On the Drier Side

I have quite a bit to write about water requirements, but until that happens, here is a useful list for your drier areas. Not all of these will thrive in an actual desert, so I also suggest reading each plant description for further details. However, unlike many moisture lovers, where there can be some latitude regarding more or less dampness (unless it is an obligate wetland species), when a plant wants it dry, it really does want it dry (after establishment, of course). Because our winters are not as snow-covered as we would wish them to be these days, siting dryland or upland species properly with good drainage is important for long term success. It isn't the cold that will do the plant in, but the wet. I tend to plant dry-loving plants with their crowns slightly higher than the soil level, which helps keep excessive water off them. And I am likely to pull wet leaves away from these plants the first thing after thaw, so they get some air around the base as the season warms. As with water-loving species, if you do not have the optimal conditions for these plants, consider growing them in troughs or pots, or making a little rock garden, where you are able to control the conditions to suit this beautiful group of plants.

What I will say right now is that plants want to grow and will grow in surprising places, often where humans did not think they could manage, so don't get too rule bound. Observe and take note of the specific conditions.