Utah is known for its dry weather, and that’s why it’s important to consider how water-wise plants are when landscaping your yard.
Not every plant will thrive in desert-like conditions, so keep reading to find out which plants will be right for your yard.
Why Seek Drought-Resistant Plants?
If you live in a particularly dry area, plants that require a lot of moisture will require a lot of maintenance to keep healthy. This means you’ll not only increase your water bill but your ecological footprint as well. By choosing plants that will thrive in your local weather conditions you’re making things easier on yourself and the environment.
Best Water-Wise Plants
If you’re looking to implement some beautiful, staple plants in your garden that will withstand even the hottest weather, we’ve got the list for you. The most water-wise plants include:
- Palms – If given adequate drainage, established palms can look great in low-moisture environments year-round.
- Mescal agave, or agave parryi – This evergreen perennial succulent originates from Mexico and forms thick, fleshy leaves. If given adequate drainage, preferably in gravel, this type of agave can flourish from spring to winter.
- Gro-lo or Rhus aromatica – This plant is great for covering unwanted care soil because it can grow up to two feet tall, and from six to eight feet wide. The gro-lo does best in dry, hot conditions, and its deep green leaves turn burgundy in the fall making for a beautiful display.
Best Water-Wise Flowers
If you’re going for a more colorful yard display, flowers are probably more your speed. The most water-wise flowers that will look beautiful without hiking up your water bill include:
- The rock rose, or Cistus – This plant produces beautiful, delicate flowers that come in a variety of different colors.
- Angel’s fishing rods, or Dierama – This plant’s flowers mimic a fishing rod in that the stems are tall and curved, with a bell-like flower at the end.
- Watsonias – This plant originates from South Africa and typically produces orange or peach-colored flowers which bloom in mid-summer. In addition to being drought-resistant, it is also known to be frost-hardy as well.
- The Arizona sun or Giallardia – This flower does best in full sun and is known for its innate ability to attract butterflies and other insects. Its beautiful red and orange petals can add a pop of color to any garden. This flower is not a long-lived perennial, so if you’d like the Arizona sun in your garden permanently you’ll have to replant them every few years.
- The Tennessee Coneflower, or Echinacea tennessensis – Unlike other coneflowers which typically do best in deep, moist soil, the Tennessee coneflower is typically found in limestone outcroppings exposed to high winds and temperatures. This hardy flower would be perfect for areas that would be too dry for other coneflowers.
Let Summit Lawn & Pest Control HelpIf you’re wondering which of these water-wise plants will look best in your yard, get an expert opinion and contact Summit Lawn & Pest Control today. We offer premium lawn care and pest control services in order to get your yard looking the best it can be this summer. Call us today to schedule your free estimate. We serve several cities in Utah, from Alpine down to Spanish Fork.
