Dry conditions - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Lapeirousia arenicola (Lapeirousia ) is a small shrub, growing 2 to 5 feet in height and width. This native of South Africa can tolerate full sun, as well as heat and drought. This drought tolerant shrub thrives in USDA Zones 9-11 and can survive temporary, light frosts in protected areas.

When establishing this low-maintenance shrub, water only once very week or twice a month during its first year. Be sure to water the plant when the top several inches of soil is dry, as this species does not tolerate standing water. During the first season also apply an all-purpose fertilizer one every two months to promote strong root growth.

This short shrub produces light pink flowers in the summer months boasting a deep red spot at the base of each petal. Once established, Lapeirousia arenicola provides years of easy-care beauty with very little upkeep. In cold regions, it is best to limit gardening to indoor containers or remaining planted in its pot outdoors. Make sure to shelter it from harsh winter temperatures, as it is not a frost-hardy species. During dormancy keep plants rather dry

Enjoy full sun by placing your Lapeirousia arenicola in a warm sheltered spot in the garden and give it moderate water. It prefers dry soils after a heavy threshold of initial watering in order to establish its roots. Too much water will lead to root rot. With the right balance, you will have a blooming, beautiful plant for the sunny days of summer.

Faucaria sp. (Tiger Jaws) is a small plant native to South Africa. It grows to a height of 2 to 5 feet and loves full sun. It requires moderate water when actively growing in the spring and fall but its leaves can survive dry conditions for a long time. Its ornamental foliage has a yellow to orange color. During the growing season, it produces bright yellow and orange flowers which contrasts with its foliage.

Faucaria sp. (Tiger Jaws) is ideal for USDA Zones 9-11 and can be grown in a pot even in cold climates. To ensure the best growth, never let the soil become soggy or too dry; water about once a week. As for fertilizer, use a diluted liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer months. Since Faucaria sp. (Tiger Jaws) is a desert plant, it should be planted in an area with good drainage. During cooler months, it is best to provide some protection from frost.

A very common and conspicuous tree, characteristic of the hottest, driest and stoniest slopes. The leaves are palmately 5-lobed. Flowers are large, bright golden yellow. Seeds covered with silky hairs.

Similar species -Cochlospermum vitifolium

Mundulea sericea, or Silver Bush, is a perennial shrub native to Madagascar and South Africa. It can be grown as a large shrub of 5-10 feet tall or as a small tree of 10-20 feet. Its attractive foliage adds a year-round interest to gardens and makes it an ideal choice for bonsai culture.

The foliage of the Silver Bush has a silvery sheen that comes from the soft hairs that cover the leaves. In cooler months, this foliage may take on a blue-grey hue. It also has a distinctive corky bark that forms after the plant is around 6 months old.

The main attraction of the Mundulea sericea are the clusters of purple, lilac, and pea-like flowers that bloom from early Spring through Summer. Not only do these flowers brighten up any garden, but they also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

This shrub can withstand a range of conditions and is fairly drought-tolerant once established. It prefers full sun to semi-shade and and moderate water. It can also tolerate dry conditions. It is a hardy plant, but will be happiest in USDA Zone 9-11.

For those living in colder regions, the Silver Bush can be grown in a pot or container, which will help protect it from frost. When caring for a potted Silver Bush, it should be kept indoors during frosts and brought outside to a sheltered spot when the temperature is warmer, such as a patio. It should be watered more regularly than Silver Bush planted in the ground, but take care to ensure the soil does not become waterlogged.

Overall, the Mundulea sericea is an attractive, easy to care for shrub that will bring interest to any garden, from its silvery foliage to its vibrant flowers.

It is a member of the Cactus family and therefore has spiny stems. One of the most attractive for use in gardens, it can grow to 9Ft in height but can also be kept pruned into a bushy shrub; it has woody stems, fleshy, pale green leaves, and clusters of bright pink flowers. Pereskia likes full sun and dry conditions. Propagation is by means of cuttings. See Cacti page info

Boswellia sacra is the primary tree in the genus Boswellia from which frankincense, a resinous dried sap, is harvested.

Boswellia sacra is a tree with papery, peeling bark and leaves clustered at the ends of tangled branches. It has compound leaves and an odd number of leaflets, which grow opposite to one another along its branches. Its tiny flowers, a yellowish white, are gathered in axillary clusters composed of five petals, ten stamens and a cup with five teeth. Boswellia Sacra trees are considered unusual for their ability to grow in environments so unforgiving that they sometimes grow out of solid rock. The initial means of attachment to the rock is unknown but is accomplished by a bulbous disk-like swelling of the trunk.

In habitat, it's a medium to large size tree. One of the stranger-looking of the flowering trees that is very popular for bonsai culture. May be pruned to size to make an unique indoor plant. Beautiful flowers develop from long cylindrical buds that open with a slightly explosive sound. This plant can be confused with a Turtle Shell Plant: on pictures by Brenda Bock you may see the base of the bonsai - and the turtle shell type markings. The tree is cultivated mainly for its flowers, but like other species of the genus, its fruits contain seeds with large fibers attached to the seed coat, which are used commercially.

Retama sphaerocarpa is a xerophytic, leafless leguminous shrub.

Pachypodium bispinosum is native to South Africa and is a small shrub reaching between 2 to 5 feet in height. To get the bushier shape and abundance of flowers, prune it regularly. The plant is an eye-catching one with its strong, spiny and succulent limbs, spines, and waxy, thick leaves. It enjoys full sun position in the garden, however, it also tolerates semi-shade. Pachypodium should be watered moderately and tolerate dry conditions quite well when established.

The most attractive feature of the plant is the sweetly scented, white or off-white flowers, with a blush of pink at the center. In a sunny blue sky day, the bright magenta of the red and crimson, vinous colors are irresistible.

It is a deciduous plant and the leaves will drop off in cold winter temperatures, showing the impressive caudex that occurs where the trunk is covered with soft and grainy thorns or spines.

These plants are grown mainly in USDA Zone 9-11, with some reports of success in Zone 8. It can also be grown in pots, in colder regions. In Southern Europe, the plants are sometimes grown as houseplants, such as in Germany and the UK, where it is sometimes ok to keep the pot outside during warmer months, provided the temperature does not drop below 40F. During the cold winter months, water the plant sparingly and, if the temperature drops too low, bring the plant in to a bright and airy room and keep it totally dry.

These plants are relatively hardy and low-maintenance, and a great option if you looking for an exotic perennial to add to your garden. With some care and attention, you can ensure that you get a beautiful, unique and eye-catching specimen worthy of any garden.