Hot weather heroes for modern gardens
As UK summers become increasingly hotter and drier, gardeners are looking for plants that can thrive with less water while still delivering colour, structure and year-round interest and garden centres need to adjust their offering accordingly.
Fortunately, many plants featured in our 2026 Retailers’ Catalogue are perfectly equipped to handle dry conditions once established.
Why choose plants that don’t need as much water?
Water conservation is becoming increasingly important for gardeners and garden centres alike. Plants that are naturally adapted to cope with lower rainfall:
• Require less watering once established
• Thrive in sunny locations
• Perform well in poor or free-draining soils
• Provide long-lasting colour and structure
• Support pollinators such as bees and butterflies
• Reduce garden maintenance
Many drought-tolerant plants also have distinctive foliage, such as silver, grey or waxy leaves, which help them conserve moisture during hot weather, but also boost their visual appeal.
Our top five ‘star performers’
Agapanthus
Often known as the African Lily, Agapanthus is one of the standout choices for today’s changing climate. Varieties such as Ever Sapphire and Ever White produce stunning flower heads while being specifically noted for their drought tolerance.
Lavender
Few plants are as synonymous with dry, sunny conditions as Lavender. Whether you choose traditional favourites such as Hidcote, Munstead or Vera, or one of the colourful Butterfly Lavenders, these plants thrive in well-drained soils and attract countless pollinating insects.
Salvia
Salvias are rapidly becoming a must-have for modern gardens. Salvia Belle De Loire is particularly noteworthy, being specifically described as drought-resistant and capable of thriving in poorer soils. Its long flowering season and appeal to pollinators make it a valuable.
Rosemary
Rosemary remains one of the toughest garden performers. Varieties such as Miss Jessopp’s Upright and Green Ginger thrive in full sun and cope well with dry conditions once established.
Yucca
For dramatic architectural impact, it’s hard to beat Yucca Citrus Twist. With striking variegated foliage and excellent drought tolerance.
Mediterranean beauties
Many Mediterranean plants have evolved to flourish during long, hot summers.
Cistus (Rock Rose)
Cistus varieties such as Thrive, Sunset and Purpureus are renowned for coping with poor soils, heat and drought.
Convolvulus cneorum
A favourite among garden designers, this evergreen shrub’s preference for full sun and free-draining conditions makes it a natural choice for drought-prone gardens.
Halimium calycinum
This compact evergreen produces bright yellow blooms and is specifically described as drought tolerant once established.
Architectural plants
Great for garden centres wishing to appeal to those looking to create impact without high water demands and for our amenity customers creating municipal planting schemes or working on private projects:
Beschorneria ‘Desert Glow’
Often compared to Yucca but with softer foliage, this exotic-looking plant thrives in full sun and brings a bold, contemporary feel to the garden.
Lomandra ‘White Sands’
This low-maintenance ornamental grass offers attractive variegated foliage and year-round structure, making it ideal for modern planting schemes.
Dianella ‘Destiny’
Featured as one of our top picks in 2026, Dianella Destiny offers striking variegated foliage and is highlighted for its drought tolerance and resilience.
Pollinator-friendly plants
Creating a drought-resistant garden doesn’t mean sacrificing wildlife value. Some of the best pollinator-friendly options include:
• Nepeta ‘Purrsian Blue’ and ‘Kit Kat’
• Eryngium ‘Magical Blue Lagoon’
• Perovskia ‘Prime Time’
These plants provide nectar-rich flowers while thriving in sunny positions that might challenge less resilient species.
Climate-ready Trees
Perhaps the ultimate climate-ready tree is Quercus ilex, the Holm Oak. This evergreen species provides year-round structure, shade and carbon capture while demonstrating excellent drought tolerance once established. Its adaptability to changing climate conditions has made it an increasingly important choice for landscape professionals.
As climate challenges continue to evolve, choosing the right trees today will help create stronger, greener and more resilient landscapes for the future.
Want to know more?
We’re also continually identifying and growing trees that can thrive in challenging conditions while delivering significant environmental and landscape benefits.
Check out our Tree Technical Guide, which features our Climate Champion range. It’s not a sales tool – it’s a practical, handy resource designed to sit on your desk, to accompany you onsite during projects or when you’re with customers in your garden centre plantaria.
Want a printed copy posted to you? Contact us: 01432 845200, enquiries@wyevale-nurseries.co.uk. Please note only customers can request a copy, thank you.
Download your free guide here.
Contact Us
If you need stock, please get in touch with our team of experts to find out more about our range.