What's the optimal season for planting drought-resistant shrubs?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Selecting the best time of year for planting will have a significant effect on establishing drought-resistant shrub species and enhancing the long-term survivability of the plant. Drought-resistant shrub species are best established in planting during moderate temperatures, thus avoiding summer heat-related stress and minimizing exposure to freezing conditions in winter. Timing the planting to coincide with the seasonal advantages will create optimal conditions for maximum root development to occur.
Fall Planting
- Soil retains summer warmth encouraging root growth
- Cooler air temperatures reduce transplant shock
- Winter rains provide natural irrigation
- Roots establish before summer drought stress
Spring Planting
- Capitalizes on seasonal rainfall patterns
- Longer daylight hours stimulate top growth
- Avoids winter frost damage risks
- Allows full growing season before dormancy
Seasonal changes are strictly dependent on regional climate. For instance, vegetative planting will occur in the fall in southern hot zones. Conversely, Northern gardeners will prioritize spring planting while avoiding potential hard frosts. For example, my garden in Oregon will thrive when I plant in October, while my clients in Arizona will do well when they grow in February.
Making microclimate considerations can substantially improve your success rate. In spring, you can plant on north-facing slopes that capture moisture runoff. In the fall, consider south exposures that benefit outcomes from residual warmth. I use soil thermometers to probe the soil and verify that the soil temperatures are above 50°F (10°C) at approximately the root depth before planting.
Preparation techniques should differ with the season. For fall plantings, heavily mulch once the ground has frozen to protect the roots. For spring plantings, the soil should be amended with compost to help the plant get a good start before growth begins. I apply mycorrhizae that stimulate root growth in both situations to help the plant establish itself more quickly.
Avoid planting in the summertime, especially in hotter areas. High temperatures cause plants to transpire excessively, which stresses them. If you must plant during the summertime, be sure it's on an overcast day and that you have provided temporary shade cloth for the plants. My emergency planting in July required watering twice a day for the plants to survive.
Keep an eye on weather patterns when planning plantings. In the fall, avoid planting during a drought year and instead postpone planting until rain is in the forecast. In spring, wait for the temperature to stabilize after abnormally cold and wet springs. I usually follow the 10-day estimates and try to choose windows with established mild conditions.
Read the full article: Top Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Every Garden
