WATERWISE PLANT GUIDEBeautiful plants for sustainable Sunshine Coast gardens

The following garden centres and nurseries offer a 10% discount on the plants featured in this guide. Please present the guide to cashiers before making a purchase. This offer can not be used in combination with other promotions.

B & K SOILS & LANDSCAPE SUPPLY629 Pratt Road, Gibsons604-886-0924

CASEY’S COUNTRY GARDENS5612 Wharf Avenue, Sechelt604-885-3606

DELUXE GARDEN CENTRE & LANDSCAPE SUPPLY6037 Sechelt Inlet Road, Sechelt604-885-9070

EDIBLE LANDSCAPES (by appointment only)1732 Pell Road, Roberts Creek604-885-4505

HALFMOON BAY NURSERY7820 Fawn Road, Halfmoon Bay604-885-2760

JURASSIC PLANTS NURSERY (by appointment only)11269 Sunset Cove Road, Halfmoon Bay604-883-0079

QUALITY FARM AND GARDEN SUPPLY325 Pratt Road, Gibsons604-886-7527

WILSON CREEK NURSERY1709 Ward Court, Wilson Creek604-885-7699

Printed and distributed by the Sunshine Coast Regional District.For more information on water conservation, please call 604-885-6800 or go to www.scrd.bc.ca.

waterwise plants at Sunshine Coast garden centres

DESIGN AND WRITING BY CANDICE MARTINS

waterwiseProtecting our water supply for a growing population.

Most of us don’t worry about water conservation when we choose plants for our gardens. After all, the Sunshine Coast–despite its name–gets a lot of rain. But our summers are dry and our ability to store water is limited. During seasonal dry spells, household water consumption soars as we irrigate thirsty lawns and plants. In 2006, for instance, the Chapman water treatment plant distributed 677,942 cubic metres of water in July compared to 303,110 cubic metres in February. This high water demand drains reservoirs and draws on resources intended for drinking water and fire fighting.

conserving water in the gardenTo reduce water consumption in the garden, select plants that can survive dry summer conditions. They help conserve water for more important uses and shelter water customers from expensive infrastructure expansions. They also free-up time that would normally be spent watering less efficient plants.

cultivating sustainabilityThe plants in this guide are adapted to seasonal dry spells, provided they are grown as described in their preferred conditions. All of the plants are attractive and easy to grow, while most sustain birds and butterflies, and a number produce food crops.

growing knowledgeThere are many other water-thrifty plants suited to the Sunshine Coast besides the ones listed in this guide. Our local garden centres have experts that can help you pick the best plants for your site.

To learn more about conserving water in the garden, see the resources listed on the previous page.

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some gardening termsFertile soil: Soil rich with organic matter and plant nutrients.

Full sun: At least six hours of direct sunlight per day from May through August.

Humus: Decayed plant material that contributes to soil fertility.

Mulch: A layer of material that covers the ground between plants. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture while allowing water and oxygen to reach plant roots. It also discourages weeds and protects plants from fluctuating soil temperatures. Plant-based mulches (commonly referred to as organic mulches) include compost, well-rotted manures, and shredded bark, leaves, and coconut fibre. Rock, gravel, and pebbles also make great mulches.

waterwise gardening resourcesBennett, JenniferDry Land Gardening

Chatto, BethThe Dry Garden

Canada Mortgage and Housing CorporationLandscape Guide for Canadian Homes

Rubin, CaroleHow to Get Your Lawn off Grass

Sunset BooksWaterwise Gardening

www.scrd.bc.ca/infrastructure_water.html

www.xeriscape.org

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THRIFT/SEA PINK ARMERIA MARITIMA

This charming evergreen perennial survives dry, windy conditions thanks to its tough taproot. In spring, papery pink flowers top wiry stems that reach up to 45 cm. Don’t be discouraged by a lackluster performance the first season; like all perennials, thrifts need some time to settle in before cranking out blooms. Great cutting flowers, thrifts thrive in full sun and well drained soil. Set plants 30 cm apart.

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LADY’S MANTLE ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS

Lady’s mantle adapts to a variety of soil and light conditions but tolerates dry weather best when planted in fertile, well-drained soil and protected from strong summer sun. With time-is-money attitude, it quickly establishes clumps 35 cm high and twice as wide. Sprays of tiny chartreuse flowers bloom in May and June. Mulch lady’s mantle with organic material each spring.

ENGLISH LAVENDER LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA

English lavender needs well-drained soil and a sunny place in the garden. To promote new growth and limit unproductive woody stems, prune back stems in mid-spring to 10-15 cm. Grow English lavender en masse or with other drought-tolerant edibles like sage, thyme, oregano, and rosemary.

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FALSE SOLOMON’S SEAL MAIANTHEMUM RACEMOSUM

Naturally occurring throughout much of BC, false Solomon’s seal grows in full or part shade and is drought-tolerant once established. It has smooth, tapered leaves and arching stems, which bear clusters of fragrant white flowers in mid-spring and small red berries in late summer. Grow false Solomon’s seal in humus-rich soil with ferns, vine maples, hostas, or rhododendrons.

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RUSSIAN SAGE PEROVSKIA ATRIPLICIFOLIA

Found from Afghanistan to Tibet, Russian sage needs fast-draining soil to make it through wet Sunshine Coast winters. It has fine grey foliage and produces clouds of small purple-blue flowers in late summer. Cut stems back hard in spring to keep plants from developing long bare stems. Grow Russian sage in hot, sunny locations and mulch it with rock, gravel, or pebbles.

perennialsPerennials invigorate landscapes with colour and texture year after year. Whether used in exuberant abundance or reserved elegance, they always enhance gardens.

The Sunshine Coast’s mild climate allows us to grow perennials from all over the world. Nevertheless, “the-right-plant-in-the-right-place” maxim should guide plant selection. Exposed areas with full sun and sharp drainage need plants adapted to hot arid conditions. Woodland settings, on the other hand, call for shade-lovers that prefer cool, moist environments. Choose perennials that match your site’s conditions and they will thrive with little maintenance beyond supplemental watering for the first year and regular mulching afterwards.

Divide perennials when they show signs of decreased productivity (such as weak centre growth). Plants can be divided in any season, but they generally respond best in early fall. Lift plants from the ground and section them into small clumps with a sharp spade, cutting into the old, woody growth at the centre. Replenish the planting area with fresh soil and keep divisions cool and moist until they are replanted.

CORSICAN HELLEBORE HELLEBORUS ARGUTIFOLIUS

Corsican hellebore is an evergreen perennial that blooms in late winter and early spring. It grows up to 1 m high and wide and is suited to full sun or part shade. Plant Corsican hellebore in well-drained soil with dwarf conifers, hebes, and summer-flowering perennials such as Russian sage and showy stonecrop. Cut faded blooms back at the base.

CUSHION SPURGE EUPHORBIA POLYCHROMA

No shrinking violet, this bold plant adds bolts of bright green and yellow to gardens. It forms low rounded mounds 30 cm high and produces showy bracts (modified leaves that look like flowers) in April and May. Set plants 45 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Handle cushion spurge carefully, as its milky sap irritates the eyes and skin. Mulch plants with gravel, rock, or pebbles.C

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IRISH YEW TAXUS BACCATA ‘FASTIGIATA’

Yews are the elegant beauties of garden parties, lending a sophisticated air to seasonal revellers. Irish yew is a slow-growing columnar shrub that eventually reaches 6 m but can be kept smaller with pruning. It is useful for hedging and does well in shade or sun but needs well-drained soil. The fruit, leaves, and bark of yews are poisonous.

RUGOSA ROSES ROSA RUGOSA CULTIVARS

Rugosa roses are as tough as they are pretty, thriving in hot sun and sandy soil. There are many flower colours and scents to choose from, with bloom times extending from spring to fall. Rugosa foliage resists disease, tolerates salt spray, and takes on gold hues in autumn. A favourite of birds, bees, and butterflies, rugosa cultivars vary in height and spread from 1-2 m and produce large orange-red hips.

RED-FLOWERING CURRANT RIBES SANGUINEUM

An important food source for humming birds, red-flowering currant starts blooming in March when most other plants are hitting the snooze button. This indigenous shrub isn’t fussy about light levels but prefers well-drained soil. Growing up to 3 m high and 2 m wide in sun, red-flowering currant is deciduous and has edible blue berries. Plant it with evergreens, spring-flowering bulbs, and summer-flowering perennials.

GREY’S SENECIO SENECIO GREYI

Perfect for exposed sites with sharp drainage, Grey’s senecio (also known as Brachyglottis greyi) is an extremely drought-tolerant evergreen. Its silvery leaves and bright yellow flowers are well-suited to colourful groupings of California lilac, showy stonecrop, and Russian sage. Grey’s senecio forms soft rounded mounds 1 m high and wide. To promote new growth, cut back old stems by two-thirds in spring.

EVERGREEN HUCKLEBERRY VACCINIUM OVATUM

An adaptable shrub, this Sunshine Coast resident grows in full sun to full shade. It has glossy evergreen leaves and produces pale pink flowers in late spring, followed by edible berries in summer. Evergreen huckleberry can grow more than 2 m high and wide but can be pruned for size. Plant it in well-drained soil amended with humus. Apply a generous mulch of organic material each spring. R

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shrubs Shrubs are garden workhorses. They anchor seasonal plantings and soften buildings, driveways, and retaining walls. Commonly used as hedging or screens, shrubs also provide privacy and establish boundaries. What’s more, they are a valuable wildlife resource, providing food and shelter for animals such as birds and butterflies.

To create a dynamic element in the garden, choose shrubs with features that change with the seasons. For instance, select plants that produce flowers and berries or ones with leaves that turn a different colour in fall. Add layers of texture and year-round colour with a variety of evergreens.

Some shrubs prefer dry, sunny locations while others grow best in soil that retains moisture and in a partly shaded place. Pick plants that suit your site’s conditions and amend your soil if necessary. Help drought-tolerant shrubs establish healthy roots by watering them deeply during dry conditions for their first two years. In spring, add a mulch of organic material, rock, or pebbles to help keep plant roots cool and moist through summer. Spring is also a good time to apply a slow-release fertilizer to shrubs.

CALIFORNIA LILAC CEANOTHUS ‘VICTORIA’

A very drought-tolerant evergreen, California lilac thrives in sheltered spots with hot sun and fast-draining soil. The cultivar ‘Victoria’ has a dense, rounded shape and grows 1 m wide and 2 m high in ten years. In late spring it is covered with blue flowers that attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Tolerant of salt spray, California lilac is suited to seaside gardens. It can be sheared for hedging or left unpruned.

DAVID’S VIBURNUM VIBURNUM DAVIDII

This low-mounding shrub has leathery evergreen leaves, pink flower buds, white blooms, and blue berries. A lovely plant that grows in a range of conditions, it does best in light shade and fertile, well-drained soil. David’s viburnum commonly grows 1 m tall and wide but can get twice as big over many years. It works well with deciduous trees, hardy geraniums, hostas, and spring-flowering bulbs.

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HAZEL TREE CORYLUS AVELLANA

While some plants nourish the soul with beauty, hazel trees feed the belly with tasty nuts packed full of protein and vitamins. Trees reach 6 m tall and almost as wide, requiring full sun and well-drained soil. They don’t compete well with weeds, so keep the nuisance plants at bay with a mulch of cardboard or bark. Encourage young plants to form a shrubby growth habit by pruning back their previous year’s growth by half.

VINE MAPLE ACER CIRCINATUM

Native to the Pacific Northwest, vine maples are great for small spaces or for visually linking low-growing plants to sky-scraping conifers. They produce showy fall colours when planted in sun but grow equally well in shade. Provide vine maples with humus-rich soil and an organic mulch each spring. Trees grow approximately 5 m tall in ten years.

FLOWERING CRABAPPLE MALUS CULTIVARS

Cheerful little trees, flowering crabapples provide months of interest with colourful flower buds, blooms, and fruit. ‘Adirondack’, ‘Snowdrift’, and ‘Strawberry Parfait’ are disease-resistant cultivars that grow 3 m in ten years and reach 6 m high and wide at maturity. Not particular about soil types, they perform best in full sun. Remove leggy vertical shoots that sprout from the tree’s base or from horizontal-growing branches.

CORNELIAN CHERRY CORNUS MAS

Growing approximately 3 m high and wide, this pretty tree is perfect for small spaces. It has scented flowers in early spring, tart red fruit by late summer, and jewel-toned leaves in fall. Cornelian cherry grows in full sun or part shade and prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil. It is a good companion for rhododendrons, camellias, boxwood, spring-flowering bulbs, hardy geraniums, and summer-flowering perennials.

treesTrees add scale to landscapes by breaking up large spaces and framing focal points. They define and compliment other features like entryways, paths, and sitting areas while enriching gardens with form, texture, fragrance, and colour. Trees have practical value in the home landscape too, sheltering households from sun and wind, and filtering air-borne particles and noise. Numerous trees also produce food crops, or serve as a link to the natural world by providing shelter and sustenance for wildlife.

Select landscape trees carefully. Choose ones suited to your site’s soil, light, and dimensions. Keep in mind that roots can extend past a tree’s branches and that trees should not be planted close to underground structures (such as septic fields) and paved areas. Buy plants with healthy leaves or buds, undamaged bark and roots, and well-spaced branches.

Fall and early spring are the best times to plant trees, when weather is cool and rainy. Prepare a planting hole that is at least twice as wide as your tree’s root ball and as deep. Backfill the planting hole with the original soil, amended if necessary. Tamp the soil firmly and water the tree. Apply a layer of mulch to the soil surface, ensuring that the material does not touch the tree’s trunk. Water drought-tolerant trees during dry spells until they establish (typically three years).

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ORNAMENTAL PLUM PRUNUS CERASIFERA

Often mistaken for cherries, ornamental plums bloom earlier in spring and tough-out dry spells better than their famous cousins. With short trunks and rounded tops, they make great climbing trees for kids. Self-sufficient, ornamental plums do not need pruning beyond the removal of damaged or rubbing branches. They ask only for a place in the sun and well-drained soil. Small cultivars grow 5 m high.

PINE TREES PINE SPECIES

Old souls, pines are immensely adaptable. Sometimes overlooked for their lack of blousy blooms, these dependable trees contribute architectural strength and attractive texture to landscapes. Grow them in ordinary soil and full sun with spring-flowering groundcovers, ornamental grasses, and summer perennials. Selections vary in size, so check your local garden centre for plants that suit your space.

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GINKGO GINKGO BILOBA ‘AUTUMN GOLD’

Ginkgos have been around since the days of dinosaurs, proving they are as resilient as they are attractive. Their soft fluttery leaves contrast beautifully with their strong pyramidal forms and rough bark. The cultivar ‘Autumn Gold’ grows 4 m tall in ten years (reaching 12 m at maturity) and lives up to its name with exceptional fall foliage. Plant ginkgos in full or part sun and fertile, well-drained soil.

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COSMOS COSMOS BIPINNATUS

Hailing from Mexico, cosmos bloom in late summer and fall on the Coast, providing late-season nectar for butterflies and humming birds. Start seeds indoors in April or sow them outside in May. Cosmos grow about 1 m tall and prefer full sun and soil amended with organic matter. Do not fertilize or over-water cosmos, as they will produce fewer blooms. These flowers are easy to grow and lovely for cutting.

MOSS ROSE PORTULACA GRANDIFLORA

Moss rose has narrow fleshy leaves and grows about 15 cm high and 30 cm wide during the Coast’s summer season. Plants are available in a range of flower colours, from strong red and yellow to soft pink and white. Native to Brazil and Argentina, moss rose needs hot sandy soil and full sun. Do not set plants out before the weather is warm, as they do poorly in cold rainy conditions.

ZONAL GERANIUM PELARGONIUM X HORTORUM

Geraniums are synonymous with summer. They grow well in containers, in full sun and well-drained soil, happiest when their roots are a bit restricted. Young plants purchased from garden centres bloom from May until frost and can be over-wintered indoors in a cool location. Zonal geraniums are named for the dark green circles on their leaves.

FIELD POPPY/FLANDER’S POPPY PAPAVER RHOEAS

Thin wiry stems support the field poppy’s crimson petals and dark centre. Plants grow 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They suit informal gardens, where they can be grown en masse for spectacular colour from June to August. Sow seeds outside in March or April.

PETUNIA PETUNIA X HYBRIDA

These punchy plants have been hybridized to produce a range of blooms. Some petunias are large with flamboyant ruffles, stripes, and speckles, while others are small and demure. Some are fragrant and some hold up well in rain, but all flower profusely through summer and fall. Grow them in full sun and well-drained soil. Cut plants back halfway in mid-summer to promote compact growth.

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annuals & bedding plantsAnnuals are plants that complete their life cycle in a single growing season. Many are well-suited to waterwise gardens as they sprout with spring rains and set seed during dry summer weather. They are also good plants for those who do not wish to spend time watering and fertilizing since excessive moisture and nitrogen cause many of them to produce lush foliage but few flowers. Use hardy, self-seeding annuals in naturalized areas or informal gardens where they can propagate freely. Tender annuals should be started from seed indoors in April or purchased as young plants from garden centres in June.

Bedding plants are tender perennials, shrubs, and sub-shrubs from hot climes. They grow through our summer months but must be over-wintered indoors or replaced the following year. Most are not suited to sustainable gardening as they often require supplemental water and nutrients to put on a show by summer’s end. Some, however, are extremely drought-tolerant and provide a water-thrifty splash of colour, especially when carried over to the next year. Don’t set bedding plants out early; they will suffer pitiably through cold rain and likely require fresh recruits to take their place.

CALENDULA CALENDULA OFFICINALIS

Calendula flowers emerge in May with daisy-like, edible petals. Purchase plants in late spring or start them from seed in March. Transplant calendulas to a location with full sun or part shade and ordinary well-drained soil. Seeds can be sown outside again in June to ensure plenty of blooms for fall. Calendulas grow 60 cm tall and about half as wide. They make good cut flowers.

CALIFORNIA POPPY ESCHSCHOLZIA CALIFORNICA

Technically a perennial, this tough plant thrives on sandy sun-drenched soil. Sow seeds on flowering sites in spring, when abundant rainfall allows plants to germinate and begin flowering. California poppies grow approximately 30 cm high and wide, with vibrant blooms appearing in late May. They readily self-seed and are suited to naturalized plantings.

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KINNIKINNICK/BEARBERRY ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI

Kinnikinnick is a low-growing evergreen shrub found in sunny sandy locations throughout much of the province. Its small pinkish flowers herald spring and attract hummingbirds, while its red berries add colour to winter landscapes. Kinnikinnick branches set root in soil, allowing plants to spread wide over time. Mulch kinnikinnick with crushed gravel or pebbles.

GOLDEN STONECROP SEDUM ACRE ‘AUREUM’

An extremely hardy plant, golden stonecrop shrugs off freezing temperatures and dry conditions. It grows 8 cm high and 30-45 cm wide, producing star-shaped yellow flowers in June. Set golden stonecrop in full sun and well-drained soil along the edge of beds, in rock gardens, between pavers, or in containers.

GRAPEVINES VITIS VINIFERA CULTIVARS

Plant a grapevine and you will have fruit for munching and wine-making, leaves for dolmathes, and twigs for barbecue skewers. Provide vines with full sun and deeply cultivated soil that contains lots of compost and some lime. Grapevines can be grown up the side of a house or kept low. Read up on pruning techniques for maximum fruit production. Water plants deeply during dry conditions for their first year.

RAMBLING ROSES ROSA ‘PAUL’S HIMALAYAN MUSK’

With their prolific blooms and free-spirited growth, rambling roses are mainstays of cottage gardens. Cultivars like ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ are vigorous growers and drought-tolerant once established. They need full sun and strong support structures, such as a stone wall or a sturdy arbour. Plant ramblers in well-drained, humus-rich soil, and water them deeply during dry conditions for their first summer.

SALAL GAULTHERIA SHALLON

Salal is a shrubby, slow-growing evergreen that eventually forms metre-high thickets. A true Coaster, it appears everywhere from exposed shorelines to darkened woods. Clusters of pinkish-white flowers bloom May through June, with purple berries ripening over summer. Plant salal in fertile, well-drained soil. Water plants during dry weather until they are established and apply a mulch of organic material each spring. D

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groundcovers & climbers Low-growing groundcovers prevent soil erosion, steal space from weeds, and decorate gardens with blooms, foliage, and berries. Many—including the ones featured here—also attract birds, bees, and butterflies.

Groundcovers are most effective when used in mass plantings. Space plants according to nursery tag instructions and mulch the planting area afterwards. Woody groundcovers like salal, cotoneaster, and kinnikinnick need supplemental watering for their first two summers. Beach strawberry and stonecrop will not need extra watering if they are planted in fall or early spring when there is plenty of rain. Avoid planting invasive exotics such as English ivy and periwinkle, as they often invade natural habitats and disrupt ecosystems.

In contrast to groundcovers, climbers make great use of vertical space. Most are strong, heavy plants that require the support of solid structures. Help climbers that twine through or scramble over supports (as opposed to ones that attach to surfaces) get started by securing young plants with ties and by training new shoots. Encourage horizontal growth (which produces flowers and fruit) by wrapping plants around pillars, or by letting them spread across structures.

BEACH STRAWBERRY FRAGARIA CHILOENSIS

As its name suggests, beach strawberry is adapted to sunny sites and sandy, fast-draining soil. It has glossy evergreen leaves and produces white blossoms and small red berries. Beach strawberry grows up to 20 cm tall and propagates by runners, which extend over the ground to form new plants. Native to the Sunshine Coast, it grows well among ornamental grasses, rugosa roses, potentilla shrubs, and California lilacs.

BEARBERRY COTONEASTER COTONEASTER DAMMERI

Bearberry cotoneaster is an evergreen with white spring blooms and scarlet berries that last through winter. It hugs the ground, spreads about 2 m wide, and looks splendid spilling over retaining walls or splashing up against rocks. Grow it in full sun or part shade and well-drained soil. Its vibrant red fruit contrasts nicely with blue-leaved plants like Colorado spruce and blue oat grass.

GIANT NEEDLE GRASS STIPA GIGANTEA

The seed heads of giant needle grass soar on stems over 2 m tall, creating a dramatic statement in the garden. Native to Spain and Portugal, the grass needs a hot, sunny location and fast-draining soil. Plant giant needle grass where it will be backlit by sun, or contrast it against the dark bark of pines. Over-fertilization causes weak, floppy stems.

LITTLE BLUESTEM SCHIZACHYRIUM SCOPARIUM

Little bluestem is a prairie grass adapted to full sun and well-drained soil. Excessive watering and fertilizing cause it to flop, ruining its upright growth habit. Growing 1 m tall and half as wide, little bluestem has green leaves that take on rusty hues in fall. It looks best in mass plantings that sway in the breeze and capture the sun’s glow.

MOSQUITO GRASS/BLUE GRAMA BOUTELOUA GRACILIS

Mosquito grass is named for its nodding flower heads, which resemble the pesky insect. It is native to North America and grows in sandy, fertile soil and full sun. Mosquito grass blooms from June through fall and forms clumps approximately 40 cm high and wide. Its leaves are finely-textured and grey-green.

SWORD FERN POLYSTICHUM MUNITUM

This Northwest icon is well-adapted to our region’s seasonal downpours and dry spells. An evergreen that can reach over a metre in height and width, it naturally occurs in moist woodland settings. Plant sword fern in well-drained, humus-rich soil and full to part shade, and mulch it regularly with organic material. Tidy plants in spring by cutting the previous year’s leaves back at the base.

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FEATHER REED GRASS CALAMAGROSTIS X ACUTIFLORA ‘KARL FOERSTER’

Feather reed grass is an adaptable plant that can tolerate dry spells once established, though it may go dormant during prolonged drought. Voted Perennial of the Year in 2001, the cultivar ‘Karl Foerster’ grows 1.5 m tall and is prized for its dependable good looks. Grow it in humus-rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Cut back plants in early spring.

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ornamental grass, ferns & cycadsOrnamental grasses provide year-round appeal with attractive foliage and seed heads. They rustle and sway in the breeze and look beautiful when backlit by sun. Some produce fiery fall colours that contrast against dark skies and sparkle with frost. Others have blue leaves that work well with the warm-coloured foliage of plants like purple smokebush, or with the red fruit of kinnkinnick and cotoneaster. In winter, ornamental grasses provide relief from bleak landscapes with tan foliage and seed heads that attract birds. Provide grasses with good drainage and water them during dry weather until they are established.

While ornamental grasses evoke prairie landscapes, ferns are always associated with lush environments. Nevertheless, some ferns are remarkably drought tolerant. Such is the case with the sword fern, which grows all over the Sunshine Coast. The secret to its water-wise ways is afternoon shade, humus-rich soil, and a protective mulch of organic material.

You won’t see cycads on any other drought-tolerant plant list even though they handle dry spells well. That’s because the Jurassic-era plants are hard to find. Fortunately, they are available on the Sunshine Coast.

CYCAD CYCAS PANZIHUAENSIS

Bored with geraniums? Got lots of lavender? Then try growing a cycad. An ancient plant that withstands frost and snow, it does best on a raised mound of sandy, fast-draining soil, where it is protected from excessive rain. Cycads prefer full sun but will also grow in dappled shade. Long-lived and slow-growing, they resemble ferns for the first 20 years, after which they look more like palms.

BLUE OAT GRASS HELICTOTRICHON SEMPERVIRENS

With its arching, oat-like seed heads and attractive blue-green foliage, blue oat grass is an excellent grass for coastal gardens. Plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and the company of heaths, heathers, and pines, or summer-flowering perennials such as purple coneflower and goldenrod. Blue oat grass forms clumps 0.5 m high and wide. It should be cut back in late winter or early spring.C

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