FLORAL AND HARDY

These drought-tolerant show stoppers can tough it out

Lavender

This wonderful shrub hails from the Mediterranean, so can handle hot, dry summers. There are many varieties and flowering forms, mostly in pink, white or classic lilac. French lavender (pictured) flowers for most of the year and copes well with subtropical humidity, while English lavender prefers cooler climates.

Portulaca

The low-growing annual succulent is native to South America and known for its drought tolerance. There are many varieties that sport a mass of brightly coloured flowers in red, yellow, pink, white and even stripes. Portulaca thrives in full sun and also does well in pots.

Salvia

A gorgeous plant commonly grown as a perennial, with some annual species. Scented leaves give rise to long spikes of tubular flowers in most colours, including shades of white, red, pink, purple and blue. Plant salvia en masse in garden beds or mingle with hedges or other soft and loose plantings.

Cistus

Common in the Mediterranean and well suited to hot, dry conditions, this evergreen shrub displays white, pink and purple flowers throughout summer. Easy to care for and also disease, drought and salt resistant, it’s a great choice for adding colour to coastal or rock gardens.

FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT

bunnings.co.nz/plants Lavender

(Lavandula spp.) Thrives in hot, dry conditions, but ensure soil is well drained. Grow in pots or use as a low hedge.

Salvia

(Salvia spp.) Plant in a sunny spot in welldrained soil. Prune hard in early spring to prevent straggly growth.

Portulaca

(Portulaca spp.) Use as a groundcover or a bright show stopper in a pot. It needs at least 6-8 hours of full sun to flower.

Cistus

(Cistus spp.) Grow this heat-loving beauty on exposed banks or in dry, rocky areas with poor soil.