Drought-resistant plants are best for long hot summers

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(NC)—Canada is experiencing more consistently hot summer weather rather than short heat waves. These conditions are perfect for tropical, hardy plants like the drought resistant dipladenia rio.

Rio plants have tubers in their roots to store water, making them self sufficient for weeks at a time and well suited to long, hot summers . They are the perfect plant for the novice, the busy gardener or someone seeking low maintenance.

“We travel a lot through the United States and Europe looking for plants to fit our changing climate,” says Jeff Howe, the president of Fernlea Flowers. “I'm not always around to water my plants every week, but these plants are so hardy, they are resiliant for weeks without rain or my watering.” Vacationers and cottagers alike are often away from their gardens for long periods of time, but the Rio flowers will make a garden look well tended rather than neglected for weeks on their own.

Their beautifully shaped trumpet flowers bloom in varying shades of glossy red and pink, grow on twining vines. They show well in a hanging basket or placed as a patio table centrepiece. Also, they can be maintained as a bush around two feet tall if pruned back once flowering is finished.

You can plant them in early May and they will last well into the fall in sun or partial sun. More information is available online at www.fernlea.com, including tips on how to tend tropical plants in your growing area.

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