Plants for shade

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Planting in full sun means that the plants are exposed to it for the greater part of the day. In such conditions the plants have to contend with bright light and high temperatures which often lead to dry soil conditions. Certain plants have naturally adapted to such conditions.

Plants that can tolerate hot sun normally have a thick skin to the leaf surface, often covered with hairs to act as an insulation to reduce the leaf surface temperature and prevent scorching. The leaf colour is often silvery to reflect both strong light and heat away, and the roots penetrate deeply into the soil in search of moisture.

Planting

Spring is the best planting time. This gives the plant time to establish roots in the soil before the really hot weather arrives and also allows it to become accustomed to the climate before Winter comes.

Good soil preparation is required and digging to 60cm (2ft) deep is not excessive. Adding organic material such as well-rotted farmyard manure, garden compost or a proprietary planting compost is important in order to hold the moisture required.

Heavy soils such as clay may not be suitable for plants recommended for hot dry planting.

Mulching

Mulching with garden compost or spent mushroom compost, cocoa shell or even gravel, will help to cool the soil and protect the roots in Winter. Always keep the mulch directly away from the base of the plant.

Watering and protection

Establishment of plants is the critical time, and always water new plantings well until they are fully established or in periods of drought. Many plants, until established, may be slightly tender and some Winter protection is a good idea.

Trees for sunny places

Varieties of Acacia, Caragana, Eucalyptus and Robinia.

Remedies for dryness

Varieties of Artimesia, Atriplex, Azara, Ballota, Caryopteris, Ceratostigma, Cistus, Convulvulus, Cordyline, Cortaderia, Doryenium, Eleagnus, Euonymous, Genista, Helichrysum, Hippophae, Lavendula, Lavatera, Lippia, Olearia, Perovskia, Phlomis, Pittosporum, Rosmarinus, Ruta, Salvia, Santolina, Senecio, Teucrium, Ulex and Yucca.

Cortaderia (Pampus Grass)

Herbaceous perennials for sunny places

Varieties of Anaphalis, Artemisia, Centranthis, Cineraria, Dimorphotheca, Gypsophila, Helichrysum, Lupinus, Lychnis, Phlomis, Physalis, and Sedum.

	Lupinus
	Sedum

Alpines for sunny places

Varieties of Acaena, Arabis, Aurinia, Cerastium, Dryas, Iberis, Leontopodium, Saxifrage and Thymus.

Saxifrage Lupinus

Annual bedding for sunny places

Varieties of Helichrysum, Mesembryanthemum, and Petunia and many other types do well

Helichysum Varieties of Helichrysum, Mesembryanthemum, and Petunia and many other types do well Varieties of Anaphalis, Artemisia, Centranthis, Cineraria, Dimorphotheca, Gypsophila, Helichrysum, Lupinus, Lychnis, Phlomis, Physalis, and Sedum.

Petunia