The reality of a drought tolerant landscape is convoluted. All too often in cultivation, especially in the middle of June when all moisture is pulled from the ground by our unrelenting sun at speeds that frustrate even the most devout water-ers, it is easy to spot parched desert plants, suffering twig dieback, shriveled, drooping, defoliating... and those of us who have had high hopes for a low water landscape have our hands in the air, "...but I thought these were desert plants!?"
What makes a plant drought tolerant? Certainly if it can take the conditions out there in the wild, it should in town. Is there more than a genetic difference between plants in nature and plants in cultivation? Yes there are differences. Consider the following points:
- The plants we set out grew up in a container situation. There is much that needs to take place before a plant can transform from being a container plant to becoming an established plant in the ground, and it means more than just planting it! In the wild, the desert only allows for seedling establishment for many plants on the wettest of years. Even many cacti depend on good rains to establish themselves. Seedlings struggle between each good rain too, and many never make it to adolescent stages. What does this mean? WATER! To get a plant established when new you must keep it moist during this vulnerable period.
- For a desert plant to become a drought tolerant plant it needs to have a well-formed root system. Avoid root-bound plants. When at the nursery, pop those plants out of the containers and look at the root system (any good nursery person will let you, and if they don't, go somewhere else). Avoid the plants with taproots curling around more than a once (especially trees). Avoid plants with solid root masses for a root ball. Basically look for a plant that will root out of its container habits once established.
- A healthy root system doesn't stop at the container stage. Moisture is most often the limitation of a good root system. Many people do not water deeply enough. Most people also water only underneath the plant. The truth is that roots extend quite a distance from the plant, much farther than the canopy. This is especially true with trees. To get a good root system established, there needs to be consistent deep watering so that the roots develop healthy and extensive, not just under the surface of the soil (as shallow and inconsistent watering promotes). Using drip irrigation, set properly, this is accomplished with the least hassle. Watering with a hose poses more challenge. Much water evaporates and/or runs off with hose watering. If using a hose to water, make sure you have plenty of time to let it slowly trickle either in a number of places around the plant, or using berms or wells that are deep and wide enough around the plant, and fill them up numerous times. Watering in early morning or evening will lessen evaporation.
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