Six of the Best Drought Tolerant Plants
Drought-tolerant plants are increasingly vital for British gardeners due to shifting climate patterns and rising summer temperatures.
The UK has experienced more frequent and intense dry spells in recent years and gardeners are looking to adapt to help conserve water but still want gorgeous plants.
Helping conserve water
Drought-tolerant species require minimal watering, helping gardeners conserve water, especially when hosepipe bans may become more common.
Attracting pollinators
These plants also support biodiversity by attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, even in dry conditions. Their resilience makes them ideal for urban and rural gardens alike, thriving in poor soils and requiring less maintenance. This is especially beneficial for gardeners seeking low-effort, eco-friendly landscapes.
Cooling through transpiration
Moreover, incorporating drought-tolerant plants into a garden contributes to climate adaptation strategies. They help mitigate the effects of heatwaves by providing shade and cooling through transpiration.
As water becomes a more precious resource, these plants offer a practical and beautiful solution for sustainable gardening in Britain.
Six of the Best Drought Tolerant Plants in our Range
We’ve selected six of the best drought tolerant plants from our new 2026 retailers’ catalogue.
These would make great displays at garden centres next year and would help met demand from customers looking for plants that tolerant the heat and require very little watering.
Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’
Ajuga Black Scallop is a low-growing mint family plant with sleek and dark foliage. It produces deep blue tubular flowers in spring that attracts pollinators. It grows well in partially shaded, well-drained, moist soil and can be used in rock gardens, woodland gardens and borders. The plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance. Its dense foliage can help suppress weed growth and contrasts beautifully with other plants.
Salvia ‘Belle De Loire’
This two-tone sage produces vibrant yellow and orange blooms in spring, changing to cream and salmon in autumn. It flowers from May to October, attracting bees and pollinators with its fragrant inflorescences. The drought-resistant plant thrives in poor soils, aids in weed control, and adapts well to sunny locations, suitable for both ground planting and containers.
Halimium calycinum
A small mound forming evergreen, with grey-green leaves and golden yellow flowers containing deeper yellow centres. Blooms throughout summer. Suitable for a range of areas, such as rockeries, banks, beds, and containers, as they are drought tolerant once established.
Coprosma repens ‘Pina Colada’
Super glossy, golden yellow leaves turning to orange red in colder weather. Perfect to plant where the full sun can reflect on the kaleidoscope of colourful foliage, it can also bring light to any shady spot. Drought and salt spray tolerant, so great for coastal areas too.
Agapanthus ‘Ever Sapphire’
A fantastic semi dwarf mid blue Agapanthus that starts flowering earlier than average and reblooms throughout the year with multiple flower spikes. Fast growing and drought tolerant. Partner with Agapanthus ‘Ever White’.
Philadelphus ‘Petite Perfume White’
A superb new compact variety giving over six weeks of flower power during the summer. Offering a delicate orange blossom fragrance that just adds to its charm and will attract an abundance of pollinating insects to the garden. This lovely low maintenance gem is perfect for any large or small garden and adapts to any soils. Ideal for planting in borders or containers.
Get more info or order now
If you’re a garden centre or retailer looking for stock for 2026, please get in touch via 01432 845200 or enquiries@wyevale-nurseries.co.uk.
If you would like a copy of our 2026 Retailers’ Catalogue you can download it here (www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk/news-projects/our-2026-retail-catalogues-are-available-to-download-here/).