Flowering Annuals That Can Grow in Dry Conditions
Below you will find a list of flowering annuals from our plant database that can grow in dry climates. If you click on any of the photos, you will see a Virtual Plant Tag that may contain plant descriptions, usage suggestions and a link to where you can buy that plant.
Certain varieties of drought tolerant bedding plants can handle lower soil moisture levels for months on end and can flourish in areas where there is little or no precipitation for much of the year.
Uses for these flowers vary by variety, but in particular, areas that receive a lot of sun and very little moisture, or only receive rain periodically. These annuals that flower can be grown around patios and decks, sidewalks and driveways and under or around trees, shrubs and evergreens. While these annuals have drought tolerance and can grow for long periods in dry conditions, many also grow equally well in moderate and even moist conditions too.
Many of these annuals with drought tolerance originate in hot, dry climates around the Mediterranean and Africa, primarily from Italy, Greece, Portugal, Canary Island and the large African Island of Madagascar. Some of these tough plants have very complex parentage in the hybridization work over the years. Wax Begonias (Begonia semperflorens-cultorum) have a rather firm, rigid leaf surface that conserves water, yet they look like they would be fragile. Catharanthus roseus known by the common names of Flowering Vinca, Madagascar Periwinkle, Old-Maid and Rose Periwinkle don't even get going in the greenhouse in the mid-late spring until it is quite warm. In pots or hanging baskets the Vinca look like they won't take much abuse. But with their built-in resilience, they will bounce back from a missed watering with surprising quickness and forgiveness.
Annuals that withstand heat and dry conditions are perfect for raised or hanging containers of any sort since any plant that is not directly in the ground dries out faster. To make gardening easier and more satisfactory, several quick and easy steps can be taken to help plants keep from drying out as quickly. One thing that can be done is to be sure to grow the plants in a container sized large enough that the roots won't outgrow it during the growing season. Leave plenty of fresh potting soil for the roots to grow into. Second, there are amazing soil moisture polymers that absorb moisture and release it back to the plant's roots as the soil dries. It is sold in most garden centers and can make gardening more fun.
