Latest news with #droughtresistant
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Lidl's £4.99 drought-resistant plant will thrive ALL summer long – as another 1million households hit by hosepipe ban
LIDL is selling an affordable plant that will keep thriving all summer long and attracts wildlife. The drought-resistant plant is perfect as more households are affected by hosepipe ban despite the scorching temperatures. The supermarket chain has introduced lavender pots for this week's bargains as gardeners will be searching for low-maintenance plants. The beautiful shrub is retailing for only £4.99 and comes in a pack of six. It can be planted in pots or borders, and has a height of 16 to 20cm. To get the most out of your lavender, plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The best part about lavender is that it won't need much watering and prefers to stay on the dry side. Lavender doesn't only adorn your garden, but also has many practical uses from attracting bees to being the base for essential oils. If you're looking to make your lavender grow bigger and bushier faster, a gardener has a 45p hack you can try. HOSEPIPE BAN watering gardens filling paddling pools, hot tubs or swimming pools washing cars, patios, or windows Hosepipe ban for MILLIONS more Brits as fourth water firm is days from imposing restrictions Anyone who doesn't follow the hosepipe ban faces an up to £1,000 fine under the Management Act 2010. All four major water firms are yet to confirm the end date for the hosepipe ban. Up to five more regions could be in a drought by September, according to the Environment Agency. It comes after the Environment Agency declared the Solent and South Downs areas as experiencing "prolonged dry weather" and following the UK being hit with the driest spring in over 100 years. Thames Water said: "This year, the UK experienced one of its warmest and driest springs in over a century. "June was also England 's warmest on record. The Environment Agency has put our area into the prolonged dry weather category. "That's why we need to bring in a hosepipe ban. "It will help protect the environment and make sure there's enough water to go around this summer." MORE LIDL BARGAINS Plus, a viral tan from Lidl has proven to be a fan favourite this summer season. Lidl also has a 55p caffeine drink that fans say could rival the likes of Starbucks.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Five flowers to plant that are perfect for lazy gardeners – they barely need watering
GARDENING experts have revealed the flowers that can transform a garden with minimal effort and upkeep. These vibrant plants, best planted in spring and summer, are adapted to thrive with minimal water, having originated in hot, dry regions like southern Europe and south America. 6 1. Globe amaranth The globe amaranth is 'a lazy gardener's dream', according to Southern Living. These round-shaped flowers, which can be spotted by their striking bright hues of magenta, purple, red and pink, do not require deadheading. They are also heat and drought tolerant, meaning they grow well in full sun and can thrive even in poor soil. Once established, they require little watering and are generally pest-free. 6 2. Summer snapdragon As their name suggests, these flowers are happy basking in the sun in hot weather conditions, where other plants would struggle. Not only are they highly heat tolerant, they are also resistant to most pests and diseases. They are known for their tall flower heads that come in blue, pink and purple. This plant only requires occasional deadheading. Though Summer snapdragons appreciate regular watering, they can handle dry spells well. 6 3. Blanket flowers These blood-orange flowers, native to north and South America, are frequently found growing by beaches. The vibrant, daisy-like plants are known for being drought-resistant and sun-loving. They are also easy to grow, requiring little or no fertiliser. When caring for them, all they require is occasional watering and that for their old flower heads to be trimmed from time to time to allow new growth. They are also not prone to pests and typically bloom continuously through the warmer months. 6 4. Dianthus These pink flowers each have five petals with a frilled or pinked margin. Their flower stems have a distinctive spicy fragrance which calls to mind clove and cinnamon. This plant is also perennial, meaning it will come back every year. Dianthus is compact in size, tolerates cooler temperatures, and can thrive even in containers, requiring only minimal upkeep beyond the removal of spent blooms. 6 5. Ornamental purslane These delicate, brightly coloured flowers require minimal maintenance and prefer less water. Purslane grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and it tolerates heat and drought well. The plant's succulent leaves store water, making it highly adaptable to dry conditions. It spreads quickly, making it effective for ground cover, and does not require fertiliser or pruning beyond occasional trimming to manage growth. 6
