The summer of 2026 has left many gardens scorched and struggling, prompting horticulturalists to re-evaluate their approaches to plant selection and garden maintenance. The prolonged period of extreme heat and unprecedented lack of rain, described as the driest in 190 years in some regions, has led to a declared drought across a significant portion of England and all of Wales.
Many gardeners have experienced the physical toll of trying to keep their plants alive, with some reporting injuries from activities like carrying water, a condition some physiotherapists have dubbed ‘watering can-itis’. The intensity of the heat and the subsequent drought have overwhelmed many, leading to the loss of established plants like beech hedges and dahlias, which previously thrived.
This challenging season has spurred a reconsideration of traditionally water-intensive plants such as hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, petunias, and sweetpeas. Experts, including Monty Don, are rethinking planting palettes to cope with anticipated future droughts. This shift involves embracing a different range of plants and adapting gardening techniques.
Adapting to Aridity
In drier parts of the UK, where summers are often arid, gardeners like Philippa Burrough have found success with plants that are naturally more drought-tolerant. Gaura, sedums, and ornamental grasses have shown resilience, while some roses, surprisingly, have performed well due to their Middle Eastern origins, making them adept at coping with extreme heat. Burrough is undertaking a two-year project to transform her eight-acre garden with more drought-tolerant species and has plans to incorporate shade belts to create more favorable growing conditions.
The current situation presents an opportunity to reset and rethink garden designs, with an emphasis on plants native to sun-drenched Mediterranean regions. These plants, such as jasmine, lavender, rosemary, and oregano, are not only fragrant and beneficial to wildlife but also require less water once established, making them a more sustainable choice for traditional English gardens.
Reviving Lawns and Borders
Parched lawns, often appearing straw-like, are typically dormant rather than dead. Grass conserves moisture during dry spells by turning brown, but its roots remain alive. With the arrival of rain, green shoots are beginning to emerge. Experts advise against aggressive restoration methods like scarifying or reseeding at this stage, as grass needs to be growing strongly to withstand such treatments. Reseeding is particularly discouraged due to the high water requirements for germination. A final pre-winter trim is recommended once the grass has substantially revived. For those considering removing lawns, the absorbent qualities of grass, which are better than hard surfaces, and its wildlife-friendliness are important considerations, especially with forecasts of heavier autumn rains.
Autumn is identified as the ideal time for planting perennials, allowing them to establish deeper roots to access moisture. Drought-tolerant plants like sedums, known for their water-storing leaves, are recommended. Varieties such as ‘Autumn Joy’, with pink flowers, and those with red stems and flowers like ‘Red Cauli’, ‘Matrona’, and ‘Xenox’ are highlighted. Sea hollies (Eryngiums) are also noted for their striking flowers and low water needs once established, with ‘Big Blue’ and ‘Neptune’s Gold’ being suggested.
Catmint (Nepeta), with its deep roots, requires minimal watering after the first year and is attractive to cats and bees. Bearded irises, a cottage garden favorite, thrive in hot weather and come in a wide array of colors. Jerusalem sage (Phlomis), including yellow Phlomis russeliana and pink Phlomis italica, is well-suited to hot conditions. Agapanthus, originally from South Africa, also performs well in sunny spots, becoming very low-maintenance once established. Agastache, a member of the mint family native to North America and Mexico, offers aromatic spikes of tubular flowers in various colors and is loved by pollinators, coping well with dry conditions.
Lavender, a quintessential Mediterranean plant, thrives in full sun with free-draining soil and requires no watering once established. Popular varieties include ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’. Echinops, or globe-thistles, with their blue, globe-shaped flowers, can be encouraged to produce a second flush of blooms if cut back after the first flowering. Leucanthemum, commonly known as Shasta daisies, have demonstrated exceptional resilience, providing continuous blooms with minimal watering, with varieties like ‘Snowcap’ and ‘Ox-Eye’ noted.
Resilient Shrubs and Autumn Action
Shrubs that can withstand the sun include Gaura, with its masses of star-shaped flowers; Hebe, a sun-loving evergreen requiring minimal care after its first year; and Rosemary, an aromatic culinary herb that forms a neat shrub. Perovskia, or Russian sage, offers aromatic leaves and violet-blue flower spikes, being very drought-resistant. Escallonia, often grown in coastal areas, is drought-resistant once established, and Cistus, or rockrose, is described as tough, producing papery flowers in pink or white. Caryopteris, a late-summer shrub with silvery foliage, and Buddleia, known for its butterfly-attracting purple flowers, are also recommended.
Santolina, or cotton lavender, is suited for dry gardens, growing in rocky Mediterranean areas. Well-established roses have also shown significant drought tolerance. When assessing plants that appear dead, checking for green beneath the stem's surface can reveal if they are still alive. Even if no green is visible, mature plants may sprout from the base in spring. Pruning brown stems and mulching are advised.
Deadheading spent flowers on plants like cosmos and dahlias can encourage new blooms. Giving flowering plants a boost with diluted tomato feed or seaweed fertilizer can promote late flowering, especially important for patio pots. Tall plants and young trees should be staked to prevent wind damage. Garden centers may offer end-of-season bargains on ornamental grasses, salvias, heleniums, and echinaceas. For containers, refreshing the soil and planting with autumn favorites like heather, heucheras, cyclamen, and sedums is suggested.
Mulching, a layer of biodegradable material placed around plants, can reduce water evaporation by up to 70 percent and protect roots from heat. Materials like well-rotted manure, wood chippings, and leaf mould are effective. Applying mulch 2-3 inches deep after the soil has been sufficiently moistened by rain is recommended. This practice helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients as it decomposes.