Drought and thoughts on planting trees.
First: after some 70 yrs of gardening and growing stuff I tend to see plants and trees recommended that my personal experiences suggest we should NOT plant. Our main concerns need to be using less water and creating shade as well as absorbing CO2 to help prevent further temperature rises. This does NOT make me a master gardener!
This all brings me back to a book Ray and I read years ago: Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond explores why some civilizations collapse while others survive, identifying key factors like environmental damage, climate change, choices, and population growth. Using historical examples like the Maya, Anasazi, and Greenland Norse, the author Diamond argues that societies often fail due to a combination of these pressures, but some succeed by managing resources and adapting, offering lessons for modern society.
What impressed me most was solutions that successful societies came up with, like planting trees that hold the soil and also provide food! Multitasking idea?
This thought lead me to thinking about climate change and the one huge need to plant more trees. Here is a list from Chris on Saturday and my feedback on them based on important issues such as Japanese beetles, seeds, etc…and then need to add the info about water needs. So, if you are still with me here goes.
Linden Trees require consistent, deep watering during their first 2–3 years to establish roots, typically requiring roughly 1 inch of water weekly. Once mature, they are moderately drought-tolerant but need supplemental water during dry spells to avoid leaf scorch. They prefer moist, well-drained soil, avoiding waterlogged conditions. The flowers are great for bees which they have to fight the Japanese beetles in order to get pollen, etc before the beetle east the flower. Then there is the massive seeds that fall everywhere – in between the deck boards…ugh.
Fruit trees, including crabapples. Fruit trees generally need deep, infrequent watering rather than light, daily watering, with mature trees requiring deep moisture every 1–2 weeks and young trees requiring water weekly. A common rule of thumb is 10 gallons of water per week for every 5 feet of tree width (spread) during hot summer months, reducing in winter. Remember the book entitled Collapse mentioned above.
Hawthorn: Hawthorn trees need consistent moisture, roughly 1 inch of water per week, during their first 1–3 years to establish roots. Once established, they are drought- tolerant, requiring infrequent watering only during dry spells. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered deeply at the base to encourage root development, rather than shallow, frequent watering.
Willow: A mature willow tree can consume up to 100 to 200 gallons of water per day during hot summer months, making them exceptionally thirsty trees often planted to dry out wet areas. They thrive in moist soil, can handle shallow standing water, and have aggressive root systems that can easily find water sources.
Honey locust- (Gleditsia triacanthos) are highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring only moderate moisture. Newly planted trees need weekly, deep waterings for the first 1-2 years to establish roots, typically requiring a slow soak every 10-14 days during dry, hot periods thereafter. They are prolific producers, with a single tree capable of yielding 40–150 lbs of seed pods (legumes) biennially, with each pod containing 10–20 seeds. A mature tree may produce thousands of seeds in a single season. Large crops of pods usually occur every 2-3 years, and they are a key source of food for herbivores. However the seeds can be a pesty, visual annoyance.
Catalpa: Catalpa trees require consistent, deep watering during their first two years (about once a week) to establish roots. Once established, they are quite drought- tolerant but thrive with deep, occasional watering every 10–14 days in summer. They prefer moist, well-drained soil but can adapt to both dry and flooded. However, the seeds are a bit of an annoyance!
Serviceberry tree because bees love the flowers and the small fruit doesn’t liter your lawn because the robins like to feed them to their newly fledged babies. Mature serviceberry trees (Amelanchier spp.) are drought-tolerant once established, requiring only occasional, deep watering during extended dry periods or high heat. While they prefer consistent moisture for optimal fruit production, they generally do not need frequent watering like young trees, thriving with moderate Mature serviceberry trees (Amelanchier spp.) are drought- tolerant once established, requiring only occasional, deep watering during extended dry periods or high heat. While they prefer consistent moisture for optimal fruit production, they generally do not need frequent watering like young trees, thriving with moderate moisture.
Sticky geranium (Geranium viscosissimum): This is a native North American wildflower that provides vital pollen and nectar for a wide array of native bees. It is unique for its glandular, sticky foliage, which can trap small insects to absorb nutrients in poor soil. It has low to moderate water needs and is drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply about once a week (or 1/2 inch every 7–10 days) during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent delicate roots from rotting.
SUMMARY:
Perhaps the best choices are trees that provide shade and food for us or the birds.Do your homework: you can google just about any info on trees.
PERENNIALS.
Agastache (pronounced ah-gah-STAH-shee), commonly known as hummingbird mint or giant hyssop, is a genus of aromatic, drought-tolerant perennials in the mint family (Lamiaceae), prized for their long-blooming, nectar-rich spikes of blue, purple, pink, or orange flowers that attract pollinators. They thrive in full sun and fast-draining soil, making them ideal for xeriscaping.
Centaurea (cornflowers and knapweeds) are generally drought-tolerant, low-water plants once established, thriving in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil. They require regular water during their first year and in prolonged droughts. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can cause floppy stems and root rot, particularly in clay soils.
Veronica (speedwell) plants require moderate, consistent moisture and, once established, are relatively drought-tolerant. Water deeply every 7-14 days, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During extreme heat or in containers, increase watering frequency, ensuring soil does not dry out completely. Some varieties are like ground cover. Do some researching.
Alliums are drought-tolerant, low-water plants that thrive in well-drained soil, generally needing water only once every week to 10 days during dry spells. They require consistent moisture while growing and blooming in spring, but prefer dry, unwatered soil during their dormant period to prevent bulb rot. Do some googling to find different varieties. See me if you want seeds or bulbs.
Asters need consistent moisture, generally about 1 inch of water per week (via rain or irrigation) to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. While drought-tolerant once established, they need regular watering during their first year and during dry, hot weather to thrive and prevent lower leaves from drying out. Google various types.
Baptisia (False Indigo) requires regular watering, about 1 inch per week, during its first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is highly drought- tolerant and rarely needs watering, except during prolonged droughts. They prefer well- drained soil and are susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.
Bee balm (Monarda) requires consistently moist, well-drained soil and thrives with regular watering, roughly once a week, or more during dry periods. They need deep watering, soaking the soil 6 to 8 inches down, particularly in the first year to establish roots. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture, while avoiding wet, soggy, or excessively dry conditions prevents disease. MAYBE NOT… if you have some keep it, otherwise maybe not.
Coreopsis requires consistent moisture when young (about 1 inch per week) but becomes highly drought-tolerant once established. They prefer well-drained soil and only need deep watering during dry spells or extreme heat. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, ensuring the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. They come in lots of different flower types…google it.
Butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa requires low water and prefers dry to medium, well-drained soil. It is highly drought-tolerant once established due to a deep taproot. New plants need weekly watering for the first 4–6 weeks, but established plants rarely require additional water. IT IS NOT THE type that monarch butterflies need to raise their babies and which is invasive… and keep in mind that you don’t want to spend your life controlling a plant that the monarches won’t find because we are not in their migration path.
Campanula also known as bell flowers. Bees love them but they are invasive and hard to kill. Campanula (bellflower) needs consistent moisture, generally requiring water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, typically twice a week. Indoor pot plants need watering when the top third of the soil dries out, roughly 0.8 cups every 9 days. They prefer consistently moist soil, not soggy, and are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THESE BECAUSE THEY ARE INVASIVE AND REQUIRE TOO MUCH WATER.
Catmint (Nepeta) is a highly drought-tolerant, low-maintenance perennial that requires little water once established. New plants need consistent moisture (1-2 times weekly) for the first few weeks, but mature plants prefer to dry out between waterings and only need water during extended dry periods.
Caryopteris (bluebeard) is technically a deciduous shrub, though it is often treated as a woody perennial in colder climates. It forms a small, mounded, woody structure that blooms on new growth from late summer to fall. In cold climates, it may die back to the ground but will grow back in spring. Growing Habit: It is a small woody shrub or subshrub, typically growing 2 to 4 feet high and wide.
Maintenance: It is best to prune it back hard every spring to promote healthy new growth and maintain shape.Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; it is highly drought-tolerant. Uses: Due to its size and late-season blooms, it is excellent for perennial borders, mixed hedges, or sunny, dry garden areas.I PERSONALLY HAVE ZERO EXPERIENCE.
Sedum – UNBELIEVABLE VARITIES… FOR TALLER PLANTS CHOOSE AUTUMN JOY SEDUM. Very dought tolerant, all of them seem to bloom..the colors and sizes and shapes are fascinating. I will be giving away at least 100 plants this fall, so get on my list if you want to get some free. Not invasive although some of the lower growing ones spread out.
Gaillardia (blanket flower) requires regular moisture while young but becomes highly drought-tolerant once established. Water new plants weekly (about 1 inch) during their first season. Mature plants only need supplemental watering during extreme heat or drought, requiring dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil to avoid root rot.
Coneflowers (Echinacea) need moderate water, roughly 1 inch per week, especially during their first year or during hot, dry spells. Once established, they are drought- tolerant, but they prefer consistent moisture to thrive and bloom well. Water at the base, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, to prevent root rot. Variety of colors, etc. fabulous plant, not invasive.
Goldenrod plants require moderate watering to establish roots when young, but become highly drought-tolerant once mature. They thrive with deep, infrequent watering during dry spells and prefer well-drained soil, as waterlogged conditions can cause issues. They are generally low-maintenance and adapted to average, dry, or sandy soils. Where I grew up it was considered a nuisance… a lot of folks are allergic to this flower.
Helenium (sneezeweed) requires consistently moist, well-draining soil and does not tolerate drought. They need regular watering—about 1-2 times weekly—to prevent the soil from drying out, particularly during hot, dry periods and for new plantings. They thrive in damp, fertile soils but are not suitable for stagnant, boggy areas. NOT recommended.
Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium spp.) requires consistently moist to wet, rich soil to thrive, mimicking its natural habitat along streams and in damp meadows. It needs regular watering, especially in its first year, but can tolerate short dry spells once established. NOT RECOMMENDED
Penstemon plants are highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring low to moderate water, typically about 1 inch per week during the growing season. They thrive in well-draining soil and need regular water only until established, after which they prefer that the top inch of soil dries out completely between waterings to avoid root rot.
Pincushion flowers (Scabiosa) require consistent moisture when young but are drought- tolerant once established. Water deeply at the base once a week (or twice in drought/heat), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. They thrive in well-draining soil and need about an inch of water per week, especially during their first year. Are not invasive.
Russian sage (Salvia yangii) is an exceptionally drought-tolerant plant that requires regular water only during its first year to establish, needing roughly 1–2 waterings per week. Once mature, it thrives on neglect and requires little to no extra water, as overwatering leads to root rot, weak stems, and "flopping… HOWEVER, THEY WILL TAKE OVER THE NEIGHBORHOOD AS THEY PROPAGATE EASILY FROM THE SEEDS THEY PRODUCE.
Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) requires consistent moisture during its first season, needing about 1 inch of water per week. Once established, they are drought-tolerant but prefer deep, infrequent watering during dry spells. They thrive in moist, well-draining soil and are susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) requires regular watering during its first four weeks to establish roots, but it is highly drought-tolerant once established. It prefers dry to medium, well-drained soil and is susceptible to fatal root rot in waterlogged conditions. Established plants only need watering during extended dry periods.
Liatris (Blazing Star) requires consistent moisture (about 1 inch per week) during its first year and active growth to avoid stunted flowers. While they prefer moist, well-draining soil, established plants are drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering in dry spells to prevent root rot.
Sidalcea (checker mallow) requires regular moisture when establishing, ideally keeping soil consistently damp during the growing season. Once established, they are moderately drought-tolerant but thrive with supplemental watering during prolonged, hot, dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions, particularly in winter, as they require well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Heliopsis (False Sunflower) is a genus of tough, sun-loving perennials with daisy-like yellow flowers that bloom from mid-summer into fall. Growing 3-4 ft tall, prefer full sun and well drained soil, making them idea for drought-tolerant, deer-resistant pollinator garden plants.
Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) is a drought-tolerant, low-water plant once established, thriving in well-drained, poor soils. Young plants require regular moisture, but mature plants only need water during prolonged, hot dry spells, making them ideal for xeriscaping. Overwatering or waterlogged soil causes root rot. Keep them deadheaded and they’ll bloom all summer.
Butterfly bushes (Buddleia) need regular water during their first season to establish roots, but become drought-tolerant once mature. Water deeply once or twice a week (about 1 inch) to keep soil moist but not soggy. Established plants only need water during long dry spells or extreme heat, as overwatering causes root rot.
Hollyhocks require consistent moisture when young (top 1-2 inches of soil), but become drought-tolerant once established, needing water mostly during hot, dry spells. They generally need about 1 inch of water per week, with a preference for deep watering at the base to avoid fungal diseases like rust. CAUTION- JAPANESE BEETLES LOVE THE FLOWERS.
St. John's Wort requires consistent moisture when first planted but becomes highly drought-tolerant once established. Generally, young plants need about 1 inch of water per week. Established plants thrive in well-drained soil, preferring weekly watering during dry spells, but are adaptable to dry conditions.
Red Birds in a Tree (Scrophularia macrantha) is a drought-tolerant, low-water perennial (USDA zones 4-9) that requires regular moisture during its first growing season to get established. Once established, it requires little water, making it ideal for xeriscaping, though moderate watering keeps it thriving.
Creeping phlox requires moderate, consistent moisture when young but becomes drought-infrequent watering (about 1 inch per week), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Dianthus needs moderate, consistent moisture, typically about one inch of water per week. Established plants are drought-tolerant, but they prefer soil that is kept slightly moist. Water them deeply, once a week, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. NOT GOOD FOR DROUGHT CONDITIONS!
Thyme requires very little water, as it is a drought-tolerant, Mediterranean herb that thrives in dry conditions. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Water established plants every 1–2 weeks, or up to once a month, increasing frequency only during intense, dry summer heat. VARIOUS VARIETIES.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a drought-tolerant perennial requiring low to moderate water, thriving in dry to average, well-drained soils. It needs regular moisture during its initial establishment (roughly 1 inch per week), but once established, it rarely needs watering except during prolonged droughts or extreme dry spells. SOME CAN BE INVASIVE.
Zauschneria (California Fuchsia) is a drought-tolerant perennial requiring well-drained soil, to establish roots, then reduce to minimal watering; overwatering leads to root rot. It is highly xeric and survives on little to no summer water, though deep, sparse watering keeps it blooming and looking best.
Clematis need consistent moisture, typically requiring about 1 inch of water per week, with deep watering 1–2 times a week to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Newly planted vines need more frequent watering (2–3 times a week), while container-grown clematis may need daily watering in hot weather. Since I don’t water mine that much they don’t look that great.
Honeysuckle requires consistent moisture, generally needing about 1 inch of water per week once established, typically once a week. New plants need more frequent watering, roughly every other day for the first two weeks, while container-grown plants may need water 4–5 times per week to prevent drying out. PROBABLY NOT FOR DROUGHT CONDITIONS.
Trumpet vines (Campsis radicans) need regular water during their first 1–3 years to establish, generally requiring about 1 inch per week. Once mature, they are highly drought-tolerant, often needing minimal, supplemental water only during extreme dry spells or, as noted in the Southern Living guide, if foliage wilts. GROWING UP ON A FARM THESE WERE CONSIDERED WEEDS TO REMOVE.
Red Salvia. Hummingbird Feeder-needs consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant once established, requiring watering when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Water deeply at the base, typically weekly, increasing frequency to every 2–3 days during intense summer heat. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Texas Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) Hummingbird feeder - requires minimal water once established, making it highly drought-tolerant. Water deeply once a week during the first year to develop roots, then reduce to occasional watering (every 2–3 weeks) during hot, dry summer weather. Crucially, avoid overwatering, as it leads to root rot; soil must be well-drained.
Vermilion Bluffs® Mexican Sage (Salvia darcyi 'Pscarl') Hummingbird feeder - requires low to moderate watering, thriving as a drought-tolerant perennial once established. Water new plants weekly during their first growing season. Once mature, irrigate deeply about every two weeks, or less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Shade Loving flowers for the Pollinators.
If your yard has more shade than sun it is probably a lot cooler than one that has few shade trees. So assuming you and the pollinators would enjoy more flowers here are a few suggestions as a starting point. These are plants that I’ve accumulated and grown over the time we’ve been in our current house – since March 2011.
Aquilegia, commonly known as Columbines, is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. The genus includes between 70 and 400 taxa with natural ranges across the Northern Hemisphere. Natural and introduced populations of Aquilegia exist on all continents but Antarctica. Aquilegia (Columbine) is best propagated by collecting and sowing seeds in late summer/autumn, or by division in early spring. Seeds require light to germinate and are often sown directly outdoors or indoors in trays. For identical offspring, use root cuttings or lift and divide clumps in early spring.
Anemone (/əˈnɛməniː/) is a genus of flowering plants in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Plants of the genus are commonly called windflowers. We can study the various varieties and their characteristics and colors or just observe that some do very well in full sun and in semi shaded areas. They are easily propagated by scattering the seeds in an area you wish them to grow. Searching on this name you also find there is a marine critter with this same name. These are vigorous plants, so they like rich, fertile soil. Partial shade suits them best, but they will also grow in sun, as long as they don't dry out. They like plenty of rain, but not waterlogging.
Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss) is a low-maintenance, shade-loving perennial known as false forget-me-not, valued for its heart-shaped leaves and spring sprays of tiny, blue flowers. It thrives in Zones 3–9, prefers moist soil, and offers year-round interest with variegated silver-green foliage. It is not toxic to pets or people. It seems to do very well in shady, well mulched areas without a lot of water.
Coral bells (Heuchera) are versatile, low-maintenance perennials grown for their vibrant, year-round foliage (purple, lime, gold, silver) and delicate, airy, bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. Ideal for shade or part-sun gardens, these plants thrive in USDA zones 4-9 and are perfect for borders, containers, and attracting hummingbirds.
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) thrives in partial to full shade, preferring moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8. As a fast-spreading, 6-12 inch tall perennial groundcover, it is ideal for shady woodland gardens, under trees, or as edging. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) thrives with consistent, even moisture, preferring damp, well-drained, and rich soil to maintain its lush groundcover. While it prefers moist conditions, it is surprisingly tolerant of dry shade once established. Water regularly during the growing season (weekly or 2–3 times a week for new plants) to prevent the soil from drying out entirely, especially during hot weather.
Sponsored by Betty Harris and Ray Flesher