In These Tough Weather Conditions, Try An Artificial Flower

Before I write much more I want to put a warning here, most artificial flowers are not made for outdoor use and no manufacturer will recommend or warranty a flower that has been used outdoors. That said, a lot of people place silk flowers outside. I personally recommend that if you are going to do this make sure they are not in the weather or sunlight as this will shorten their life outside.
Lately it has been very hot and very dry. Most outdoor flowers are looking very sad indeed. I have a friend who lives in an arid climate but always has beautiful flowers. What's her secret? Instead of real flowers she substitutes an Artificial Flower in their place. She understands that over time they will fade and weather can destroy them but she figures that in her climate it is cheaper than the cost of annuals and water. She usually can get a few seasons out of a Silk Flower but she is ok if something happens. Because of this she has beautiful and colorful flowers all the time and she never worries about weeds, watering, pruning. In fact, if they start looking a little dusty she lightly hoses them off. In the winter, she pulls them out and puts them in storage for the year.
An artificial flower will fade over time in direct sunlight but modern materials hold up well. Bright and dark colors will fade fastest. Weather can be destructive but if you live in a climate that does not vary much, most silk flowers can withstand a small about of weather. The best option is where the flowers will be under a porch or overhang where they rarely get direct impact from sun or rain. In these cases, most artificial flowers will do well. There is a category of silk plants called near real, these are really only made for indoors and they are usually to expensive to use outdoors.
Neighbors have caught my friend a few times because her flowers "came up a little to early" or lasted a "little to long". She laughs when she gets caught, but most her neighbors think she is a very good gardener.
Buy an Artificial Flower in the place of a real one.

Buy an Artificial Flower in the place of a real one.