plants that thrive on neglect?

[scotstone]

Can anyone help - I understand some plants live quite well with rare watering.

[$~Jeep~$]

Sempervivum (Houseleek) requires very little watering. They do have to be protected if wet weather is prolonged. So if in pots shelter when necessary.
These are the ones that give good ground cover, often found in rockeries. Suit a dry gravel / sand / grit type medium, and in fact require very little in which to grow.
Have been known to cling to roof tiles!


Cacti and succulents like Aloe Vera also prefer draught conditions.

[$~Jeep~$]

Pelargonium (geranium) are a very varied popular garden plant. They too can be "neglected" when it comes to watering. That is why many people like them for hanging baskets and tubs/planters, because they can survive with less watering than other bedding plants.

[hammerman]

To tell you the truth, most plants whether it be trees or shrubs or bedding will require very little water once they're established. There are exceptions eg hydrangeas require a fairly wet root run whereas palargoniums, begonias, gazanias, mesembryanthemums and quite a few shrubs don't mind the dry.

Generally speaking, most plants which are grown in mediterranean climates but are hardy will do well. Rosemary and lavender....as well as most other herbs will love warm, dry conditions but they must be allowed to get established first.

That's why it's always best to plant stuff in winter when the plant is dormant, and when spring arrives, the plant will start growing and hopefully the weather will be wet and warm...thus establishing the root system for the summer.

This obviously applies to plants that are grown in the ground.....tub grown plants will require dailiy watering whatever they are.

Good luck

[Thunderbird+]

One small example I have is a stone trough that I placed on a roof ledge about 12 years ago and planted with yellow stone crop (sedum). I watered them about 3 times to help them establish and thats all they have had, they put on a great show every year!
most people seem surprised that I never have to water them. the answer lies in the succulent fleshy leaves which store water. Good Luck T bird+