Pat: In Colorado, we can experience all four seasons in one week, but this season is supposed to be extra dry. So we’re here with John Murgel from the Colorado State Extension office to give us some tips on growing in drought. So John, could you tell us a little bit more about the Extension office?
John: Sure thing. So Colorado State University Extension exists to extend science and research-backed information to the public to help you make better decisions about how to succeed with gardening.
Low-Water Annuals and Houseplants Outside
Pat: Great. What are some common annuals that use a little bit less water than you might think?
John: Well, one of my favorites is the one you’re holding.
Pat: Oh.
John: This is an annual geranium, also known as a pelargonium.
Pat: Mm.
John: These are derived from wild South African ancestors. And even though they’ve been bred for these big frilly flowers, they still retain some characteristics for drought tolerance, including this fleshy stem that stores quite a bit of water, allowing these geraniums to go a longer time between waterings while still looking good. Then one thing that people sometimes overlook is that you can find great container plants in the houseplant section. Things like this kalanchoe or this jade plant do really well in sun outside. They often take great foliage color. Just make sure if they have been indoors for a while to gradually acclimate them to full sun, or you could sunburn them.
Low-Water Perennials and Succulents
Pat: At O’Tooles, we get a ton of questions about low-water perennials. John, could you tell us what we’ve got?
John: On this side, we’ve got some salvias, lots of different colors and shapes and sizes. Many of these are rooting very deeply into the soil. That first year, they’ll need a little bit of water when you plant them-
Pat: Sure.
John: … to make sure that they establish. But once those roots go deep down, these are hard to kill with a drought. Things like catmint are related to them. Those are also very drought-tolerant once established. So the important thing to remember with plants like these is you plant them, you have to water them until they’re established.
Pat: Mm.
John: Usually, it’s a big kick in growth, and then you can start to lay off.
Pat: Okay.
John: The other end of the extreme, we have succulents, things like hens and chicks, you can see them. These store water in their bodies, so they’re more able to take dry conditions right away. You still, of course, want to get them established for winter hardiness.
Pat: Sure.
John: These are great options, and even work well in containers.
Tips for Conserving Water and Keeping Annuals Beautiful
Pat: Great. Using less water this year, John, do you have any recommendations for keeping your annuals beautiful all year?
John: One of the easiest things that you can do if you’re able to is just move those annual pots so that they get some afternoon shade. Even full-sun plants here in Colorado need about six hours of sun a day minimum.
Pat: Sure.
John: If they’re getting that, putting them in the shade in the afternoon can help keep that pot cool and save some water. You can also switch the size of your container. Putting your plants in a larger container will help conserve water because that larger container won’t dry out so quickly. And you can consider also using something like a self-watering container, like this one. What’s great about these is that they’ve got this tray on the bottom that catches any extra water. As the top layers of soil dry out, that water is wicked back into the container so that the plants can use it.
Watering Your Established Landscape
Pat: John, do you have any tips on watering your established landscape this year?
John: One of the most important things for people to consider, though, are their established trees. So whether you’re hoping to bring the lawn back after the drought, or whether you’re planning to switch over to a xeriscape, you want to make sure those established trees are getting water. How much water exactly the tree’s gonna need will depend on your soil type. But for most folks, planning to give the tree at least an inch of water per month.
Pat: Okay. With so many questions about drought-tolerant gardening, come into O’Tooles and talk to our experts, and look for these Water Smart plant tags