KETCHUM, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — As scorching temperatures dominate the week, the need for increased watering is a common concern for gardeners. However, amidst this climate, Idaho’s high-altitude plants stand out for their remarkable resilience.
Unlike their counterparts at lower elevations, these plants thrive on minimal rainfall, making them particularly suited to Idaho’s precipitation patterns this year.
Typically shorter in stature to withstand colder temperatures and fierce winds, these high-altitude species are crucial above the tree line, where natural windbreaks are sparse.
John Balint, former Chairman of the Sawtooth Botanical Garden, emphasizes the ease of caring for these resilient plants if integrated into personal gardens.
“These plants require minimal attention—little watering and no additional nutrients. A basic organic fertilizer during the establishment phase is sufficient. Once settled, they sustain themselves on natural resources,” Balint explained.
Knowing how to nurture these plants is essential, as is selecting the right varieties. Fortunately, many high-altitude species are readily available in local nurseries.
“For instance, sulfur buckwheat requires minimal water once established. Rocky Mountain penstemon, a native species, is widely stocked. Gaillardia, known for its vibrant orange and yellow blooms, also thrives in these conditions,” added Balint.
For those prone to forgetting their gardening duties, high-altitude plants offer an ideal solution. Once planted, they largely fend for themselves, requiring minimal intervention.
In Idaho, where climate challenges gardening norms, high-altitude plants not only survive but thrive, offering a testament to nature’s resilience and adaptation.
