KC Gardens

Q&A

Thinking of my spring garden, what drought resistant plants, preferrably perennials, would you suggest? - Karen -

Comments

1. 

   Jo Co Master Gardener

   4 months, 1 week ago

   Once established there are many perennials for our area that are drought tolerant. Although you mentioned drought tolerance, sun exposure is another factor. Here are a few that come to mind: for shade, hostas, coral bells, dead nettle; for sun, coneflowers, black-eyed susan, sedums, asters, yarrow, artemesias. Here is the link to the perennial Prarie Bloom list from KSU: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2772.pdf.

   This should get you started. All of these plants survived in my garden nicely last year in the heat with minimal watering.

   Carole Johnson County Extension Master Gardener

2. 

   Dennis Patton

   4 months, 1 week ago

   Carole provided many great suggestions. If you are looking for really drought tolerant you might consider planting native species. Here is a short list to get you started - Little bluestem grass Butterfly milkweed Purple Poppy Mallow New Jersey tea Yellow Coneflower Joe Pye weed Prairie Smoke Blazing Star Liatris Woodland Phlox Gray headed coneflower Prairie Dropseed grass Rose verbena Iron weed There are many more but these can be right at home in the garden.

   Dennis - Johnson County Extension

3. 

   Jo Co Master Gardener

   4 months, 1 week ago

   Thanks, Dennis for adding the use of Native Plants. Let me add a big hooray for Prarie Dropseed and Little Bluestem grasses, and add in Indian Grass, all of which perform beautifully. I might add also that in my garden Butterfly Milkweed and Joe Pye Weed benefit from a bit more water and afternoon shade. Lovely rain today. Think spring. Carole Johnson Cty Ext Master Gardener

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