Droughts pose a vexing challenge to property managers. Beyond boosting property values, colorful commercial landscape efforts benefit the community. Nonetheless, good corporate citizenship also requires water conservation. Happily, a few wise choices can yield beautiful spaces that harmonize with responsible water use.
Prairie Coneflower: With its maroon blooms rimmed in electric yellow, this exceptionally hardy flower thrives in bright sunlight and dry conditions. These plants are highly resistant to typical insect pests, and their odor serves as a natural deer repellant. Occasional heavy waterings spaced out at long intervals will yield long bloom periods.
Gaillardia: Another sun-loving flower, Gaillardia boasts brilliant daisy-like yellow and orange blooms. Usually planted as nursery starts, Gaillardia can thrive in any well-draining soil. Once properly established, this perennial can go without watering in all but the most extreme drought conditions.
Pink Muhly: Easy on the eyes and easy for landscape maintenance, that’s Pink Muhly. Bright green in spring, the plants produce pink blooms that peak in color with late autumn. This ornamental grass can thrive in soil with high salinity, making it ideal for median strips.
Desert Four O'clock: Closing and unfurling with the daily sunlight cycle, this wildflower takes its name from the hour of widest opening. Large magenta blooms with bright yellow anthers characterize Desert Four O'clock. Blooming from April to September, this fragrant flower rarely needs additional watering.
Tradescantia: Need a hardy and colorful plant for your property’s shaded areas? With its reoccurring purple blooms, the Tradescantia family answers the call. An excellent choice for edging, this plant thrives with very light, frequent watering. Shearing the stems at midseason will preserve Tradescantia's handsome appearance.
Monarch Landscaping’s professionals stand ready to help you meet the twin challenges of beautification and water conservation. Contact us with any of your landscaping design, development or maintenance needs.
