Gardeners are being urged to plant two specific flowers before the end of July, as they are well-suited to survive the hot and dry conditions typical of the month. Gardening experts Sophie King and Sarah Raven have highlighted verbena and pelargoniums as ideal choices for summer planting, noting their drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements.
Verbena: A Drought-Tolerant Perennial for Borders
Verbena, perfect for garden borders, is safe to plant even during July's heatwaves, according to King. The stunning flowers produce beautiful blooms from late summer through to autumn. Raven added that verbenas “are drought-tolerant perennials so need little maintenance.” To protect them over winter, it is advised to apply a layer of leaf mould or compost mulch in autumn.
Pelargoniums: Bold Colors and Fragrance
Another excellent option is pelargoniums, which produce gorgeous blooms from late spring through to autumn. These popular perennials offer both bold colours and fragrance in borders and pots. Raven explained: “Pelargoniums are not thirsty plants, but growth will become stunted if they are kept too dry. You should water and feed the plants well in the summer and deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers.”
July Heatwave Forecast
Temperatures are expected to soar this week, with the Met Office forecasting another heatwave. However, the weather agency has reassured Brits that temperatures will not be as high as those in previous heatwaves this summer. It stated: “Parts of the UK are expected to experience the third heatwave of the year this week as an area of high pressure remains centred nearby. This will bring extensive sunshine and light winds to many southern areas, allowing temperatures to build steadily through the week.”
The Met Office added: “Temperatures are expected to climb into the low 30s Celsius across much of southern England from the start of the week, with some locations potentially reaching 34-35C later in the week. While temperatures are not expected to reach the exceptional levels recorded during the June heatwave, many places are likely to experience several consecutive days of hot weather.”
Additional Gardening Tips for July
Gardeners are also reminded to leave two fruits on lawns and bird tables in July to support local wildlife. Additionally, lavender can produce better flowers in July if one natural item is sprinkled on the soil. These tips complement the planting advice for verbena and pelargoniums, helping gardeners make the most of the summer season.
