Ask Anna – September 2025

Happy September! This month, we have a great question! “Anna, my garden bakes in the summer sun, and I can’t always keep up with watering. What are your favourite plants that can handle heat and dry spells here in Ontario?

You’re not alone—Ontario summers can swing from soggy to scorched, and not every plant can keep up. The good news? Numerous beautiful, low-maintenance options thrive with less water once they’re established. Here are my top five personal perennials and annuals that keep my garden looking lush, even during droughts.

My Top Five Drought-Resistant Perennials

1. Echinacea (Coneflower) – Tall, daisy-like blooms in shades from soft pink to fiery orange. Pollinator heaven and tough as nails.
2. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – Sunny gold petals with dark centres that light up the garden from midsummer to frost.
3. Monarda (Bee Balm) – Vibrant red, pink, or purple flower clusters that attract hummingbirds and bees. Once established, it can handle dry spells and adds a burst of cottage-garden charm.
4. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Succulent leaves store water, and the late-season blooms feed bees and butterflies.
5. Nepeta (Catmint) – Soft, aromatic foliage with clouds of lavender-blue flowers. Easy, forgiving, and long-blooming.

My Top Five Drought-Tolerant Annuals

1. Lantana – Tropical clusters in hot pinks, oranges, and yellows that seem to thrive on sunshine alone. Doesn’t require too much deadheading.
2. Portulaca (Moss Rose) – A low, trailing succulent covered in bright, almost neon blooms. Perfect for hot spots and containers.
3. Zinnia (Profusion series) – Compact plants loaded with cheerful blooms. Love the heat and great for cutting.
4. Cosmos – Tall and airy with daisy-like flowers. They bloom better in leaner, drier soil.
5. Gazania – Bold daisies with stripy petals that open in the sun and close at night. Perfect for sizzling borders.

Anna’s Drought-Smart Tips: Water deeply at first: For new plants, water well for the first 2–3 weeks, then gradually cut back. Mulch is magic: A layer of mulch helps keep moisture in and roots cool. Don’t overwater: Once they’re established, these plants prefer less fussing. Full sun means better blooms: Most drought-tough plants thrive with at least six hours of direct sunlight. With the right plants, you can enjoy a colourful, vibrant garden all summer long—without feeling chained to the hose.

If you have gardening questions or need advice, feel free to reach out! You can send your questions to me at [email protected] with the subject line “Ask Anna,” and I’ll happily feature your questions in next month’s NewsMagazine. Stop by Harvest at 2405 Vincent Massey Drive and also at 75 Cornwall Centre Road to pick up your copy of the Seeker each month!

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Anna Varnava

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