Dry & Sunny Native Plants

Sharp drainage, poor fertility, and baking sun characterize a challenging site for most plants. However many of our native plants thrive in this environment and will happily bloom and flourish all on their own.

Sunny and Exposed

When we think of dry gardens we think of wilting plants and having to water continuously. However, many species of native plants are right at home with no watering and no fertilizer.

Penstemon

Delightful plants adapted to the harsh conditions of exposed sites with over 200 species, there is a Penstemon for every site. With dazzling displays of colour from true blues to scarlet reds.

Buckwheats

Not the cereal grains. Eriogonum are wonderful for the front of a dry border with brilliant displays of yellow or cream flowers. Important host plants and excellent ground covers for the rock garden.

Artemisia

This genus includes many different species and some of the natives are particularly useful for adding silver drifts. A. frigida for example is a wonderful addition, creating textural interest in the dry garden.

Wild Blue Flax

These low maintenance gems are truly at home in the dry garden, providing an abundance of sapphire blue blooms that only last a day, but open new blooms everyday for weeks and weeks.