| Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) — This plant possesses elegant spikes of blue flowers in early summer. Choose the planting site carefully because Blue Flase Indigo does not recover well from transplanting. Water it well until it is established. The long tap roots contribute to its drought tolerance. Zone: 4-8. |
(Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder)
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| Dale’s Strain (Heuchera americana) — This plant features a unique silver-blue marbled foliage that grows in mounds, and long wands of white flowers. It makes an excellent ground cover in shady areas and requires afternoon sun in southern areas. Remove the stems of faded flowers and use rich soil amendments. Its ability to grow in dry shade adds to its drought-tolerance. Zone 4-7. |
(Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder)
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| Lady in Red (Athyrium filix-femina) — It features red stems surrounded by bright green, lacy fronds. It needs part or full shade and provides shelter from wind evaporation. Avoid planting it in the sun. This fern tolerates drier soil better than other ferns. Zone: 2-8. |
(Courtesy of Jesmond Dene)
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| Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) — This small, shrubby plant features clear purple spike flowers. Plant it in full sun and average-to-dry soil. It requires extra water until it is established. Leadplant is drought-tolerant mainly due to its deep tap roots. Zone: 1-9. |
(Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder) |
| Little Lanterns Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) — It grows 10” tall with deep red and yellow nodding flowers and blue-green foliage. Keep the soil uniformly moist after it blooms. If the foliage deteriorates, cut the plant to the ground; it will re-grow. Little Lanterns Columbine is drought-tolerant because it can grow in rock gardens and on slopes. Zone: 3-8. |
(Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder)
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Pale or Sweet-scented Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) — Its long, narrow petals sway in wind and drape lightly around the cone. Plant it in groups of three or more. It flowers best in full sun. This proven drought-adaptor can handle heat, humidity and poor soil. Zone: 3-10. |
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