Drought-Tolerant Crops for Scotland: The Top 5 That Actually Hold Up in Dry Spells

Rosemary, thyme, sage, globe artichoke and asparagus are the five crops here described as drought tolerant (RHS). Rosemary is the best all-round pick: fairly drought tolerant once established and easy in the ground or a container. Established asparagus is the best vegetable, since it only needs watering in long dry spells. Globe artichoke is productive in a border, but water it in hot, dry spells while the buds form. All of them need water in their first year, and thyme roots rot in damp conditions, especially in winter.

Is drought a Scottish problem?

Much of eastern Scotland is sheltered from the rain-bearing westerly winds. The East Lothian, Fife and Moray Firth coasts receive less than 700mm of rainfall in an average year, against over 1,500mm in the southern Grampians and over 3,500mm over the higher parts of the west Highlands. Late winter and spring are normally the driest part of the year in the east, and April to June in the west, so new plants need watering through those spells.

Water restrictions are a possibility too, though the last hosepipe ban in Scotland was in 1995 and Scottish Water would only consider one as a last resort. In 2025 there was none despite a dry winter, record-breaking temperatures and low river levels, with reservoir levels in the east of Scotland at 51% against an average of 81% for the time of year. A water shortage order under the Water Resources (Scotland) Act 2013 is the legal route. See the hosepipe ban rules.

When to plant

Plant in spring. The best time to plant rosemary is in spring, once the soil is starting to warm up, and asparagus crownsThe base of a perennial plant where roots and shoots meet, often sold and planted as a ready-made dormant plant rather than grown from seed. Full definition → can be ordered for delivery in March or April, ready for immediate planting.

How to water

Water less often but more thoroughly, then let the surface dry before watering again. This helps plants develop deeper roots and cope better with dry spells (RHS). Water early in the morning, apply water to the soil rather than the leaves, and water by checking the soil rather than on a fixed routine. Established perennials usually need no regular watering after the first year, but plants in containers do.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a sun-loving Mediterranean shrub that is drought tolerant once established and needs little maintenance apart from clipping annually to keep it compact and bushy. It likes warmth and free-drainingSoil that lets water pass through quickly rather than pooling, so roots aren't sitting in wet ground after rain. Full definition → soil, and is hardy throughout most of the UK but may need some winter protection in colder locations. New plants should be watered during dry spells in their first year. Once established it should not need additional watering in the ground, but plants in containers will need some additional water during dry spells.

Thyme

Thyme is drought tolerant and rarely needs watering, except when newly planted or when growing in containers in hot, dry weather. Too much water is more likely to be a problem: the roots rot in damp conditions, especially in winter, so choose a spot with free-draining soil. Space plants 20 to 30cm apart, or use a pot at least 15cm wide and 10cm deep for one plant.

Sage

Sage is an attractive, drought-tolerant evergreen shrub with grey-green leaves, 30 to 90cm high and wide depending on the variety. It likes full sun in a sheltered spot, in free-draining soil or pots. Water newly planted sage during dry spells in the first year. Once established it should not need additional watering in the ground. There are compact varieties, such as 'Kew Gold', if space is limited.

Globe artichoke

Water newly planted globe artichokes regularly during their first growing season. After that, once they have a strong root system, they are fairly drought tolerant. In prolonged hot and dry spells while the flower buds are forming, watering helps improve the crop, since lack of water can lead to fewer, smaller buds. Mulching the surrounding soil in late winter or spring helps retain moisture. Space plants 75 to 90cm apart, and remove any flower buds that form in the first year so the plants concentrate on establishing strong roots.

Asparagus

Water new asparagus plants regularly throughout their first summer. Once established, asparagus is drought tolerant, so it only needs watering in long dry spells. It needs a sheltered site with free-draining soil, in a dedicated permanent bed, in full sun or dappled shade, with plants up to 45cm apart. Most soil types suit it if they are well drained, and on heavy soil you should make a raised bed. Crowns are the easiest and fastest option, and harvesting can begin after two years.

Comparison

What did not make the list

Squashes are thirsty plants, especially when fruiting, and need regular watering in dry spells, so they are not a drought crop despite the reputation. Sea kale occurs naturally in coastal shingle and sand and tolerates poor soil, but no drought tolerance is claimed for it (RHS). Lavender, once well established, is drought tolerant and rarely needs watering in the ground unless there are severe drought conditions. It is left off the five because it covers the same ground as rosemary and sage, and suits a border or cut-flower patch better than a kitchen herb bed. For exposed sites, see best crops for a windy Scottish balcony.

Common questions

Sources