As the UK heatwave continues, gardeners are being urged to take extra care of their plants to ensure they don't die. British gardens are commonly adorned with stunning roses and hydrangeas, both cherished for their vibrant displays throughout the summer. Yet with the prolonged heatwave taking hold, even the most well-established plants are feeling the strain and facing potential damage.
Extended spells of scorching temperatures can rapidly leave blooms drooping and lifeless. Gardening specialists at Home and Gardens are urging homeowners to carry out one additional task for the remainder of the heatwave to prevent their plants from perishing. They stressed that hydrangeas and roses require extra watering before telltale signs of wilting, scorched leaves and diminished flowering appear, while emphasising the importance of knowing precisely when and where to water.
Best Time to Water During a Heatwave
The expert shared: "The best time to water a garden during a heatwave is early in the morning, when cooler temperatures allow moisture to soak into the soil rather than evaporating quickly." He added: "In fact, the best time to water a garden is almost always before the day heats up, giving roots time to absorb moisture and helping plants cope better with soaring temperatures."
"Evening watering is the next best option during prolonged periods of extreme heat, but avoid watering in the middle of the day when much of that moisture is lost before roots can absorb it."
Hydrangeas: Vulnerable to Heat Stress
The mophead and lacecap varieties rank amongst the most well-loved hydrangeas. These hardy shrubs are renowned for their spectacular, oversized flower heads, which serve as a stunning centrepiece in any garden setting. However, these flowers are frequently among the first plants to display signs of heat stress during a heatwave. Their broad leaves lose moisture rapidly, causing both blooms and foliage to wilt in soaring temperatures.
While drooping is a typical reaction to extreme heat, proper care can help keep plants healthy and in full bloom throughout the summer months. The expert shared: "I like to water deeply at the base rather than relying on quick surface sprays, as a thorough soak every few days does far more for long-term plant health than frequent, shallow watering."
Roses: Hardy but Thirsty in Heat
Roses are hardier than many garden plants, yet they still require plenty of moisture when temperatures climb. During prolonged hot spells, flowering plants can rapidly exhaust their water reserves, causing blooms to fade prematurely and growth to deteriorate if the soil is left parched.
The gardening expert shared: "To water roses correctly, give them a deep soak around the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage where possible. One or two thorough waterings each week is usually enough to support healthy flowering during periods of extreme heat. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow further into the soil, helping roses become more resilient during long, hot summers."
