The Okanagan Valley is a gardening paradox for moisture-loving plants

The Okanagan Valley combines long, sunny summers with a semi‑arid climate and alkaline soils, and many moisture‑loving perennials commonly sold in nurseries struggle or fail there.

The Okanagan Valley offers long, sunny summers and a growing season that outpaces much of Canada. At the same time the region is semi‑arid, with hot summers, cold winters, searing winds and alkaline soils. Those combined conditions make many moisture‑loving perennials poorly suited to most local gardens. The article describes common examples and notes local organizations working on water‑wise gardening efforts. Noted challenges: - Annual precipitation in parts of the valley can be as low as about 250–400 millimetres. - Summers regularly exceed 35 C and winters can fall well below −20 C, with low humidity and frequent winds. - Soils across much of the valley tend to be alkaline (commonly pH 7.5–8.5), which can limit availability of iron, magnesium and manganese and lead to chlorosis in acid‑preferring shrubs. - Perennials reported as poor fits for the Okanagan climate include hydrangeas, astilbe, delphiniums, ligularia, Scotch heather, rhododendrons and azaleas. - Water conservation is described as a growing priority, and local groups such as the Okanagan Xeriscape Association and the Okanagan Basin Water Board are involved in related campaigns and demonstration projects. Summary: The article portrays a tension between the valley's long, sunny growing season and its heat, drought and alkaline soils, which make many popular moisture‑loving plants vulnerable. It notes that local organizations are promoting xeriscape demonstration projects and plant lists as part of broader water‑conservation efforts. Undetermined at this time.