What evergreen shrubs perform well in dry conditions?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Evergreen shrubs keep their leaves all year long and are very adaptable to dry scenarios, great for water-wise landscapes. These hardy plants produce a constant supply of green foliage and are drought-tolerant once established. Two examples of evergreen shrubs that require little to no irrigation once established are Blue Star Juniper and Heavenly Bamboo.
Blue Star Juniper
- Steel-blue needles retain color through all seasons
- Waxy coating reduces water loss in heat
- Grows slowly to 3 feet (0.9 m) height
Heavenly Bamboo
- Color-changing foliage offers year-round visual interest
- Produces persistent red berries in winter
- Tolerates both drought and occasional flooding
Hopseed Bush
- Evergreen leaves turn bronze in cooler weather
- Fast-growing to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m)
- Handles coastal salt spray and desert heat
New Zealand Tea Tree
- Fine needle-like foliage resists wind damage
- Blooms in white, pink or red varieties
- Established plants need no summer watering
These evergreens utilize specialized drought adaptations to continue their survival. The compact form of Blue Star Juniper helps to minimize exposure. Heavenly Bamboo has berry clusters that help reduce leaf transpiration. Hopseed Bush develops deep tap roots. The New Zealand Tea Tree has small, waxy leaves. Nature has gone to great lengths to provide simple solutions through efficient means.
Maximizing a selected evergreen's drought performance is particularly dependent upon proper placement. Place Blue Star Juniper in rock gardens with improved drainage. Heavenly Bamboo can be planted in more sheltered locations, but should be avoided in harsh afternoon sun exposures. I also use Hopseed Bush for hedgerows and windbreaks along property boundaries.
Care and establishment promote drought adaptability successfully. When establishing new plants, water them deeply twice a week throughout their first summer. Laying organic mulch at the base of the plants will reduce moisture loss through evaporation. After the first twelve months, these evergreens are capable of surviving on the naturally available water. For example, my Blue Star Juniper, which had not been watered in several years, now thrives with no irrigation.
In addition to drought-resistant benefits, these shrubs offer year-round benefits. Blue Star Juniper provides winter shelter for birds, and the berries of Heavenly Bamboo are a food source for overwintering species. Hopseed Bush provides the option of creating a privacy screen. New Zealand Tea Tree naturally resists pests. You receive ecological value from them each day.
Read the full article: Top Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Every Garden
