Having grown up in the Southeast U.S., where the native vegetation is green all summer, I find that I imprinted on a well-watered look. However, at least as a gardener, I am a realist, and know that a waterwise garden is the right kind to have here, not only in this especially dry year, but also for the good of our long-range water supply. So I began looking around for plants that receive very little or no supplementary water during the summer in my own gardens, but retain a fresh vibrant look. The following plants are by no means the only ones I can recommend but they are some of my favorites.
For sunnier areas-
Alstoemeria hybrids. Peruvian Lily. This plant is one of the best and most long-lasting flowers for cutting that I grow. And at least in my own garden, gophers ignore them, though deer relish the flowers and buds. If left completely unwatered, these plants take a break in mid-summer but send up abundant new flower spikes in autumn, to bloom until around Thanksgiving. To deadhead and keep more flowers coming, pull the entire spent flower spike out of the ground, rather than cutting it. Can be invasive in sandy soil.
Chrysanthemum maximum. Shasta Daisy. Also an excellent cut flower, though some don't care for the odor of the flowers. Neither deer nor gophers bother these plants in my garden. Keep spent flowers picked off for a tidy look and to encourage continued bloom. Available in several forms, from simple single flowers to double with fringed petal tips.
Coreopsis grandiflora cultivars. I found a naturalized coreopsis growing in a sunny dry area in our neighborhood next to an abandoned home site; it had obviously not been watered in years, yet in August was still happily vibrant and blooming freely. And neither the abundant deer nor gophers had sampled it. In my own garden, it performs just as superbly. The golden yellow single or double flowers have long graceful stems and are excellent in arrangements. Good green foliage looks clean and vigorous.
For shadier gardens-
Anemone x hybrida. Japanese Anemone. These late-summer, fall-blooming perennials are not only extremely drought-tolerant but are usually ignored by deer. Flowers are single or double daisy-types in white, pink or deep rose; some are tall and stately with willowy stems [like my favorite, the single white A. 'Honorine Jobert,' which glows in the evening hours and dances merrily with each breeze] or a number of dwarf forms. If you live near the coast, you can grow these plants in the sun. Invasive in sandy soil.
Helleborus niger. Christmas Rose. The deep green leaves on this hardy evergreen perennial look good nearly all year [cut old stems back in mid-winter to showcase the fresh new growth] and the charming flowers appear in late winter before most plants begin to bloom. Tolerant even of the competition of maple roots. Give dappled light or bright shade for best bloom. If it likes the site, it may produce seedling plants for you to move throughout your garden.
Clivia miniata. Perennial from the Amaryllis family, with bold strappy evergreen leaves. In late winter or spring [depending on the cultivar], tubular flowers in clusters are produced on strong stems. Some are fragrant and all are graceful and lovely. Traditional color was a vibrant orange but growers have now made available soft yellows, peaches and salmons as well. Needs excellent drainage and bright shade. Protect from hard freezes to keep foliage unblemished.
-Sharon Hull
