Alert!
on Jul 25, 2012
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I am in the Dallas area. For flowers I have been very pleased with Skullcap and Scabiosa. The scabiosa actually blooms a bit in the winter. The Skullcap makes a low hedge so I have it in the front of my bed. I prune it back in the early spring and it blooms all summer long. For shrubs, nothing kills my nandina. They come in all sizes and many colors--very dependable but they can spread. I just pull the runners up when they appear. All of these take the intense heat, lack of water, the winter cold and are extremely low maintenance.
Melissa W
on Jul 25, 2012
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dwarf nandina and the oval leaf holly shrubs~ not sure what the name is. Cleyera are awesome, but grow taller. They are easy to trim, though and have shiny leaves.
Diy Design Fanatic
on Jul 25, 2012
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Dwarf azaleas, mop heads, dwarf gardenias...
Jen
on Jul 25, 2012
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I'm in Duluth and have Yucca's and they overwinter very well! Also, Blue Fescue ( a decorative clump of grass, not more than 6" in a beautiful blue color), Knockout Roses (these will lose leaves from Dec. to Mar. but have blooms the rest of the year), Rug Junipers, Golden Cypress Mop (yellow/green), Vinca's for annual color, Honeysuckle Vine, Hummingbird Vine, Loropetalume (beautiful teal/maroon little tea leaves that get pink flowers in the spring, and turn bright red in the fall) Crepe Myrtle to name a few. Go to your local nursery and they can show you a whole area of full sun plants and give you advice and then you can pick what you like!!
Jan C
on Jul 25, 2012
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I like Jan C's idea of the Knockout roses because they are drought tolerent, repel pests, need no special food and look great. We have some in my neighborhood that are over 4' high.
Sherrie S
on Jul 25, 2012
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Thanks for all of the great ideas. I will go to a local nursery for additional ideas. But right now am really going to consider an arrangement of the Yuccas. I am really glad to know they will survive this far North.
Carole
on Jul 25, 2012
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Carol, this Yucca has been in the ground for 3 years here in front of our nursery. All of the plants in this particular bed get very little attention and no irrigation. Daylilies are always a welcome addition for a hot dry Georgia clay area. The other plants in the bed include a beautiful Rosemary, Butterfly Bush, Cunninghamia (Chinese Monkey Puzzle), Verbena, Veronica, Lavender and Coneflower.
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Jul 25, 2012
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Try contacting your local cooperative extension service office. They should have plenty of information on plants appropriate for your area and should have some folks available to help you with any questions. Your local water office may also have information on good plants for the area, that require little water, as well as planting tips that save water.
Joan Good
on Jul 26, 2012
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You might consider Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) as a companion plant for the yuccas.
Douglas Hunt
on Jul 26, 2012
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I had not thougt of the Rosemary but I like that idea, also if I go with the Yuccas will consider looking into the Sage, I have Rosemary but have never tried Sage. Thanks again to all.
Carole
on Jul 26, 2012
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Take some photos when you finish the planting so we can see what you decided on.
Douglas Hunt
on Jul 27, 2012
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