Woodie’s Picks: Drought-Tolerant Plants To Survive The Heat
If you are based anywhere in the Eastern United States, you know that we are in for a very hot couple of days this week. Weather reports have indicated a stationary high-pressure system causing a dome of trapped heat to encompass much of the Eastern US. With temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and in some places exceeding that, it is natural for you to worry about how this will affect your landscape plants.
This blog will share the best tips for planting and caring for your plants during this heat wave. Additionally, we will share a few of our favorite hardiest plants to withstand the fiery temperatures this month!
How To Care for Your Landscape In The Summer Heat
Watering
Watering is one of the most essential factors in keeping your landscape plants happy during a summer heat wave. There are a few things to remember when watering your plants this summer. The first important tip is to water your plants early in the morning. Morning watering is best to minimize liquid loss through evaporation. This timing allows the water to soak into the soil before the sun’s rays get too intense.
In addition to timing, it is vital to consider the aim of your watering. To prevent fungal disease and leaf scorch, you want to aim your watering efforts at the base of the plant towards the root systems. Water sitting on foliage in intense heat is the recipe for many fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
While water is a key resource in ensuring your plants’ happiness during these intense temperatures, it is also important that you do not give your plants too much water. Too much water can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Instead of a constant stream of water, you will want to provide one deep watering to your plants each morning.
Mulch To Preserve Moisture
The next important step in caring for your garden in the heat season is applying mulch around the base of your plants. Mulch helps your plants retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Shade
A final tip for ensuring a thriving garden amidst record-high temperatures this summer is to provide shade for vulnerable plants during peak hours of sunlight. Whether it’s implementing natural shade through planting a shade tree or applying temporary man-made shade through an umbrella or shade cloth, any relief from the intense summer sun can help ease the impact of intense summer rays.
Drought-Tolerant Favorites For The Summer Garden
Rudbeckia
First on our list of drought-tolerant favorites in the summer landscape is Rudbeckia. The well-loved ‘Black-Eyed Susan’ is a popular strain of Rudbeckia that you may be familiar with. Warm golden blooms with mesmerizing black centers explode in mass midsummer and persist through the fall. Once established, these hardy perennials can handle arid soils and extended periods of drought. Rudbeckia is generally hardy to USDA zones 3-9. These golden perennials are frequently used to define garden edges and line pathways and are often mixed into cottage garden flower beds.
Cypress
No xeriscape is complete without some lush evergreen foliage! While many evergreens require ample moisture, Cypress trees are a fan favorite among landscapers for their drought-tolerant nature. Specifically, the Italian Cypress and the Leyland Cypress are popular options for dry sunny landscapes. It is important to note that these trees will still require regular watering to establish their root systems. Cypress is most popular for use in privacy screens, windbreaks, and water-wise gardens.
Sedum
Pair your Rudbeckia with this sun-loving perennial for a grand statement in the summer garden: Sedum is a late summer bloomer with semi-succulent foliage and the ability to withstand long, hot days with little to no water. These unique low-growing perennials thrive in full sun with little to no maintenance needed. Also known as ‘Stonecrop,’ Sedum plants have thick, rubbery green foliage and clusters of star-shaped flowers. As an added bonus, the late summer blooms are typically delightfully fragrant! For a grand late-season statement, consider using sedum as a groundcover, in rock gardens, or even in mixed containers!
Buddleia
Last on our list of sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants for the summer landscape is Buddleia. More commonly known as ‘Butterfly Bush,’ these lush summer bloomers will easily be the star of your yard this season. Buddleia are medium to large shrubs known for their gorgeous cone-shaped blooms that act as a magnet to a range of different pollinators, but most prevalently butterflies. Whether you’re working to create a butterfly oasis or just looking to add structure and interest to the garden, Buddleia is a versatile, standout option. Consider using Butterfly Bushes in mixed borders and foundation plantings, or dispersed meticulously around a patio or seating area for a grand summer statement!
Shop Drought-Tolerant Plants Online
The summer heat can be brutal on us and our thoughtfully curated landscape plants. But don’t let the season’s skyrocketing temperatures get the best of you and your garden! Follow our expert tips, plant a range of drought-tolerant favorites, and watch as your garden not only soaks up the rays but thrives in it!