Montgomery County and surrounding areas need rain. Some areas have not had precipitation since May. This has led to moderate drought conditions with lasting effects. It has been challenging for both farmers and gardeners. It is important to deep water your outdoor plants about every three days during this time. This is especially true for those planted in the last year. One way to conserve water in your garden is by planting drought tolerant plants. Plants native to our state are especially drought tolerant, as they have built resilience to our climate over generations. Discussed below are three native plants that can grow in a variety of conditions, but are also tolerant to prolonged drought.
Sedum spp.
Stonecrop plants, or Sedum species, are a type of slow growing, creeping succulent. These small flowering perennials can adapt to a wide range of soils, and do particularly well on poor or rocky soils. These small plants produce showy star shaped flowers throughout the summer months in shades of white, red, pink, or yellow. Stonecrop is widely available at nurseries and is often planted as a low maintenance ground cover.
Closeup of pollinator attracting stonecrop flowers. Credit: Patrick Standish
Stonecrop as a ground cover. Credit: Cathy Dewitt
Opuntia humifusa
Prickly pear cactus, or Opuntia humifusa, is the most cold tolerant cactus in North America with a range extending into Canada. It is not plant for a garden frequented by children or pets because of its spines, but it can serve as an effective deterrent against pest animals. This plant is rather slow growing and can take some time to reach its 3-4 ft height. Its large pads, which are actually flattened stems, can be scraped free of spines and sliced thinly for culinary uses. In addition, fruits which follow its yellow flowers can also be eaten when properly prepared. You may see prickly pear growing in the wild in rocky locations around Stanly and Montgomery Counties.
Prickly pear in flower. Credit: Lucy Bradley
Prickly pear fruit, or "pears". Credit: Lucy Bradley
Gaillardia spp.
Next time you take a trip to the coast, take a look at the blooming plants near the shoreline. Blanketflower, or Gaillardia aristata, can often be found along the sandy dunes. A member of the aster family, its blooms resemble sunflowers. The flowers are attractive shades of red, orange, and yellow. Its leaves and petals are covered with soft hairs, living true to its common name of blanketflower. These long lasting flowers can be planted just about anywhere, and require little maintenance or watering once established.
Blanketflower in bloom in Haywood County. Credit: Patty Felder
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