Water wise gardens are made up of drought tolerant plants. Typically there is a mix of cacti and succulents in there, but generally not any food-bearing plants. These plants given in this two part series are all edible and still maintain their drought tolerance. A great addition to any water wise garden, it adds function to any garden plot. For more plant choices, see Part One of the Drought Tolerant Plants That are Edible series.
Society Garlic
Society garlic, also known as pink agapanthus or Tulbaghia violacea, is from the amaryllis family. It is a perennial that grows gray-green grass-like leaves and clusters of lilac or lavender blooms. Flowers are sweetly fragrant while leaves smell like garlic. It grows in full sun with sandy soils. Propagate by division. Society garlic does well in USDA hardiness zones of 7 through 10.
Rosemary
Rosemary, also known as Rosemarinus officinalis, is a member of the mint family. It is a fragrant evergreen shrub that has needle-looking leaves and pale blue clustered flowers. It is a popular kitchen seasoning that grows in well-drained poor soils with full sun. Propagate by cuttings. Rosemary grows well in USDA hardiness zones of 8 through 10.
The sea grape, also known as Coccoloba uvifera, is from the buckwheat, or Polygonaceae, family. It is an evergreen that attracts songbirds and butterflies to the landscape. Leaves are leathery and bright green while the flowers are white and fragrant. Grape-looking clusters of fruit appear on the female plants. Plant in partial shade or full sun and is drought tolerant after it has been established. Propagate by layering or by seed. Sea grape works well in USDA hardiness zones of 10b through 11.
The Japanese quince, also known as flowering quince or Chaenomeles speciosa, is an easy to grow shrub from the rose family. Growing 5 to 10 feet high, it has simple green leaves and blooms in shades of red, white, scarlet, rose, crimson, and pink. Blooms can be single or double. Its fruits can be made into jelly or preserves. Plant this shrub in any soil with a bright sunlight. Propagate by cuttings, seed, or layering. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 4 through 9.
Any of these four plants can be an interesting addition in any garden or landscape. For those looking for a little less maintenance in their gardens, planting water-wise drought tolerant plants can help. For more ideas on drought tolerant gardening, check out the entire desert gardening section on this site.
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