Tough Beauties: Drought-Tolerant Stars

Verbena bonariensis, Agastache & Gaura ‘The Bride’

As UK summers grow hotter and drier, more of us are rethinking our planting choices—looking for resilient plants that thrive with less water while still offering colour, movement and pollinator appeal.

If you're planning a sun-drenched, low-maintenance border, look no further than these three standout perennials: Verbena bonariensis, Agastache, and Gaura lindheimeri ‘The Bride’.

Here’s why they deserve a place in every drought-conscious garden:

Verbena bonariensis

Airy, upright, and unstoppable.

This tall, see-through perennial is a favourite for wildlife gardens and naturalistic planting schemes. With wiry stems topped by clusters of purple flowers from June to the first frosts, Verbena bonariensis is both graceful and incredibly tough.

• Drought performance: Once established, it thrives in dry, poor soils and needs very little watering.

• Hardiness: Hardy in most of the UK, especially with good drainage.

• Perfect for: Gravel gardens, cottage borders, and wildflower-style planting.

• Bonus: Loved by butterflies and bees.

Top tip: Cut back in spring rather than autumn—leaving the seed heads over winter adds structure and supports wildlife.

Agastache (e.g. 'Blue Fortune')

Scented spires that thrive in the heat.

Agastache, or giant hyssop, is a magnet for pollinators. With bold spires of blue, purple or pink flowers and aromatic foliage, this herbaceous perennial thrives in hot, dry conditions and brings vertical interest to sunny borders.

• Drought performance: Exceptionally drought tolerant once established—ideal for well-drained soils and raised beds.

• Scent: Foliage has a lovely minty-anise aroma that deters pests.

• Perfect for: Mediterranean or prairie-style planting schemes.

• Bonus: Long flowering season from midsummer into autumn.

Top tip: Plant in full sun and avoid overly rich or wet soil, which can reduce hardiness.

Gaura lindheimeri ‘The Bride’

Delicate, fluttering, and surprisingly tough.

This elegant perennial produces a cloud of white (or soft pink, depending on the variety) butterfly-like flowers that dance in the breeze. Despite its delicate look, Gaura is a hardworking plant that copes well with heat and poor soils.

• Drought performance: Excellent in dry, free-draining spots—happiest when left alone.

• Habit: Forms a loose, bushy mound with flowering stems that keep coming all summer.

• Perfect for: Informal borders, containers, or sunny front gardens.

• Bonus: Great for softening hard landscaping and filling gaps.

Top tip: Avoid overwatering—Gaura dislikes wet feet, especially in winter.

Why These Plants Work So Well Together

• All three love full sun and free-draining soil.

• They provide continuous colour from June into autumn.

• Their contrasting shapes—upright spires, airy stems, fluttery blooms—create a layered, movement-filled display.

• And best of all? They’re low-maintenance and drought tolerant—perfect for gardeners looking to do less watering and more enjoying.

Great for You, Great for Wildlife

These plants are beloved by bees, butterflies and hoverflies—so by choosing them, you’re not just creating a beautiful garden, you’re also supporting biodiversity.

Find Them at Flowerland

Visit us in-store to browse our selection of drought-tolerant perennials. Our team can help you plan a planting scheme that suits your space, supports pollinators, and thrives in the heat.