And so here we are, in the midst of yet another heatwave. With these dry spells becoming more common, it’s a good time to reevaluate what we’re growing in our gardens.
We all love blowsy hydrangeas, but they can be a thirsty customer, likewise loosestrife, lillies, hostas and primulas. With our changing climate in mind, there are a host of tough, drought-resistant perennials to consider next time you’re at the garden centre: plants that can bring strength while still offering colour, variety, texture and value for wildlife.
Dr Emily Attlee, conservation scientist and co-founder of Seedball, echoes this: “With heatwaves and prolonged dry spells becoming increasingly common due to climate change, it’s likely that extreme weather will become the new normal for UK gardens.”
“As drought conditions intensify and hosepipe bans become more frequent, gardeners are understandably looking for ways to build resilience into their outdoor spaces. One answer lies in wildflowers. Many native species are well adapted to cope with dry spells and still deliver an impressive display.”
Below are some hardy plants that keep flowering through a heatwave, particularly with UK summers getting hotter for longer...
Coneflowers
Dr Emily Attlee says: “These vibrant, native wildflowers aren’t just a feast for the eyes – they’re also tough, reliable perennials that return year after year. Easy to grow and adored by pollinators, coneflowers offer long-lasting colour and valuable drought resistance.”
Oxeye daisy
Often seen on roadside verges, oxeye daisies thrive on neglect, Emily explains. She adds: “They do well in poor soil and need very little watering once established. These cheerful self-seeders bring rustic charm to a garden while supporting local pollinators.”
Meadow cranesbill
Young plants may need some water at first, but once established, meadow cranesbill performs brilliantly in dry, well-drained soils, advises Emily. She says: “Part of the geranium family, it produces beautiful violet flowers and supports a wide range of pollinators including bees, butterflies and moths.”
Musk mallow
“With its soft pink blooms and classic cottage garden appeal, musk mallow is both hardy and low maintenance,” says Emily, “It tolerates drought well, disappears in autumn and returns reliably each spring, making it a wildlife-friendly favourite.”
Lavender
Lewis Machin, horticulture buyer at Hillier Garden Centres, says: “Lavender is an excellent low-maintenance shrub choice for garden borders due to its aromatic fragrance and eye-catching flowers. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and can go for a long time without being watered or fertilised. It is also naturally resistant to many common pests and diseases and thrives in poor and nutrient-restricted soil so is a great shrub to introduce for easy border colour.”
Alliums
Lewis adds: “Alliums are a striking and unique feature in a garden border with their tall stems and stunning spherical blooms. Like lavender, alliums are also incredibly drought-tolerant and resistant to many common pests. In fact, their scent is believed to repel many pests (think aphids, carrot fly, slugs and snails) making them an excellent companion plant. Although tolerant to many conditions, alliums prefer full sun and thrive in well-drained soil. Their hardy yet unique appearance makes them an ideal and distinctive addition to any border.”
Sedum
Sedums are a succulent, meaning they store water in their leaves and can tolerate dry conditions well, therefore reducing the need for regular watering.
Lewis adds: “They can grow in a variety of conditions so are likely to thrive wherever you place them. Their fleshy, thick leaves and stems offer a striking contrast to their bold, colourful flowers. These low-lying beauties will add depth to your borders and complement accompanying blooms effortlessly.”
Achillea
Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express, says: “Heat resistant achillea blooms from June through to September and will thrive during a sunny UK summer. It’s fully hardy – it loves the heat of the summer and can tolerate cold winters. Plant in full sun and well-draining soil to avoid winter root rot.”
Eryngium
Eryngium thrives in full sun and poor, well-drained soil where other plants may struggle.
Chris explains: "Once established, its deep roots make it drought tolerant and heat resistant. Prune in spring to encourage new growth – the striking seedheads will add interest to the garden over winter and feed birds.”
Herbs
Looking for something that can also work in the kitchen? Chris says: “Herbs, particularly thyme and sage are tough, drought resistant herbs that grow well in poor soil and sunny conditions. Both require minimal watering and very little care once established.”
A final note
As Dr Emily Attlee explains, drought-tolerant planting is not just about reducing watering; it can also help support a healthier, more wildlife-friendly garden.
She says: “These are just a handful of examples. In fact, most native wildflowers have evolved to cope with drought once established. Many store seeds beneath the soil, ready to regenerate when conditions improve. So, if you're looking to future-proof your garden, wildflowers are a smart, sustainable choice.”
Summer gardening edit
John Lewis VegTrug
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