In our changing climate, drought tolerant gardening increasingly important, prioritizing water conservation and choice thermophilic plants and arid conditions.
Whether you live in a warmer climate or just want to grow a water-efficient garden that still thrives in the hot summers, drought tolerant plants are an important contributor to the landscape. These plants can withstand stresses that can weaken and even kill other plants.
Drought-tolerant fruit trees are a particular joy for gardeners, providing delicious harvests of their own produce. There is nothing like the taste of perfectly ripe fruit eaten straight from the tree.
Remember that all plants need regular watering after planting, but this need will decrease as the plant matures. Mulching new plants will help the soil retain moisture.
Always choose plants that are appropriate for your USDA hardiness zone and soil type. Drought-tolerant varieties are better suited to warmer areas, but growing fruit trees in containers is an option for colder areas, as they can be grown indoors over the winter. The downside to growing in containers is that it will increase your watering needs.
Discover the best drought-tolerant fruit trees to grow in your garden.
1. Image
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Figs are a luxury fruit that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory recipes. Native to the Mediterranean, the fig tree (FIG tree) is adapted to hot, dry environments and can survive with very little water.
They are well suited to USDA zones 7-11, although there are cold hardy fig tree varieties for zone 5. Besides, growing figs in pots allowing flexibility to move them indoors during winter.
In the garden, trellis for fig tree Leaning against a wall or fence creates an attractive focal point. It is also an ideal space-saving solution if you want to minimize shade created by plants.
Fig trees grow best in full sun, in fertile, well-drained loam soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. They are relatively low maintenance, requiring annual pruning and mulching. Water regularly after planting until the tree is established.
2. Pomegranate
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Widely grown in the Middle East and Mediterranean, pomegranate (Punica granatum) produce delicious, attractive fruit that is packed with symbolism and rich in antioxidants. They thrive in hot, dry climates and are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7-11 – although some zone 6 gardeners have had success in protected areas.
This is also an easy tree to grow from seed and will produce fruit in one to three years. Once established, pomegranate trees are drought tolerant.
The right growing environment is key, as the plant prefers a little more light. alkaline soil with a pH up to 7.5. Neutral soils can be amended with a small amount of limestone or horticultural lime, or acidic soils can be Growing Pomegranates in ContainersThis also gives you more flexibility when it comes to bringing them indoors in cold weather.
Place in a sunny location and water young plants regularly until established. Cover with well-rotted manure or compost in the fall. Plants produce fruit on mature wood and usually do not require pruning.
3. Jujube
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Also known as Chinese dates, jujube tree (Ziziphus jujube) add an exotic touch to the garden. They are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6-11, although some zone 5 gardeners may grow them, as the plants are surprisingly frost tolerant.
Jujubes are small and sweet, with a taste similar to apples. If left on the tree, they dry out and shrivel, like figs.
Plants thrive in full sun in well-drained, sandy soil. Once established, they are low maintenance and highly drought tolerant – although occasional watering will improve fruit production. Fertilise once at the beginning of the growing season.
4. Date palm
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Widely grown in South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a common plant in warm regions of the United States.
There are three main varieties, of which Medjool dates are the most common. Sweet dates can be eaten alone as a snack or as a dessert.
Date palms thrive in hot weather and are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, although they can be grown in zone 8 with extra care.
You will need one male and one female plant to produce fruit, a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Water the tree for the first few months after planting to help it establish, then reduce watering as this may affect fruit production. Fertilize the tree in early spring.
5. Olives
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Evergreen The olive trees (European Oil) are iconic to the Mediterranean landscape and thrive in hot, arid conditions. These versatile fruits are a staple in many recipes.
In general, olive trees are only suitable for USDA zones 9 through 11, but some cold-hardy varieties can be grown in zones 7 and 8. If the weather is colder than this, the tree will not produce fruit and will be susceptible to frost damage.
The solution for cooler regions is growing olive trees in potscan move indoors in winter.
Plant olive trees in full sun in well-drained soil. To increase fruit production, it is best to plant more than one variety of tree close together.
Although drought tolerant once established, the tree will need regular watering in its first year. Pruning is minimal – light pruning to shape it and remove any dead wood.
6. Mulberry
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Mulberry (Morus spp.) are native to Asia and North America and are beautiful, fast-growing ornamental trees – reaching 30-40 feet (9-14m) in height and 25-35 feet (8-11m) in spread.
Their delicious berries are difficult to harvest on a large scale and have a short shelf life, making them rarely found in grocery stores, making them a unique choice for growing in the home garden.
Mulberry trees are hardy in USDA zones 5-10, with some varieties suitable for zone 4. They are hardy, drought-tolerant, and require little watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
There are some downsides, however, as the fruit can stain hardscapes and is also popular with birds, who can leave their own mess. Plant away from paved areas and fences, and clean up fallen fruit regularly.
Mulberry trees also tend to self-seed, so pull out any seedlings by hand. Avoid the invasive white mulberry and opt for the less aggressive red mulberry.
7. Camellia
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Loquat Tree (Japanese Eriobotrya) are adapted to hot, dry conditions and make attractive landscape specimens. They grow about 25 feet (7.5 m) tall with a canopy spread of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m).
The tree produces small fruits that are sweet or slightly sour, and somewhat like apricots. They are delicious eaten fresh, or can be used to make excellent jellies and jams, or used in home baking.
Tolerant of harsh conditions in USDA zones 8-11, hawthorn is drought tolerant once mature but requires regular watering during the early growth stages.
Choose a location with full sun in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Keep the area around the tree free of weeds and mulch. Loquat trees will benefit from a dose of fertilizer three times a year.
8. Citrus
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In general, citrus trees are more drought tolerant than most other fruit trees. However, their adaptation to hot climates varies.
There are options for USDA zones 8-11 and colder areas where container plants can be grown for wintering indoors. The downside is that container plants will need more water.
Grapefruit and tangerines are some of the most drought-tolerant citrus trees, kumquat Lemons and limes are moderately drought tolerant, while limes and lemons are somewhat drought tolerant. Their drought tolerance improves as they mature.
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. While growing, water abundantly but infrequently to encourage deep root formation. Mulch around the base of the plant will help retain soil moisture.
