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Guide to Choosing Low-Water Hedges for Drought-Prone Areas

slim callistemons

Guide to Choosing Low-Water Hedges for Drought-Prone Areas

As water resources become increasingly scarce, particularly in drought-prone areas of Australia, it’s important to make conscientious gardening choices. Selecting low-water hedges not only conserves an essential resource but also ensures your garden thrives even under challenging conditions. This guide will walk you through the steps for choosing the right hedges for a water-efficient garden, and provide a list of the best options at the end.

slim callistemons

Slim™ Callistemon viminalis ‘CV01’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/slim-callistemon-is-a-great-hedge-for-tight-planting-areas-native-shrubs-ground-covers/

Understanding Your Garden’s Specific Needs

Climate and Soil Type

Before selecting any hedges, learn about your local climate and soil type. Drought-prone areas often have specific characteristics that will influence which hedges are most suitable.

  • Climate: Determine the average temperature range, rainfall patterns, and whether your area experiences extreme weather conditions such as high winds or frost.
  • Soil Type: Conduct a soil test to identify its composition (sandy, silty, clayey, loamy) and pH level. This information will help you choose hedges that are naturally adapted to your garden’s conditions so that you don’t need to amend the conditions too much (although amending with organic matter, hydro crystals and kaolin clay can do wonders for drought-proofing a garden).

Microclimates

Even within a single garden, different microclimates can exist. Notice areas that receive full sun, partial shade, or are sheltered from the wind. These microclimates can significantly affect hedge health and water needs. For example, consider micro climates that may be covered and prevent rainwater reaching the root zone.

Characteristics of Low-Water Hedges

Deep Root Systems

Hedges with deep root systems are better at accessing underground water reserves, making them ideal for drought-prone areas. Look for species known for their extensive root networks.

Foliage Adaptations

Some hedges have evolved unique foliage adaptations to conserve water. These may include:

  • Thick, Waxy Leaves: They reduce water loss by limiting transpiration.
  • Hairy or Reflective Leaves: These leaves reflect sunlight and reduce leaf temperature, thereby conserving water.
  • Small or Needle-Like Leaves: Smaller leaves can minimise water loss.

Growth Patterns

Opt for hedges that grow slowly and have compact forms. These types typically require less water and maintenance. Dense, bushy hedges can be excellent choices since they reduce soil evaporation by providing shade.

Naringa

Naringa™ Westringia hybrid‘WES01’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/naringa-westringia-is-the-best-medium-tall-hedging-plant-available-native-shrubs-ground-covers/

Grouping Hedges by Water Needs

Creating hydrozones—grouping hedges with similar water requirements—allows for more efficient irrigation. This means you won’t overwater drought-tolerant hedges by placing them with thirstier species, and vice versa. It also allows you to allocate more water to certain beds with thirsty plants, and neglect drought-proof beds.

Native vs Non-Native Species

Some people will tell you to choose native hedges because they’re more drought resistant. This is nonsense. Native plants all have different characteristics depending on their local environment and genetic make-up.

How could a tropical rainforest plant from far north Queensland be more drought-proof than a plant from the harsh deserts of Southern Africa?

Instead of lumping plants into “native” and “exotic” categories, consider each species and variety individually.

Cosmic White

Cosmic White™ Rhaphiolepis indica‘RAPH01’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/cosmic-white-rhaphiolepis/

Efficient Irrigation Techniques

Even low-water hedges need some irrigation, particularly during establishment. Employ water-saving techniques such as:

  • Drip Irrigation: Provides targeted watering directly to the root zone, minimising waste.
  • Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weed growth.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Utilise rain barrels to collect and store rainwater for garden use.
  • Rain Gardens: Instead of draining rainwater away from your garden, dedicate the lowest point to becoming a space where rainwater can pool and slowly join the subsoil water table. The plant palette should include plants capable of tolerating both periodic flooding and drought, as the weather conditions vary substantially season to season and year to year.

Sustainable Practices

In addition to choosing low-water hedges, adopt sustainable gardening practices. These include:

  • Composting: Improves soil structure and water retention.
  • Weed Control: Reduces competition for water. Beware of deteriorating soil quality through constant hand weeding – implement an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) plan
  • Mindset: Treat rainwater as a resource, not a waste product to be drained off-site. Incorporate a rain garden in the most depressed parts of a landscape.

Best Hedges for Wet & Dry

The below hedge plants are suitable for both periodic drought and flooding, ideal for positions that lack both drainage and irrigation. Scenarios include rain gardens, bio swales, and poorly landscaped gardens.

Best Hedges for Drought

These hedges are great for positions that you don’t expect to experience wet feet very often or for long periods.

Conclusion

By carefully selecting hedges suited to drought-prone areas and employing water-efficient gardening techniques, you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden that thrives even under challenging conditions. With the right approach, conserving water doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics.

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