It is now January 2009 and most regions of SE Qld, little rain has fallen. At my place, rain has not been seen for around 4 weeks – most unusual for this time of the year.
Plants have been dropping leaves, aborting flowers and fruits. Both native and non-native plants are affected.
Some of the reported tought plants are not so tough. Here are some that are claimed to be drought tolerant but are not for my region (and soil). It is also important to remember that established plants are much tougher than younger plants that have been planted in the last few months.
* Frangipanis (Plumeria species and cultivars)
* Bottlebrushes (Callistemon species and cultivars)
* Ornamental grasses (too many genera and species – most exhibit poor drought tolerance under dry winds and lack of rainfall conditions)
It is not surprising that old-fashioned favourites such as a number of natives like Ivory Curl Flower (Buckinghamia) and non-natives such as Aloes (Aloe species and cultivars) are proving to be ideally suited to these tough times.
I would like to hear from others what you have growing that have failed or successed in recent times. Eager to hear your comments.
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What about 2009, here in Birkdale we went six months three weeks and two days without a single drop of rain. That’s what you call ‘tough gardening’.