Xeriscape Bedding Plants

Maureen McCracken

he right plant in the right place is an important guideline for any garden, but even more so in a Xeriscape. This simple, yet powerful concept—plants should be matched to the growing conditions in the garden—results in healthier plants, requiring less maintenance. In a Xeriscape, this is imperative to attain the low water use objective

of this landscape style. Before choosing plants, it is important to know the soil conditions, natural moisture and light exposure for the planting bed. Once environmental constraints are determined, plants that fit those requirements can be identified. Mini microcosms usually exist within a landscape, where light, moisture and even soil conditions may be different. There may be full sun in the front yard and full shade in the back. Therefore, it is important to group plants with similar soil, light and water needs for the maximum water savings, even within one yard. Choosing the right bedding plants can be fun, but also daunting, as there are so many plant groups and selections to consider. Native plants are usually a good place to start, since by definition they are a natural fit to the area. However, even within native plants, light and moisture needs must be considered. Some good choices for a Xeriscape include: Bellflower, Campanula Blanket Flower, Gaillardia Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta Purple Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea Wild Ginger, Asarum canadense Green-and-gold, Chrysogonum Virginian Joe-pye Weed, Eupatorium maculatum Lily Turf, Liriope muscari Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus Blue Phlox, Phlox divaricata False Solomon's Seal, Smilacina racemosa Spiderwort, Tradescantia Many bulbs are drought tolerant because they are dormant in the summer. An added bonus for many bulbs is their ability to spread and naturalize, thus providing many years of enjoyment, even in a Xeriscape: Daffodils, Narcissus Crocus, Crocus Ornamental Onion, Allium Herbs that come from arid climates are good choices for a dry, sunny location: Oregano, Origanum vulgare Rosemary, Rosemaryinus officinalis Sage, Salvia officinalis Thyme, Thymus vulgaris Yarrow, Achillea millefolium There are many beautiful ornamental grasses that need little to no supplemental irrigation once established: Blue Fescue, Festuca glauca Maiden grass, Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' Pampas Grass, Cortaderia selloana Wild Oats, Chasmanthium latifolium

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The number of perennials available is huge. In this plant group it is also very important to consider the light and moisture requirements of each plant, as there is a large variation. The following perennials are some that are drought tolerant and should grow well in the proper location within a Xeriscape: Artemisia, Artemisia absinthium Bugleweed, Ajuga Reptens Daylily, Hemerocallis Hollyhock, Alcea rosea Iris, Iris cristata Pincushion Flower, Scabiosa caucasica Rose Campion, Lychnis coronaria Shasta Daisy, Chrysanthemum Sedum, Sedum Sunflower, Helianthus Many annuals thrive in full sun. Avoid those that require a lot of water. Annuals to consider in a Xeriscape include: Ageratum, Ageratum Houstonian Calendula, Calendula officinalis Cockscomb, Celosia cristata Cosmos, Cosmos bipinnatus Creeping Zinnia, Zinnia linearis Dusty Miller, Senecio cineraria Globe Amaranth, Gomphrena globosa Marigold, Tagetes erecta Moss rose, Portulaca grand flora Petunia, Petunia x hybrida Salvia, Salvia splendens Spider flower, Cleome hasslerana Statice, Limonium Verbena, Verbena Zinnia, Zinnia elegans Plant all bedding plants at the right time of year, and then mulch, mulch, mulch! Next, sit back and enjoy your Xeriscape, knowing it is good for the environment and good for your pocketbook. MM ______________

An Extension Master Gardener Volunteer since 2006, Maureen McCracken is an avid gardener, and also a Master Composter with Mecklenburg County, NC. Maureen credits her love of flowers and horticulture to her grandmother, who loved all plants and maintained a multi-use cottage garden with flowers, shrubs, fruits and vegetables.