Hot Happy

Amsonia hubrichtii

 Hot. Too hot. Too soon. They've already started talking rainfall deficits, lake levels, drought. The spring started off with a lovely, gentle, moist whimper, but now shouts rough, parched summer sizzle.

So what to do?? Start taking notes on what is wilting already. It may be headed to the compost pile soon. Start your new "want" lists. here are some items to include:

Amsonia hubrichtii- what a delicate companion to larger, coarser leaves. Blue star flowers in spring, elegant drought tolerant foliage all summer, glorious copper colored fall foliage.

Iris germanica 'Hello Darkness'

Iris germanica 'Hello Darkness' (and many others) - for some reason, Iris is out of style. But I cannot imagine a plant that wants dry and hot more than these beauties. Many colors, color combos, foliage contrasts with the swordlike leaves. EASY.

Carex phylloacephala 'Sparkler'

Carex phyllocephala 'Sparkler'- shade gardens are often very dry. Trees take the water away, compact the soil as they do, and leave pretty inhospitable patches to work with. But some of the sedges will do the trick- and look pretty doing it! Variegated foliage is particularly desirable in deep shade.

Phlomis fruticosa

Phlomis fruticosa - This is one of many many in the Sage family. Fantastic gray green fuzzy foliage, incredible yellow tubular flowers arranged around the stem, and a very large presence. Never flags, but always commands attention.


Opuntia 'Thornless Blue'- Nothing says dry weather like cactus! But it is quite an ornamental plant if you look carefully. New foliage is attractive, fruits are purple, flowers are yellow and huge.

Opuntia 'Thornless Blue'

Windbreak at Specialty Ornamentals

Combine that texture with Yuccas, Teucrium, and Atemesia 'Powis Castle', and you've got a totally drought tolerant garden with incredible interest year round.

Pinus palustris is tough and drought tolerant. Nolina is, too. And what a lovely couple they make. Start making that new list.

You'll listen to the weather reports with a smile on your face forever after.

Pinus palustris and Nolina texana