For newly planted trees, consistent watering is crucial, especially during the initial few growing seasons. This helps the trees develop strong root systems and ensures the soil remains adequately moist.

Certain tree varieties are more tolerant of drier conditions and may require less frequent watering over time. This could be a beneficial consideration, as maintaining long-term irrigation can sometimes be challenging without a sophisticated system of timers and pipes!

Although these plants tolerate drier conditions once established, it is important to remember that they need a regular watering schedule during the first growing seasons.

Abelia x grandiflora Compacta

Abelia x grandiflora Compacta is considered well-suited for dry conditions. Although it thrives in moist, well-drained soil, it demonstrates good tolerance to dry soil once it has become established. After establishment, these plants can withstand dry periods with little need for additional care.

This Abelia is a lovely addition to any garden. It features gracefully arching stems covered in glossy green leaves that emerge with a beautiful bronze tint when they’re young. From summer onwards, it’s adorned with numerous fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of white to pale pink. Though usually evergreen, it might become semi-evergreen in very cold winters.

Reaching a mature height and spread of approximately 1m, this resilient plant is a popular choice for its beautiful summer blooms. Ideally suited for growing in full sun, it works wonderfully as a low-lying foreground shrub and provides effective ground cover!

Lavender Angustifolia (English Lavender)

Lavender angustifolia, also known as English Lavender, is quite drought-tolerant and can handle dry periods once established. It’s an excellent choice if you have drier conditions and well-drained soil in your garden!

English lavender is a beautiful, small evergreen shrub characterized by its narrow, grey-green leaves and an abundance of small, violet or purple flower heads that appear in summer on short spikes. These flowers create a lovely, dense covering over the plant. Growing into a mound shape, Lavender angustifolia typically reaches a mature height of around 50cm, making it a popular option for ground cover or for defining pathways. Beyond its visual appeal, this Lavender offers a wonderful fragrance and is also great for attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden.

Hebe pinguifolia ‘Sutherlandii’

Like the Abelia, Hebe pinguifolia ‘Sutherlandii’ thrives in moist, well-drained soil. However, it’s quite resilient and can handle drier conditions once it’s established.

‘Sutherlandii’ is a lovely evergreen shrub with a neat, rounded shape. It features small, grey-green, oval leaves and produces an abundance of tiny white flowers on spikes, typically appearing from late spring to early summer. This plant is very easy to care for and grows to a mature height of about 40-50cm with a spread of 90-100cm. This forms a low mound that is ideal for providing structure and ground cover.

Hopefully this helped to highlight some of our favourite suggestions for drier conditions. Just remember that they need a regular watering schedule over the first growing seasons!