Hot summers and prolonged dry spells have resulted in people looking for plants that don't need as much water. These include various types of spurge, everlasting, calamint and stonecrop. Plants such as the purple coneflower (pictured) can cope with dry spells too. If a plant has silver-grey, hairy leaves, this is a sign that it is especially tolerant of drought. The light reflects the sunlight and therefore doesn't overheat, while the fine hairs minimise water evaporation.
In contrast, phlox, delphinium and hortensia count among the especially thirsty ornamental plants. Make sure your plants get the exact amount of water they need by installing an automatic watering system. Using collected rainwater for this is especially kind to plants. In addition to perennials, no plant concept would be complete without shrubs and trees. Woody plants come in a wide array of different sizes. Small-growing plants and varieties trained to grow on a trellis or in an umbrella shape are also suitable for front gardens or in planters on a patio.
