When you think about plant killers, the usual suspects probably come to mind: drought, pests and diseases. But wind can be just as damaging. It can break trunks, blow away foliage and loosen roots. Luckily, there are plants that stand up to strong winds and heighten your curb appeal. Here are six wind-resistant plants that look great in your landscape.
Crape myrtle
Crape myrtles are famously wind-resistant, and their colorful blooms — red, white, lavender or pink flowers — are a plus. A favorite in Florida, deciduous crape myrtles are known to even stand up to hurricane-strength winds as high as 75 mph. However, they won’t survive saltwater storm surge, and experts suggest properly pruning the plant for optimal wind resistance.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
Bloom color: Pink, red white or lavender
Sun tolerance: Full sun
Drought tolerance: High
Soil type: Slightly acidic to acidic
Prune: Prior to new growth beginning, from mid-February through March
Water: Once per week, maybe twice a week during the summer
When to plant: Late fall to early spring
Sabal palm
Another favorite in the South is the ultimate wind-tolerant sabal palm. With a single, nonbranching trunk, the palms can withstand winds up to 145 mph. The wood of its trunk is so strong that it’s often used to make wharf pilings, docks, and poles. Another plus in windy conditions? Sabal palms tend not to lose their leaves.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
Bloom color: N/A
Sun tolerance: Full sun
Drought tolerance: High
Soil type: Calcium-rich, neutral to alkaline
Prune: When their fronds are interfering with foot traffic, power lines or building maintenance
Water: Two to three times a week
When to plant: May, June or July
Marigolds
Marigolds are popular, fast-growing, no-fuss annuals with head-turning blooms. They have flexible stems, which allow them to bend and sway without breaking. This makes marigolds a great pick for windy areas and even on high-rise balconies.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Bloom color: Yellow and gold to orange, red and mahogany
Sun tolerance: Full sun to partial shade
Drought tolerance: High
Soil type: Roughly neutral in acidity
Prune: Cut back plants in mid-summer and shear to the ground after they die in the fall
Water: Once a week
When to plant: Spring
Chinese juniper
Chinese junipers are a toughness triple threat: drought-tolerant, disease-resistant and wind-resistant — all keys to their longevity. These ultra tolerant plants can live for more than 1,000 years. This highly adaptable evergreen shrub can bring year-round color, structure and screening to any windy site.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Bloom color: N/A
Sun tolerance: Full sun to light shade
Drought tolerance: High
Soil type: Acid to neutral soil
Prune: Annually, in the late winter or early spring before new growth
Water: One to three times a week, depending on the climate
When to plant: Fall
Zinnias
Want a wind-resistant annual that’ll give your garden a pop of bright colors? Zinnias are a good choice. Like marigolds, zinnias are fast growing and long lasting. Plus, they’re super low maintenance. They perform best when grown from seeds planted directly into a garden or container and boast an array of bloom colors with orange, pink, red, white, yellow and purple flowers.
USDA Hardiness Zone: Annuals in 2-8, perennials in 9-11
Bloom color: Orange, pink, purple, red, white and yellow
Sun tolerance: Full sun
Drought tolerance: High
Soil type: Acidic, neutral and mildly alkaline
Prune: Regularly, when the plant is between 8 and 12 inches tall
Water: Three times a week
When to plant: Spring, after all danger of frost has passed
Shasta daisies
Shasta daisies may bring back memories of the old chance game “He loves me, he loves me not.” These daisies are hardy white flowers with green leaves and strong stems, making them a great option for gardens in windy areas. Plus, they’re just plain cute. These classic perennials make beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers for bouquets.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Bloom color: White with yellow middle
Sun tolerance: Full to partial sun
Drought tolerance: High
Soil type: Acidic or alkaline, but they thrive in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 8
Prune: Cut daisy tems to 1-2 inches above the soil line in winter
Water: Once established, only when rainfall is less than about an inch a week
When to plant: Fall and early spring
FAQ
A. Sabal palms and Crepe Myrtles are at the top of that list, and it’s why they’re so popular in hurricane-prone states like Florida.
A. Zinnias and marigolds are great options for windy gardens and/or high-rise balconies. Others include gazanias, portucalas, geraniums and daylilies.
Final word
So you’ve picked your wind-resistant plants. Now what? If you want to leave the dirty work to someone else, contact our Lawn Love landscaping professionals.
Main photo credit: Wikimedia | CC-BY-SA-2.0
