How soon after planting can shrubs withstand drought?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.The process of "drought tolerance" takes several years to develop in shrubs, and these plants must be watered with care at first. The plants need to be watered continually for their first one to two growing seasons before they can cope with dry conditions on their own. You create this resilience by judiciously using irrigation to build deep roots.
Initial Establishment Phase
- Lasts 3-6 months after planting
- Requires watering 2-3 times weekly
- Roots extend 6-12 inches deep
Intermediate Growth Period
- Months 6-12 post-planting
- Reduce watering to weekly deep soaks
- Roots reach 18-24 inches depth
Maturation Phase
- Second growing season onward
- Water only during extreme drought
- Roots access groundwater 3+ feet deep
Effective and efficient watering techniques can greatly improve drought tolerance. Use a drip irrigation system to water the roots directly, rather than the foliage. Watering occurs during the early morning whenever possible to minimize loss from evaporation. My drip irrigation system has reduced establishment time by thirty percent. Water deeply, causing roots to develop downward growth.
Observe signs of root development that may indicate readiness for drought. You can see whether they are continuing to expand in dry conditions and can access water. You can also slightly tug a plant to determine if it is firmly anchored with roots. My Lavender seemed to indicate readiness in April when it continued to grow without additional rain. Once established, plants will have more stamina to withstand wilting events.
The preparation of the soil has a significant effect on the rate of establishment. When you amend your planting holes with compost, you can improve their moisture retention. Adding sandy or coarse sand to clay soils also impacts drainage. For both strategies, I include 30% organic matter to accelerate the rate of root expansion. Preparing a proper start may shave months off the establishment time.
Several environmental factors can significantly impact the timing of drought preparations. Warm environments may prolong the establishment phase of plants, which can affect the frequency of necessary watering. In cooler regions, roots will develop more quickly. In my garden in Arizona, the plants require longer irrigation times than those in Oregon. Remember to adjust this schedule according to local conditions.
Read the full article: Top Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Every Garden
