Gardening trends can be about a variety of things, from fashionable colors to lighting preferences to mulch type. Some trends go a bit deeper than the hot color or shape of the season though. One of the top gardening trends of 2024, according to HGTV, is growing drought-tolerant native southern plants in more northern regions.
When USDA released its new hardiness zone map in late 2024, many Americans found themselves in new growing zones, hammering home the reality that we live and garden in a world of rapid climate change. Not only are many areas of the U.S. warming, but they are also suffering from more frequent and severe droughts. Many gardeners are responding to this by growing more drought-tolerant plants native to the southeast. While assisted migration — the process of moving a species to a more suitable growing area — is controversial for natural spaces, it can be a practical option for your landscape, especially if it allows you to conserve water.
Perfect southern additions to your garden
Andrew Bunting of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society told HGTV that some of the best southern candidates for joining northern gardens include Mexican dogwood and magnolia grandiflora. Mexican dogwood (Cornus florida var. urbiniana) is a close relative of flowering dogwoods with unusual lantern-shaped flowers. It is generally hardy in zones 6b through 9 and when planted in a sunny spot, can grow up to 30 feet. Magnolia grandiflora is native to the southern United States and is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10. Another large tree, it can reach up to 80 feet.
This trend isn’t only for large trees though, smaller shrubs and flowers native to the southern U.S. can also make great additions to northern gardens. The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), despite being native to the southeast, is hardy in zones 5 through 9 and can be quite drought tolerant once established. The beautiful Indian blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella) is another flower that can be a brilliant drought-tolerant addition to waterwise gardens. Additionally, its flowers are popular with butterflies, and goldfinches often eat its seeds. What more could you ask for?
Native plants and waterwise gardening
Drought-tolerant southern natives are sure to add beauty to your garden even in the hottest parts of summer. These plants will also pair well with many waterwise plants native to the northern U.S., including flowers like coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and even trees like common serviceberry. Creating an entire landscape of drought-tolerant plants means you can have a flourishing garden without your water bill breaking the bank. You could also include drought-resistant plants from around the globe in your garden, like lavender and sage.
It’s no surprise that HGTV found that waterwise gardening is also trending this year. Planting drought-tolerant southern natives is sure to give you a head start on conserving water in the garden. Additionally, putting at least a 2-inch layer of mulch around your garden and landscape and spacing your plants close together will help keep your soil shaded and limit evaporation.
