These general tips refer to recently installed plants. All nursery reared plants (no matter how xeric) need regular supplemental irrigation to develop their root systems over the first growing season. Remember to always group similar water need plants together. Apply a layer of organic mulch or crushed gravel (2”-2 ¾”) around plants to retain soil moisture.

In our typically dry climate plants need monthly irrigation during dry winter months (in non- freezing soil areas). Following a wet winter and spring, established xeric plants need little if any water until the latter part of April or mid-May. Generally plants need less water in the spring and fall and more water during hot, dry summer months. In my own xeric garden my drip system runs for an hour once every 7-10 days during the hot summer months.

Variables that affect watering guidelines are: prevailing winds, slope, soil composition, plant type, mulch cover, planting density and individual plant water needs. Whatever variables your site possesses experiment to find the optimal amount and duration of watering for your site.