1. Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea):
- Water: Water deeply once or twice a week initially to establish roots. Once established, they’re fairly drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
- Soil: Well-drained soil is best. They tolerate various soil types but prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Starting: Can be grown from seed or transplanted. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in spring. Transplanting established seedlings is also an option.
2. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta):
- Water: Regular watering until established, then they become drought-tolerant. Water during extended dry periods.
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Well-drained soil; they can adapt to various soil types.
- Starting: Can be grown from seed or transplanted. Sowing seeds directly or transplanting seedlings both work well.
3. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia):
- Water: Regular watering until established; afterward, they are drought-tolerant. Water during dry periods.
- Sun: Full sun; they thrive in hot, sunny locations.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. They tolerate poor soil conditions but do best in moderately fertile soil.
- Starting: Typically transplanted from nursery-bought plants. Starting from seed can be challenging due to slow germination.
4. Sedum (Sedum spp.):
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Once established, they’re quite drought-tolerant.
- Sun: Full sun; they require ample sunlight.
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil. They are tolerant of poor soil conditions.
- Starting: Sedums are commonly transplanted from nursery pots, but some varieties can be started from stem cuttings or seeds.
5. Lavender (Lavandula spp.):
- Water: Water regularly until established; afterward, they’re drought-tolerant. Water deeply during dry spells.
- Sun: Full sun; they thrive in hot, sunny locations.
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. They don’t tolerate excessive moisture well.
- Starting: Generally transplanted from nursery-bought plants due to slow germination from seed.
6. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.):
- Water: Regular watering until established; once established, they’re quite drought-tolerant. Water during prolonged dry periods.
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Well-drained soil of various types; they tolerate different soil conditions.
- Starting: They’re often transplanted from nursery-bought plants. Division of existing clumps is another way to propagate them.
7. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):
- Water: Regular watering until established; once established, they’re drought-tolerant. Water during extended dry periods.
- Sun: Full sun; they tolerate partial shade but bloom better in full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained soil; they tolerate poor soil conditions.
- Starting: Can be grown from seed or transplanted. Sow seeds directly or transplant seedlings.
