We’ve written lengthy articles in the past about the importance of a beautiful yard, both to homeowners, home sellers, and home buyers. But what’s a homeowner to do when they want plants, yet live in an area of the country plagued by drought and maybe even water restrictions?
Answer: Choose plants suited for low-water gardening, like one of these 13 perennials that require little water to grow.
Not only does picking a flower or plant like one of the many listed below help beautify your yard and boost your home’s value, but it’s also easier on your water bill and on the planet. Read on for more information about these plants, including details about their climate zone.
Sedum 'Autumn Joy'
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (“Sedum” hybrid ‘Autumn Joy’). This deciduous succulent features flowers that range from deep-pink to bronze and grows to be around 2 feet tall. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it is hardy up to -40 degrees Farenheit. This plant works best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
Yarrow 'Coronation Gold'
Yarrow ‘Coronation Gold’ (Achillea spp.). Blooming from mid-summer to early autumn, these golden yellow flowers are perched atop tall silvery-gray leaves and grow up to around 3 feet high. They take best to areas with full sun and well-drained soil, and are hardy all the way down to -40 degrees Farenheit. This flower grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8.
Silver Artemisias
Silver Artemisias (Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Silver King,’ ‘Silver Queen,’ ‘Valerie Finnis’). With varieties growing anywhere from 18 to 48 inches in height, this plant features silvery-gray aromatic leaves and grows best when subjected to full sun and well-drained soil. It’s hardy down to -40 degrees Farenheit and does well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. (Note: It’s possible for Silver Artemisias to be invasive in some regions, so be sure to contain it or divide it frequently.
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). This attractive daisylike flower with numerous, purple-pink blooms can grow to upwards of 2 to 4 feet in height. Like the rest of this list, they like full sun and well-drained soil best and are also hardy to -40 degrees Farenheit. For best results, plant in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10.
Tall Bearded Iris
Tall Bearded Iris (Iris germanica hybrids). Blooming during the springtime, these recognizable six-petal flowers with fuzzy “beards” and decorative, swordlike foliage can grow up to 27 inches or more in height. They grow the best when planted in well-drained soil in a location with sun. Hardy to -40 degrees Farenheit, they do best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10.
For the remaining 8 flowers and plants on this list — such as the innocent-looking Common Thyme, the beautiful Lavender, and the unique plant called Hens & Chicks — view the original article. (All photos also come courtesy of the original article.)
———————–
Stephanie Huskey is the resident real estate blogger for Movoto and thinks flowers may be the best, and most affordable, way to spice up any yard. (Check the blog for more real estate tips!) Interested in getting her advice on your blog? She’s currently seeking guest blogging opportunities so she can share her knowledge with new communities! You can find her over here at Elance.com.
