Plants for Dry Banks

Plants for dry areas and plants for dry banks, in the garden will become increasingly popular once the cost of water rises higher. A meter is required if a sprinkler is used in most areas. Dry areas and dry banks can be colourful and maintenance free -with the right choice of plants.!

Planting on dry banks need not be a problem.  There are many plants that can grow in dry  situations once they get established. They will need added attention; i.e. watering for maybe a year or so. You could also install a drip/seep line to help in the short term. Plants which will be happy include Lavenders, the low growing Cotoneasters or Hypericum calycinum ( if you want a single plant regime.) Rosemary and the herb Salvias (sages) will also thrive. Some taller plants will include the Berberis family. If the bank is sunny, then try varieties of Cistus (rock rose). 
 
Cistus x purpureus.

There are also many alpine or rockery plants which will suit - particularly the sedum group. Erigeron is also a good plant for this situation. Dianthus (Pinks) will do well, as will the colourful Osteospermum and many of the campanulas. Senecio (Brachyglottis), is good, but cut back after flowering each year.

Campanula lactiflora

Brachyglottis (Senecio) greyii

 Bank planted up with various Lavandula anhgustifolia - The English Lavender.

Other plants which will survive with little additional watering include....

• Achillea millefolium

• Ceanothus repens types

• Eryngium - the Sea Holly

• Euphorbias

• Helianthemum - the rock rose

• Heliotrichton - the Blue Oat Grass

• Lavendulas - all of them

• Rosemary

• Perovskia

• Phlomis fruiticosa

• Santolina

• Verbascum

• Yucca.