The Monsoons bring a rejuvenating burst of energy of life and greenery. Wherever you look, there is a refreshing green colour, with monsoon plants and trees blooming to their full potential. But the monsoon months also mean a lot of issues, such as waterlogging or weed growth, that may hamper the development of your beloved plants. Here are the top five monsoon-resilient plants that will survive and flourish during the rainy season.
Rain Lily
Why Choose Rain Lily?
Rain lilies are the stars of the monsoon season. Just as the first shower of rain hits the scorchingly hot earth and the temperatures start to become cooler, this gorgeous plant shows its developing flower head from among its grassy foliage. The flowers are shaped like stars and bloom in stunning shades of pink, white, yellow and even red sometimes. The plant is named after it tends to show up after the monsoon rains. It is the perfect rainy-season plant.
How to Care for Rain Lily:
Rain lilies are super easy to maintain. Plant the rain lily seed bulb in a pot by digging in a hole 2-3 inches deep and in a spot that receives partial sunlight. The flowering plant prefers a humid environment to ensure the soil is consistently moist. Rain lilies multiply quickly and display prolific blooming during the monsoon season.
Aparajita
Why Choose Aparajita?
Aparajta, also known as the butterfly-pea, is a climbing vine that rows quickly and can be trained to climb trellises, railings, and even walls secured with hooks. It blooms with white and blue flowers that look striking against the green backdrop, adding a subtle charm to the garden. The Aparajita flowering plant is also used to make herbal teas and traditional medicines.
How to Care for Aparajita:
Place your Aparajita plant in a location that receives plenty of sunlight so it can start flowering and achieve its maximum growth potential. The plant thrives in well-draining soil, and little to no fertiliser is needed for its growth. It grows vigorously in the monsoon season and can also tolerate occasional bouts of drought or infrequent watering.
Chandni
Why Choose Chandni?
The Chandni flowering plant is a staple found in most Indian homes with even a few plants. It is also known as the Pinwheel plant due to the unique shape of its blooms, which resemble a pinwheel, and its peaceful white colour. The Chandni is a fragrant plant with glassy green leaves that almost sparkle with dew drops in the morning. It is the perfect plant for beginner gardeners as it does not require much maintenance.
How to Care for Chandni:
The Chandni flowering plant prefers a spot with ample sunlight and well-drained soil, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the monsoon season, if you see standing water in the plant, it is advisable to tilt the planter so excess water drains out. Doing so will ensure that your flowering plant remains safe from root rot.
Champa (Plumeria)
Why Choose Champa?
Champa, or frangipani, is a beautiful, fragrant flowering plant commonly seen adorning the cityscapes of Delhi. Its large, waxy flowers are in various shades of white, pink, and yellow. However, the highlight of the gorgeous plant is definitely its hardy nature and unique, broad leaves that protect it from harsh weather conditions.
How to Care for Champa:
Champa trees prefer full sunlight and can grow in various soil types, though well-drained soil is essential. The tree is drought-tolerant but thrives in the monsoon season’s moisture-rich environment. Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
Ixora
Why Choose Ixora?
Ixora, also known as West Indian jasmine, is a hardy shrub that produces clusters of small, vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. This plant is well-suited for the monsoon season, as it can withstand heavy rains and thrives in the humid conditions that the season brings.
How to Care for Ixora:
Ixora prefers a spot full to partial sunlight and well-drained slightly acidic soil. The plant is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertiliser to encourage more blooms. Ixora is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for monsoon gardening.
Conclusion
Creating a monsoon-resilient garden is all about choosing the right plants that can withstand the season’s challenges while adding beauty and vibrancy to your outdoor space. The rain lily, aparajita, Chandni, Champa, and Ixora are all excellent choices for gardeners looking to make the most of the monsoon season. With their resilience and minimal care requirements, these plants will ensure your garden stays lush and colourful, no matter how heavy the rains get.
Happy gardening!
