Free roots to grow downwardsThe land bread of a BotanicalDryGarden plantGuide to our plants
Low-water-use plants with strong roots
BotanicalDryGarden plants are shrubs, bushes, groundcovers, herbaceous plants and climbers chosen to thrive with little water: drought-tolerant Mediterranean plants, beautiful all year round.
What makes them different is a detail you can't see: the anti-spiraling pot they are grown in. It gives them a healthy, dense root system, ready to seek water deep underground once planted in the garden.
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What is an anti-spiraling jar
In a traditional round pot, the roots grow up to the edge and, finding no other way, begin to coil around themselves: this is root spiraling. A plant with twisted roots struggles to establish itself after transplanting and cannot explore the soil in depth.
Our anti-spiraling pots do the opposite: the shape and internal structure guide the roots downwards and outwards, prevent them from coiling, and promote a denser, stronger, and more functional root system.
Learn more in the article Anti-spiraling pots: how strong roots grow.
Why roots make the difference
- Faster establishment: the plant starts with healthy, well-distributed roots.
- Less transplant shock: no root balls to “break up” once planted in the ground.
- Greater drought resistance: the roots grow deep, seeking water in the lower layers of the soil.
- More self-sufficiency: once established, the plant requires very little water.
In a low-water garden, everything depends on what happens below the surface: caring for the roots even before planting means laying the foundations for a garden that thrives on little.
How to choose the right plants for your garden
Start with the shape you are looking for: shrubs for hedges and volume, bushes for borders and flowerbeds, groundcover to cover the soil, herbaceous plants and grasses for movement and lightness, climbers for walls and pergolas.
Then consider the conditions of your space: plants for the seaside that tolerate salt spray, frost-resistant plants, plants for full sun or partial shade, and aromatic plants for a fragrant garden.
On each product page you will find exposure, resistance to cold, drought and salt spray, maximum height and flowering season.
When and how to plant them
The best time is autumn: the weather is still mild, the rains arrive, and the roots have the whole winter to grow deep. Spring is also fine, allowing for a little extra watering during the first summer. It is best to avoid July–August and January–February.
Before planting, remove weeds and work the soil deeply, so that water can penetrate and the roots will follow. Ensure good drainage: Mediterranean plants can withstand weeks of drought, but they do not tolerate waterlogging. Water regularly during the first few months after planting, then water deeply but infrequently.
Read the guides on preparing the soil, drainage, and when to plant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Plants
What is an anti-swirl jar and why is it important?
It is a pot that, with its shape and internal structure, guides the roots downwards and outwards and prevents them from coiling around themselves as happens in traditional round pots. This way, the plant takes root faster, suffers less from transplanting, and is more resistant to drought.
Do low-water-use plants need to be watered?
Yes, but only during the establishment phase: for the first few months after planting, they need to be watered regularly. Then they need only a little water, given generously but infrequently, so that it reaches deep down and the roots follow it. Avoid watering a little every day.
When is the best time to plant?
Autumn is ideal, when the weather is mild and the rain helps the plants establish. Spring is also suitable, with a little extra watering in early summer. We advise against July–August and January–February.
What kind of soil is needed?
Soil that has been deeply worked and well drained, without waterlogging. In heavy, clay soils, you can lighten the structure with river sand; for planting, you can use our BIO Universal Potting Mix.
Should the plants be fertilized?
In a low-water-use garden, usually no: we explain why in the article Why we advise against using fertilizers in the garden.
How do I choose plants for a seaside garden?
Check the “Salt spray resistance” section on each plant’s page, or start with our selection of plants for the seaside.