Written by Jan Phipps, Edgar County Master Gardener

Looking back on 2022, did you have to spend too much time watering? If you are searching for plants that can tolerate dry spells and even drought in some cases, here are a few suggestions.

First, drought-tolerant plants refer to established plants. All new plantings take extra water until the roots get established. Much like early human life, recent transplants need more care than adults.
           
Silver foliage plants alert the gardener they are dry-growing condition plants. Some will rot if sitting in moist soil for extended periods. Try Artemisia cultivars like 'Powis Castle,' Silver King,' and 'Silver Mound.' A few more choices are Perovskia (Russian Sage), Stachys (Lamb's Ear), and Achillea (Yarrow).
           
Plants with small, thin leaves are another category of drought-tolerant plants. Ornamental grasses fit the description perfectly. Besides the thin leaves not losing much moisture through transpiration, ornamental grasses also possess another characteristic of plants that tolerate dry conditions. They have very deep root systems, which you will discover the first time you try to dig one up to divide or move. With surface water unavailable, the roots still have access to moisture deep in the soil.
           
Another category of drought-tolerant plants is those with glossy, waxy, or in some cases, thick leaves. Waxy leaves slow transpiration, thereby diminishing the loss of moisture. The thick leaves of succulents store water reserves and are often shiny. A few other examples are Bergenia and Begonia.
           
Hairy leaves create a layer around the stomata, the tiny openings on the leaf surface through which gas and water move. The hairs hold moisture close to the leaf surface. Stachys byzantine (Lamb's Ear), Mullein, Pelargonium tomentosum (Mint-scented Geranium), and Artemisia fit the hairy leaf description.
           
Need some more options for plants that tolerate dry conditions? Try Cleome, Zinnia, Cosmos, Money plant (Lunaria annua), and Hollyhocks.
           
The Illinois Extension Master Gardeners of Edgar County look forward to a new year of answering your gardening questions. Call us at 217-465-8585.