Gardeners across the UK are being advised to give extra attention to five specific plants during the current heatwave, as rising temperatures can lead to stunted growth and permanent damage if proper care is not taken. According to experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk, warmer weather accelerates plant development, making them more susceptible to dehydration and harm.
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, said: "Our gardens really thrive in summer and the warmer weather creates the best environment for plants to grow and flower. The summer months do come with more responsibility, especially during heatwaves. There are some plants that gardeners will want to keep a closer eye on, as they can be quickly affected at this time of year. Some will benefit from additional watering, feeding and others may need moving into the shade."
The gardening expert recommends inspecting plants daily throughout the summer, particularly during a heatwave. With this in mind, he has highlighted five plants that require extra care over the coming week.
Hydrangeas Need Consistent Moisture
Hydrangeas look stunning in summer, but their large foliage can lose water rapidly, causing them to droop in the heat. To keep them healthy, it is crucial to maintain consistently damp soil. Applying mulch around the roots helps retain moisture and protects them during intense, sunny spells.
Hanging Baskets Dry Out Quickly
Chris noted: "Any plants in hanging baskets will need extra attention as their small amount of soil means they dry out quickly. This means in periods of hot weather, water them daily and feed them every couple of weeks."
Tomato Plants Require Consistent Watering
Tomatoes grow rapidly during summer and need substantial water and nutrients. Feed them weekly and water consistently. Inconsistent watering or overwatering can result in split fruit and diminished flavour.
Ferns Need Shade and Humidity
The gardening expert said: "Many ferns naturally grow in cool, damp conditions, and hot, dry summer weather can cause leaves to brown very quickly. Focus on keeping the soil damp and provide the plant with shade, humidity and moisture."
Lavender Is Drought-Tolerant but Needs Drainage
Lavenders are reasonably drought-tolerant once established, which can lead gardeners to assume they need minimal attention during summer. However, they struggle in particularly dry or wet conditions, so avoid overwatering and ensure they have adequate drainage.
