As the summer temperatures rise, many gardeners find themselves spending more time watering than relaxing. The good news is that you can still enjoy a colourful, vibrant garden by choosing plants that are well suited to hot, dry conditions.
Drought-tolerant plants are a fantastic choice for today’s gardens. Once established, they require less watering than many traditional garden plants while still providing months of colour, fragrance and interest.
Drought-tolerant plants are varieties that have adapted to cope with periods of dry weather. Many have silvery foliage, small leaves or deep root systems that help them retain moisture and thrive in full sun.
They’re ideal for:
Lavender
One of the most popular choices for sunny gardens, lavender offers beautiful purple flowers, wonderful fragrance and attracts bees and butterflies throughout the summer.
Salvia
With striking flower spikes in shades of purple, blue, pink and red, salvias provide months of colour and are loved by pollinators.
Verbena bonariensis
Tall, airy stems topped with clusters of purple flowers add height and movement to borders while thriving in sunny positions.
Agapanthus
Often known as the African Lily, agapanthus produces elegant globe-shaped flowers in blue and white and performs brilliantly during warm weather.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
A fantastic low-maintenance perennial with fleshy leaves that store water, making it exceptionally drought tolerant.
Echinacea (Coneflower)
These daisy-like flowers provide long-lasting colour and continue looking impressive even during dry spells.
Rosemary & Sage
Not only are these Mediterranean herbs excellent in the kitchen, but they also look beautiful in borders and containers while coping well with hot, dry conditions.
Even drought-tolerant plants need watering while they become established. Once settled, they require far less attention.
To help plants thrive:
Container plants are often the first to suffer during prolonged dry spells because compost dries out much faster than garden soil. Choosing the right compost can make a real difference to how well your plants cope with hot weather.
Westland Boost All Purpose Compost contains Moisture Lock Technology, helping compost retain moisture for longer. This is especially beneficial for pots, hanging baskets and containers, where water is lost more quickly. By holding onto moisture more effectively, it makes watering easier, helps reduce plant stress during hot weather and supports healthier, better hydrated plants throughout the summer.
For the best results, combine moisture-retentive compost with regular watering in the early morning or evening and a layer of mulch to help reduce evaporation.
Whether you’re looking to refresh a sunny border, create a Mediterranean-style display or simply choose plants that cope better with the heat, our knowledgeable team are always happy to help.
Visit us in store to explore our fantastic range of drought-tolerant plants and receive expert advice on choosing the perfect varieties for your garden.
Scan your digital card in-store.
Garden Centre
| MONDAY | 09:00 - 17:30 |
| TUESDAY | 09:00 - 17:30 |
| WEDNESDAY | 09:00 - 17:30 |
| THURSDAY | 09:00 - 17:30 |
| FRIDAY | 09:00 - 17:30 |
| SATURDAY | 09:00 - 17:30 |
| SUNDAY | 09:00 - 16:30 |
The Garden Restaurant
| MONDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| TUESDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| WEDNESDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| THURSDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| FRIDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| SATURDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| SUNDAY | 09:00 - 16:30 |
Garden Centre open for browsing only on Sunday until 10:00
Telephone: 01243 756175
Email: customerservice@brickkilngardencentre.co.uk
Bognor Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 1EJ
