A diverse group of 76 plant species, selected by renowned experts worldwide, are the premier choices for thriving in a climate that's subject to change.
In the face of changing climate conditions and increasing drought, garden designers and experts are focusing on plants that can withstand these challenges. These top choices prioritise drought-tolerant, Mediterranean-style species and diverse plant communities that enhance ecosystem resilience.
One such species is Centaurea bella, an evergreen groundcover that thrives in dry gardens and attracts butterflies. It requires little weeding due to its germination inhibiting compounds (allelopathy) and grows to a height of 20cm with a spread of 40cm.
Other notable drought-resistant plants frequently highlighted include Eryngium (Sea Holly), Kniphofia (Red Hot Pokers), Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Agapanthus, Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palm), and Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass). These plants are favoured for their ability to thrive in sunny, dry conditions while reducing water needs and adding visual interest.
Designers also emphasise the importance of mulching with homemade compost or trimmed plant material to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool, further enhancing plant resilience under drought stress.
Beyond typical drought-tolerant ornamentals, some experts promote native, ecologically beneficial shrubs that support local wildlife and require less maintenance once established. An example of this is the Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum), native to eastern North America, which is noted for its hardiness (zones 2-8), ecological benefits including nectar for pollinators and nutritious berries for birds, and reliable growth in moist to moderately dry soils.
Experts also recommend planting diverse communities of native or well-adapted species rather than monocultures, a practice sometimes referred to as "chaos gardening." This approach increases resilience against climate stresses like drought, floods, and temperature extremes by mimicking natural ecosystems and maintaining multifunctionality and stability.
In summary, top resilient plants for future climate conditions combine Mediterranean-type, drought-tolerant species for dry, hot environments, ecologically valuable natives that support biodiversity and adapt well to local conditions, and diverse plant assemblages to increase overall garden resilience. Garden designers also focus on water-conserving strategies like mulching and modular, low-maintenance garden designs that enable flexible adaptation to climate variability.
- Garden designers prioritize using design elements like landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, such as Centaurea bella and others like Eryngium, Kniphofia, Achillea millefolium, Agapanthus, Phoenix canariensis, and Stipa tenuissima.
- Incorporating ecologically beneficial shrubs like the Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) into gardens not only enhances resilience but also supports local wildlife and requires less maintenance.
- Planting diverse communities of native or well-adapted species, often referred to as "chaos gardening," can increase a garden's resilience against climate stresses like drought, floods, and temperature extremes.
- To further boost plant resilience under drought stress, experts suggest mulching with homemade compost or trimmed plant material to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and environmental science, creating gardens with these strategies can contribute to a more sustainable and biodiverse environment.
