Drought Tolerant Plants

Drought tolerant plants by definition are any plant that can withstand periods of dry weather, with little or no precipitation. When we choose plants for drought tolerance we are also looking for toughness to the climatic conditions that also occur in a specific region during periods of drought. These conditions can include increased winds, high or low humidity, cloudiness, increased summer temperatures and decreased winter temperatures. Plants that are selected for drought tolerance most often includes native plants and adaptable plants, ones that have originated near the sites where they are expected to be replanted. They can include any type of plants, from annuals to trees and everything in between. Drought tolerant plants still have to be maintained, they must be watered when they are planted and for several weeks after until they have been established. They should also be watered occasionally through periods of extreme drought and dry conditions, especially when the humidity is high. When humidity is up, plants transpire more, meaning they lose moisture through their leaves, causing the plant to wilt and try and pull more moisture from the root zone.

Drought tolerant plants can be maintained through proper plant placement, care during establishment, and correct trimming and pruning practices.