The UK has recently experienced a truly remarkable period of weather, with a record-breaking sunny, warm, and dry spring followed by an intensely bright summer. These extended periods of sunshine have undoubtedly brought a bounty of outdoor opportunities but these glorious conditions also bring with them a new set of considerations for our gardens. With climate projections from the Met Office indicating that “hot spells will become more frequent in our future climate, particularly over the southeast of the UK, and temperatures are projected to rise in all seasons, with the heat being most intense in summer,” many gardens across the UK are now navigating the challenges posed by reduced rainfall and increased heat. The implementation of hosepipe bans in various parts of the UK further underscores the evolving needs of our green spaces.
Beat the Heat
This shift in climate presents an opportunity to cultivate more resilient and sustainable gardens. Now more than ever, the need for water-wise gardening is growing. A gravel garden is a great option to create this look. It lends itself to Southern European drought-tolerant planting.
Choosing the right plants
There are many suitable plants that will cope in full sun and look good in a gravel setting. Drought tolerant characteristics include silver or grey-green leaves to reflect the sun. Some have a coating of fine hairs on their leaves or stems, helping to trap in moisture. Plants will look best arranged in natural drifts of 3’s and 5’s and allowed to self-seed. We have put together a selection of useful plants with drought-tolerant properties to get you started.
Important: Even plants with drought tolerant characteristics will require regular watering after planting until they are fully established.
Ficus carica (Figs) – this deciduous tree or shrub is renowned for their delicious and unique fruits coming in a range of shapes, colours, and flavours. This fig has pear shaped fruit that ripens to shades of green and purple. Large, lobed green leaves and grey bark provide ornamental appeal as a feature plant in the garden. Grow in well drained or moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position. Full sun.
Ceanothus (California Lilac) – most Ceanothus are drought tolerant once established. They naturally come from dry, sunny habitats and are well adapted to summer drought. Please note, they are not drought tolerant during their first year and need regular watering while roots establish.
Convolvulus cneorum – A compact, evergreen shrub valued for its silvery foliage and long flowering season. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a soft, silver-grey appearance throughout the year. From late spring into summer, it produces an abundance of pure white, funnel-shaped flowers with yellow centres, creating a bright contrast against the foliage. With a low, mounded habit, it is ideal for borders and containers. Grow in well drained soil in a sheltered spot and full sun. Height and Spread 1m.
Cordyline australis (New Zealand Cabbage Tree) – Also known as a Cabbage Tree this evergreen palm is a popular choice for exotic and tropical gardens. Often used in borders and container displays, with multiple cultivators in attractive colours of green, bronze, and purple these palms are fully hardy in the UK. Supplied as a single stem or multi stemmed tree, mature specimens of Cordyline australis flower in summer and produce white fruit clusters in autumn that are a good food source for birds. Grow in a sheltered sunny position in fertile, moist, well-draining soil. Mature Height: 4-8 metres
Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler (Mexican Blossom) – This highly fragrant evergreen shrub is a useful addition to any garden. Mound forming this neat shrub is exceptionally free flowering in spring and often late summer into autumn. Height and Spread 1 metre. Grow in a sunny sheltered aspect on well drained soil.
Eucalyptus gunnii – A distinctive evergreen tree renowned for its aromatic foliage, attractive bark and more compact growth habit. Young leaves appear round and silvery before transforming into lance shaped greyish blue-green leaves, contrasting with the silvery-grey peeling bark. Small white, fragrant flowers appear mid-summer into autumn. Grow in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position. Protect from cold drying winds. Full sun.
Magnolia grandiflora (Evergreen Magnolia) – An iconic evergreen tree renowned for its large, fragrant, white flowers that bloom sporadically throughout the summer, it adds dramatic beauty to any landscape. The glossy, dark green leaves are complemented by a brown underside, creating visual interest year-round. Hardy and low maintenance, it’s a timeless favourite for both formal and informal gardens. Height 12m+ Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acidic soil in a sheltered position. Full sun or partial shade.
Lavandula (Lavender) – Prized for its richly fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. TBeing a Mediterranean plant (in needs if not always in geographic origin) and needs lots of sun and fast-draining soil. It will not survive long in shady, damp or extremely cold conditions. It prefers poor, dry or moderately fertile soil, including chalky and alkaline soils. Lavender will not thrive in heavy clay soil or any soil that becomes waterlogged over winter.
Olea europaea (Olive Tree) – Olive trees are attractive, slow-growing evergreens of Mediterranean origin. They form an oval-rounded head of small silvery-grey leaves, with tiny creamy white fragrant flowers appearing in summer, followed closely by cool-green olives that ripen to deep purple black. Perfect for drought tolerant/Mediterranean schemes these specimen trees also work superbly in planters.
In the UK Olives require winter protection from the hardest frosts so they benefit being in a warm, sheltered sunny spot to thrive, in well-drained fertile soil. Mature Height: 4–8m
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) – Full sun and free‑draining soil are the two non‑negotiables. Rosemary is a Mediterranean shrub adapted to heat, drought, and poor, rocky ground. It is drought‑tolerant once established and needs very little feeding.
Herbaceous perennials
Agapanthus (African Lily) – A striking South African perennial known for its tall stems topped with large, spherical clusters of trumpet‑shaped blue, purple, or white flowers that bloom from mid‑ to late summer.
Erigeron karvinskianus – Erigeron karvinskianus, commonly known as Mexican fleabane or Santa Barbara daisy, is a charming and resilient perennial plant renowned for its delicate beauty. Originating from Mexico, this herbaceous species has spread its appeal globally.
Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ – A hardy perennial known for its upright spires of rich violet-purple flowers held on distinctive dark, almost black stems. Flowering from summer through to autumn, it brings strong vertical interest and bold contrast to borders. The aromatic, grey-green foliage forms neat clumps, making it ideal for structured and contemporary planting schemes. Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, ‘Caradonna’ thrives in full sun or partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. Easy to maintain, it can be cut back after flowering to encourage repeat blooms. Height and Spread 50cm
Verbena bonariensis – A tall perennial prized for its slender stems topped with clusters of small, vibrant purple flowers from summer to autumn. The long-blooming flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding life and movement to the garden. Its open, upright habit makes it ideal for adding height and structure to the borders, while allowing lower-growing plants to flourish beneath. Thriving in full sun and moist but well drained soil, its graceful presence creates a relaxed, meadow-like feel in any garden.
Height 2.5m Spread 50cm.
Ornamental Grasses
Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant’s tail grass) – This is a fantastic ornamental grass that provides colour, movement and structure. With evergreen foliage which emerges green but becomes striped with yellow, orange, and red with age it’s a super grass for year round interest. Sprays of airy flowerheads appear in late summer. Clump forming it’s easy to divide and multiply, it’s our ‘go-to’ grass of choice!
Grow in full sun to partial shade in well drained fertile soil. Mature Height: 50cm
Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ – Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ is one of the best evergreen plants for adding colour and interest to the garden during the winter months as it forms a dense, arching mound of eye-catching bright orange-green foliage. With insignificant brown flower spikes appearing in summer and drooping elegantly with age, it retains colour and adds contrast to any planting scheme.
Like other Carex, it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and thrives in moist, fertile, well-draining soils. Mature Height: 50cm
Lomandra longifolia Platinum Beauty – An evergreen grass, known for its striking foliage, adaptability and low-maintenance care. It has cream and green variegated blade-like leaves, adding year-round brightness and texture to the garden. Growing in compact clumps to 1m high and spread, it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, provided it is well-drained. Full sun or partial shade.
Stipa tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’ – Also known as Mexican feathergrass or ‘Ponytails’ due to its light airy habit, this grass’s thread-like fronds arch elegantly and appear to dance in the wind. A perfect choice for softening a hard landscape, creating movement and interest. It is an extremely versatile plant and thus used in many planting schemes. Perfect for beds, borders and planters this self-seeding grass is an absolute favourite in modern schemes. Grow in full sun to partial shade in moderately fertile soil. Mature Height 60cm.
Climbers
Parthenocissus quinquefolia var. engelmannii (Virginia Creeper) – A vigorous, deciduous climber prized for its outstanding autumn colour and reliable growth. Fresh green, five-lobed leaves emerge in spring, forming dense cover through summer before turning brilliant shades of crimson and scarlet in autumn. Ideal for covering walls, fences and pergolas, it is self-clinging and requires minimal support. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, and moist but well drained soil, it typically reaches 8-12 metres in height with a spread of around 4–8 metres, providing dramatic seasonal interest and effective coverage.
Trachelospermum (Star jasmine) – Commonly known as the Star Jasmin or an Evergreen Jasmin, Trachelospermum jasminoides is a vigorous, evergreen, woody climber which can reach between 8-12m in height. With twining stems, glossy dark green, oval leaves, often turning deep bronze-red in winter, it’s a wonderful addition to any sunny garden.
It’s the perfect time to explore the role of drought-tolerant plants to make your garden not just survive, but truly thrive, even in drier conditions.
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to start the first step of your journey with us then get in touch to book our consultancy service.
For just £75*, our experienced horticulturalists will provide tailored guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re interested in fast-growing solutions for quick impact, seeking the enduring beauty of evergreen plants or looking to add colour and fragrance, we can offer expert advice.
**£75 fee applies if you live within a 15-mile radius of our office. Additional fees apply outside this area. All costs include VAT.
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