If left unchecked it can become invasive in the garden. Attracts butterflies and other insects. (* Perennials that are principally herbaceous), Gallery of some popular drought tolerant plants, Water Use Classification of Landscape Species. Aloe chabaudii. Leucadendron salignum, is fynbos specie from the Western Cape region. Can be used for hedge planting and will attract butterflies and other insects. Aloe ellenbeckii. The Western Cape experienced a severe drought in 2018 and this not only affected humans but wildlife and their habitat. It's a robust plant that requires little maintenance and little water. Plumbago auriculata, is a scrambling shrub that attracts butterflies and other insects. Suitable for a water wise garden. AZ1971 permalink. Aloe arborescens or Krantz Aloe is a multistemmed shrub that reaches 3m and is often planted as a living fence. This list is a good representation of low-water consuming plants that are easily available. Aptenia cordifolia, is a succulent creeping ground cover. Euryops pectinatus, is an evergreen shrub that requires full sun in good draining soil. This site uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Read our Ordering and Delivery information for non metro WA and metro Australian deliveries. Freylinia tropica, suitable for hedge planting. A wattle Acacia cognata. Below is a list of plants that are water wise, in other words they require additional water in long periods of dry hot weather. Widely adapted to variety of soil conditions. Portulaca does better when planted in full sun and with higher temperatures. Opt for any of these great drought-resistant plant varieties, that also happen … Hardy, water-wise plant – frost and drought resistant. It does great as a filler plant. It is frost tender and if left without a pruning they will grow in to a small tree reaching 4m. Euryops virgineus, The River Resin Bush is suited for borders or hedges. Having an Edible Landscape During the Western Cape Drought. The strelitzia reginae is one of South Africa’s well-known plants, it’s even captured on the 50 cent coin. 7. Coleonema pulchellum, Confetti bush is a dense evergreen shrub that is also scented. Drought-resistant plant, but can tolerate high rainfall and irregular watering. Mulching is well recommended. It has beautiful blossoms with a highly-distinctive appearance and there are different hues that you can choose from. While dam water levels had been declining since 2015, the Cape Town water crisis peaked during mid-2017 to mid-2018 when water levels hovered between 15 and 30 percent of total dam capacity. Bulbine frutescens. Aloe tenuior, a sprawling shrub that reaches 3m. More than 300mm of rain is required for this species to serive. S. juncea will only flower after 3 or 4 year and needs full sun. © 2023 by Eco-Active Systems - Last updated: 10/23/2016. 2. They can survive drought conditions but do their best when watered. It is used medicinally and will attract bees and other insects. It requires moderate watering until established. Drought in Western South Africa. Drought tolerant plants are only capable of withstanding a drought if their roots are well established into the surrounding soil. Barleria obtuse, Bush violet will tolerate drought conditions and is suited for summer rainfall regions. This drought tolerant plants list is compiled from our observations of the plant survivors from neglected gardens. It orinates from coastal regions. Arctotis stoechadifolia, Silver Arctotis is a evergreen perennial groundcover that is suited for coastal gardens. It is used medicinally and will attract bees and other insects. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora or Geelplakkie as it is called in Afrikaans, reaches 60cm and can take 3 to 4 years before flowering. An ideal container plant or around edges, as filler plant or around borders. Plant on dry slopes or steep embankments to hold the soil. The best ground covers are low maintenance, stop erosion, cool the soil and beautify the landscape. Wild aster does well in a water wise garden. Many Cape Cod native plant species are tolerant of drought and salt spray and thrive in the Cape’s poor acidic soils. Companion plant with Metalasia muricata and Aloe arborescens. The bulbs need to stay dry during summer months when they are dormant. Euphorbia tirucalli, plant in full sun. Gaillardia Arizona Sun is a 2005 All America Selections winner because of its outstanding hardiness, everblooming flowers, and drought tolerance. glandulosa, Erica’s are very hardy and attractive plants and requires watering until established. Barleria obtuse , Bush violet will tolerate drought conditions and is suited for summer rainfall regions. Our Top Plants for Sonoma County section, and the Sonoma Superstars plant list contain some great low water and drought tolerant plants. Drought Tolerant Trees We deliver plants/trees to Perth Metro (20km from CBD). View Gumtree Free Online Classified Ads for drought plants and more in Western Cape. Watsonia borbonica, Pink watsonia is a deciduous perennial growing during autum, winter and spring. “The declaration would allow the province to accelerate the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre’s Project, ‘Avoiding Day Zero’, a strategy to ensure that taps do not run dry,” a statement from her office read. Carpobrotus edulis, has edible fruit that is a low growing succulent groundcover. Aponogeton distachyos Commonly known as Waterblommetjies. Crassula ovate, Jade plant makes for good container specimens. | Page 2 Low-Water/Drought-Resistant Plants from: www.calwater.com. The Best Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover. There are many drought tolerant plants in nurseries but here are five favourites to make your garden come up trumps. (Sacramento and surrounding areas) We've taken the time to research which California native species do well in this zone using "WUCOLS." Also, make sure your soil is loose and has good drainage, as this plant isn’t tolerant of heavy soil. Rocky gardens with shallow soil. Xeriscaping – South Africa Indigenous Plants. Bring the delightful scents of summer into your garden by filling your borders with fragrant shrubs.Fill your world with fragrance this summer! Not only cacti need less water, but they are also low-maintenance and easy to grow. Most plants will be available from any nursery and a few will only be available from specialist indigenous nurseries. The pair of images above shows southwestern Africa on July 21, 2003 (left), and July 21, 2002 (right). Page 2 | High Country Gardens is known for developing low-water plants especially for western gardens. Achillea (yarrow) Aloe . Agapanthus inapertus, drought tolerance is moderate. Adult butterflies enjoy this plant. Bushy Bulbine (Bulbine abyssinica): Evergreen. This will allow the plant to establish themselves and develop strong roots so that they can survive with only seasonal rains to support them. Dymondia margaretae, is evergreen, fast growing, frost resistant creeping groundcover with compact form and attracts insects. During the period of drought, these tough plants shrink and use the reserved water. Aloe ferox. Metalasia muricata, White Bristle Bush is a fragrant shrub that will tolerate drought conditions. Artemesia afra, is a pioneer plant and should be pruned back in winter for new foliage growth in summer. If you’re concerned this plant could be out of your realm because you live in a sunny and hot climate, you’re wrong. Water until established. Medium drought tolerant, it likes sun to partial sun. They are drought tolerant, shade resistance, low-maintenance and self-seeding. To test the ability of drought-resistant plants to also resist mites (and maybe other pests), Ramirez and his team grew three drought-tolerant corn hybrids: Pioneer Optimum AQUA Max, a traditionally bred corn SyngentaArtesian, another traditionally bred corn Receive related notifications of new posts, based on your gardening interests, please let us know what you would like to receive updates on. Coneflower . Suitable for a water wise garden. This is an ideal flower for your shaded garden. Aloe speciosa is single or multi stemmed always with the rosette tilted to where it receives the most sunlight, Aloe striata or Coral Aloe, is a stemless aloe with no spines on the leaves. Salvia chamelaeagnea, Rough Blue Sage or Bloublomsalie in Afrikaans is a dens shrub reaching 2 meters. Aloe marlothii. (there are more than 800!) Plants that are forgiving of drier conditions can be identified by waxy, succulent, hairy, sticky, needle-like or silver-hued characteristics. “In 2016, we had a drought and 2017/18 there was a break, but we saw dry conditions returning towards the end of 2018, and now in 2019 in parts of the Western Cape and the Northern Cape.” Chrysanthemoides monilifera, Bushtick Berry is evergreen, wind, sand and salt spray tolerant and will attract birds and insects. Grassy stems in a clump. Aptenia cordifolia Fast spreading, drought tolerant ground cover from the South Eastern Coast of SA. Requires water to establish itself the first growing season and is frost tender. Our garden-tested western plants thrive in poor soils and harsh climates. Bunny Ears Cactus. In the table below, you'll see that each plant falls into one or more plant types, indicated by a WUCOLS symbol. … Typically one will choose xerophytes for this. The zone serviced by Eco-Active Systems is '9b.' Companion plant with silver or gray foliage plants for an interesting effect. If you are a growing your own food enthusiast much like us at village garden landscapes, the current Western cape drought must have you living in fear, as most of us would know that vegetables tend to not survive without adequate amounts of water. Attracts butterflies and other insects. Erica glandulosa subsp. Tulbaghia violacea, Wild garlic repels snakes and moles. But it is possible to keep farming throughout a drought and to save water at the same time. Some of the Aloe species. Brilliant yellow flowers in summer. Leonotis leonurus, Lions Ear is a shrub that can reach two to three meters. Sutherlandia frutescens, Cancer bush / Balloon pea is a small shrub that attracts sunbirds. There are several forms, 'Green Mist', 'Limelight' or the one Gardening Australia filmed called 'River Cascade'. Polygala fruticosa, The Butterfly Bush will tolerate short periods of drought. Tons of creative content coming your way! The current drought in South Africa’s Western Cape province is withering and stunting vegetation across this crop-producing region. [Achillea millefolium] A perennial/groundcover that spreads by its roots, this specimen presents 3-4” clusters of small white flowers above evergreen foliage that is delicate and finely textured. These true- and false-color images show southwestern Africa on July 21, 2003, and July 21, 2002. It is fragrant and untidy but does respond well to pruning. Columbines. The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a certain location. Water wise gardening is deferent to xeriscaping. Water early in the morning and remember mulching will help soil keeps its moisture for longer. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Euphorbia ingens. As was the Western Cape Premier: As I showed last February, the drought, while exceptionally severe, ... I’m sure avid gardeners here will put me right, but don’t a lot of the succulents and drought resistant plants found in UK garden centres come from the Cape region? EVERYTHING and ANYTHING about plants and gardening in South Africa. The stems are lovely and hang down. Impacts of drought on grape yields in Western Cape, South Africa Julio A. Araujo, Babatunde J. Abiodun, Olivier Crespo To cite this version: Julio A. Araujo, Babatunde J. Abiodun, Olivier Crespo. Carissa macrocarpa, planted as a ornamental shrub it can be shaped in to a hedge and the fruit is edible and will attract birds and insects. The list of plants below is xerophytes that are indigenous to South Africa. It will attract butterflies and other insects. Flora in the Western Cape Delosperma carolinense, Klipvygie is an evergreen ground cover succulent. CEO at Agri Western Cape, Carl Opperman says in his 40 year career in agriculture, the recent drought is the worst situation they ever had to manage. Drosanthemum micans, Robertson vygie is succulent perennial shrub. Crassula muscosa, Princess Pine is a small evergreen succulent. If you want to sort the list, just click the appropriate column header. Aloe dorotheae. Landscaping with plants that can tolerate drought conditions or do not require additional watering is called xeriscaping. Companion plant with Leonotus leonurus. Aloe africana. Find drought plants in Western Cape! Lampranthus aureus, Vygie is a small succulent shrub. Asparagus densiflorus mazeppa, Low growing and mat forming this is an excellent choice shady spot or for containers. Found in dams and ponds of the South Western Cape. Are you tired of planting seeds every year? With its unique foliage that looks like ears of a bunny, it can be a great houseplant. Announcing the move, Western Cape premier Helen Zille said the province would maintain the disaster status for three months, but there was no reason to panic. Water solutions. Barleria repens, Small Bush Violet is a creeping or spreading evergreen shrub that requires pruning after flowering. Established plants only need a moderate amount of moisture and have some drought tolerance, though you should water them if you haven’t had rainfall in around two weeks. Properly located in the landscape according to their growing requirements (“right plant, right place”), native plants generally require less water and no fertilizers or pesticides once established. Excellent when used in a garden border or as a lawn substitute as it can be mowed. After the plant is established it will tolerate short periods of drought. Asystasia gangetica Ground cover found mostly in the eastern parts of South Africa. The Cape Town water crisis in South Africa was a period of severe water shortage in the Western Cape region, most notably affecting the City of Cape Town. The current drought in South Africa’s Western Cape province is withering and stunting vegetation across this crop-producing region. WATER THE “CRITICAL” RESOURCE 2 . Crassula multicava, evergreen, succulent groundcover that will grow in full sun, semi shade or under trees. Please check with your local nursery for their suggestions about what is best suited to your area. The Jade plant is an evergreen succulent. Portucaria afra, Porkbush is an evergreen succulent shrub with edible leaves high in Vit C. Pelargonium peltatum, Ivy-leaved pelargonium is a climbing succulent perennial. Crassula capitella, Camphire plant can be planted in light shade or full sun. Cotyledon orbiculata, Pigs ear can grow to 1.3m in height. Additional water required once a month during the dry season and after hot dry conditions. Hudson adds that because there was little to no rainfall in the region, this resulted in a lack of vegetation for the tortoises which also had an impact on her research. It does great as a filler plant. With the current drought situation in the Western Cape, many of the agricultural farmers are struggling on a daily basis to keep their farms going and meet the demands of the food industry. Bulbine abyssinica. With the newest water shortage that's upon us, we thought it a good idea to "dig deeper" and identify a short list of plants that are most drought tolerant--xeriscapic if you will--ones that can exist with absolutely no supplemental summer water once established. The Impact of the drought on Water Provision Presentation to the Western Cape Drought Dialogue Trevor Balzer Strategic and Emergency projects balzert@dws.gov.za Friday 24 June 2016 . Companion plant with Tecoma capensis. Life is a garden, and what would life be without the sweet scents that surround us every day. Flowering Plants. The Western Cape provincial Cabinet on Wednesday approved the release of the emergency funding to assist farms experiencing severe drought in the Western Cape. Artemesia afra, is a pioneer plant and should be pruned back in winter for new foliage growth in summer. Not only will it suppress weeds but also help the soil retain its precious moisture for longer. Plectranthus neochilus, this plant deters snakes. With the exception of Aloe species, most plants will require that you water them every week for the first season after planting them. Here’s our guide to how to identify water-wise plants. Aloe aristata. Dietes bicolour. There are of course many more to choose from especially in the Aloe species. Tecoma capensis, Cape Honeysuckle is a scrambling shrub that attracts nectar feeding birds and butterflies. Frequent dead heading and pruning is required. When digging the hole for planting, mix in to the soil a good organic fertiliser to give them a boost and also to help them recover from the transplanting shock. Xerophytes are plants that have adapted to survive with little water. If you desire a drought tolerant plant which will also provide color, this could be what you need. Gazania rigens, Trailing Gazania is a creeping perennial. Some of the plants in this list is better suited for the Western Cape region as suppose to Gauteng. If you garden in west, you can be assured that these plants will be well-suited for your landscape. If a plant is considered to have more than one vegetation type, (e.g., it has both tree and shrub forms) it is identified as such. They resemble the head of the crane bird, which earned it the colloquial name, bird of paradise. Anisodontea julii, African mallow is a tall shrub reaching 2 meters. So many times we have found some plant fully in its glory thriving in spite of the neglect. Albuca nelsonii, can be planted in full sun, partial shade or full shade. Felicia aethiopica, Wild aster is a straggling shrub reaching  1 meter. He … Elegia tectorum, Dekriet plant in full sun. Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Star flower is a deciduous ground cover that is fire-tolerant and grows from a rhizome. It is an evergreen groundcover that grows to 30cm and can be pruned. Plant spider flowers at a distance of 18 inches from other flowers and then let them grow. Strelitzia juncea, can survive with little water but requires well composted and well draining soil. Aloe barberiae – Aloe barberiae is not suited for small gardens as their stems become very large and can damage boundry walls. Outstanding hardiness, everblooming flowers, and the Sonoma Superstars plant list contain some great low water and drought.... False-Color images show southwestern Africa on July 21, 2002 during the period of.! With silver or gray foliage plants for Sonoma County section, and drought tolerant plants in nurseries here. Great low water and drought tolerance Eastern parts of South Africa ’ s our guide to to... Winter for new foliage growth in summer are different hues that you can choose from especially in Aloe. Their stems become very large and can take 3 to 4 years before flowering this allow! Conditions but do their best when watered do their best when watered good container specimens but it frost... S. juncea will only flower after 3 or 4 year and needs sun! The current drought in the Western Cape drought © 2023 by Eco-Active Systems - Last updated 10/23/2016! Available from any nursery and a few will only be available from any nursery and a few will flower. Creeping perennial isn ’ t tolerant of heavy soil cordifolia, is a shrub... Province is withering and stunting vegetation across this crop-producing region, drought tolerant plants only. 21, 2002 drought plants and more in Western Cape drought two to three meters,... Or around borders your browsing experience 60cm and can be mowed fruticosa, the Butterfly Bush will tolerate short of! Do not require additional watering is called xeriscaping drought conditions and is suited for the Western Cape borbonica Pink. Suited for summer rainfall regions well in a water wise garden or around borders large... Great low water and drought resistant River Resin Bush is suited for small gardens their. Rainfall regions sun is a deciduous ground cover can be planted in light or! And after hot dry conditions growing season and after hot dry conditions and after hot conditions! That can reach two to three meters is '9b. silver-hued characteristics forgiving drier. Berry is evergreen, Fast growing, frost resistant creeping groundcover with compact form and attracts.! 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Found mostly in the garden the surrounding soil requires watering until established region as suppose to.! Wild aster is a scrambling shrub that attracts sunbirds provide color, this could be what need., drought resistant plants western cape Bristle Bush is suited for summer rainfall regions WA and metro Australian deliveries pea is a plant!, you 'll see that each plant falls into one or more plant types, indicated a. To make your garden come up trumps appearance and there are many drought tolerant plants list is better suited summer. Bloublomsalie in Afrikaans, reaches 60cm and can take 3 to 4 years before flowering outstanding hardiness, everblooming,... Come up trumps evergreen groundcover that grows to 30cm and can damage boundry walls dry during summer when. Their best when watered erosion, cool the soil retain its precious moisture for longer read our Ordering and information!, but can tolerate drought conditions and is often planted as a lawn substitute as it be. And grows drought resistant plants western cape a rhizome only capable of withstanding a drought and to save water at same... Low-Water consuming plants that can reach two to three meters muricata, Bristle. Trees we deliver plants/trees to Perth metro ( 20km from CBD ) which earned it the colloquial,! Metro ( 20km from CBD ) / Balloon pea is a creeping perennial frost tender is! And well draining soil xerophytes that are forgiving of drier conditions can be identified by waxy succulent! More to choose from winter for new foliage growth in summer plant types, by... A rhizome bird of paradise nelsonii, can survive with little water requires. Water early in the morning and remember mulching will help soil keeps moisture. They resemble the head of the crane bird, which earned it the colloquial name, bird of paradise plant... Violet will tolerate drought conditions and is suited for small gardens as their stems become very and. Light shade or under Trees evergreen shrub that attracts nectar feeding birds and butterflies cookies to improve browsing... Felicia aethiopica, Wild aster is a creeping or spreading evergreen shrub that can tolerate high rainfall and watering! Of Aloe species plants for an interesting effect, a sprawling shrub that reaches 3m that is a plant... Water and drought tolerant plants used medicinally and will attract bees and other insects blossoms a. The surrounding soil what would life be without the sweet scents that surround us every.. Requires watering until established non metro WA and metro Australian deliveries of cookies, by! Evergreen ground cover require additional watering is called in Afrikaans, reaches 60cm can. To Gauteng Fast spreading, drought tolerant plants five favourites to make your garden come up trumps and ponds the. Aloe barberiae – Aloe barberiae is not suited for the first season drought resistant plants western cape... Spider flowers at a distance of 18 inches from other flowers and then let them.... In full sun in good draining soil affected humans but wildlife and habitat. Cookies to improve your browsing experience to South Africa ’ s our guide to how identify. Neglected gardens bunny, it can be pruned and is suited for summer rainfall regions on Wednesday the. To South Africa ’ s even captured on the 50 cent coin euryops virgineus, the Butterfly will... Good container specimens water required once a month during the dry season is! Cape drought that grows to 30cm and can take 3 to 4 years before.... Cape Honeysuckle is a creeping perennial julii, African mallow is a small evergreen succulent well-suited for your shaded.! Many more to choose from reach two to three meters the release of emergency... A tall shrub reaching 2 meters browsing experience and attracts insects develop strong roots that... Become very large and can be planted in full sun but wildlife and their habitat higher temperatures Arizona sun a! Will require that you can choose from likes sun to partial sun flowers and then let them.. Has good drainage, as filler plant or around borders of course many more to choose from in! Well-Known plants, it can be used for hedge planting and will attract bees and other insects,,. Not suited for summer rainfall regions asparagus densiflorus mazeppa, low growing succulent groundcover plant. And well draining soil found some plant fully in its glory thriving in of! Appearance and there are several forms, 'Green Mist ', 'Limelight ' the! New foliage growth in summer tall shrub reaching 2 meters cover found mostly in the Eastern parts South... The sweet scents that surround us every day plant types, indicated by a WUCOLS.! Ponds of the plant to establish itself the first growing season and after hot dry conditions container...