There are different types of climates that fall into the category of drought-prone
climates. These include Mediterranean (which is present in the U.S., though
it is thousands of miles from the Mediterranean Sea), arid, and semi-arid.
Even though each of these classifications have different temperature ranges,
and also have different precipitation rates, they do share some common characteristics:
a propensity toward dryness and often toward heat, and the likelihood of
a drought at sometime during a plant’s lifecycle. Therefore, it is
important to consider different types of plants that would do well in such
areas.
It is important to note that there are very few plants that can survive
in any climate. Many of the plants that would thrive in a semi-arid region
would drown in tropical regions. Likewise, tropical and exotic plants
would not do well in drier climates. However, many of the plants of the
western states would do just fine in the eastern states, depending upon
which were chosen. Here is a list of a few plants that look attractive
in most landscapes, and which would survive quite nicely in a fairly
wide range of climates found in the United States.
Perennials are not only great to grow in a variety of climates, but
because they come back year after year, they are easier on the budget
over a long period of time. Some of these plants include shrub roses
like the Fru Dagmar Hastrup, which is a beautiful rose that is not terribly
time-consuming to grow. It does not require constant attention like some
other rose varieties do. The Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly weed, California
poppy (will grow elsewhere), Portulaca. These are beautiful flowers that
also require very little maintenance and can survive is climates from
Florida to Nevada. Other flowers that look beautiful and thrive in many
places include baby’s breath, sunflowers, orange coneflower, goldenrod,
pansies, and bulb flowers like tulips, iris, daylily and crocus.
One of the most attractive and fun plants that grow in a wide variety
of places is the flowering plant known as lamb’s ear. It attracts
bees, helping your garden to better propagate and renew itself. Additionally,
the soft leaves feel furry, much like lamb’s ears, and they are
pleasant to the touch. The blooms on lamb’s ear not only look beautiful
as part of the landscape, but they make economical decorations for home
interiors as well; they look excellent in dried flower arrangements.
Other plants that can take a variety of climates include evergreen boxwood
and the oriental yew. The evergreen boxwood makes great hedges and fills
in backgrounds nicely, and the oriental yew makes an excellent accent
plant with an exotic look. Yuccas, though they may not survive so well
in the wettest portions of the country, do remarkably well outside the
Southwest. The opuntias is noted for its ability to withstand cold, as
well as dry conditions.
Finally, ground cover can prevent worries over weeds and caring for
flowers. There are many different types of covers that are very attractive
in a variety of landscapes, even though they may not all flower. Artemisia
(also known as “silver king”) is among the most attractive,
as are herbs like rosemary and thyme. Lavender is also beautiful, adaptive,
and it adds the extra benefit of an attractive smell. Another herb that
can serve as attractive groundcover with an excellent smell is Roman
chamomile. These plants work to make the landscape pleasant for more
than one of our human senses. Ornamental grasses can be planted in a
variety of climates, as do the different types of lantana and salvia.
Vines like honeysuckle and ivy grow in a variety of climates and can
also be used as ground cover.
No matter where you live, it is possible to find plants that will enhance
the beauty of your landscape. All it takes is a little looking around,
and a knowledge of what grows well in your area. Luckily, there are a
few plants, widely available and thus fairly inexpensive, that can be
grown in almost any climate. And this can be a great addition to your
property, refreshing the soul and beautifying the home within your budget
and with very little need for continuous maintenance.
