Certain regions across the UK are experiencing drought conditions, leaving gardeners wondering which of their plants can weather the heatwave and which have already perished.
This summer has brought relentless dry spells, with July recording its driest month on record at a mere 7%. Consequently, outdoor efforts have suffered, prompting people to seek expert guidance on their next steps.
Plants That Struggle and Those That Survive
Horticultural specialists at GardeningExpress.co.uk are offering advice to gardeners about which plants are worth rescuing and which stand little chance against soaring temperatures and scarce rainfall.
According to the experts, established perennials, trees and shrubs have a better shot at weathering drought-like scenarios, while anything recently planted will find it difficult to cope with sustained heat.
Signs of heat stress might appear as scorched foliage or premature leaf drop, though this damage could be merely cosmetic rather than fatal. Numerous plants can bounce back with thorough watering, mulching, deadheading and pruning, although certain varieties will have lost all hope of recovery in these conditions.
Popular Bloomers Unlikely to Recover
Amongst the popular summer bloomers unlikely to survive despite their vibrant displays are rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. These acid-loving evergreen shrubs flourish in moist environments and depend significantly on rainfall for their growth and wellbeing, making this heatwave particularly devastating for them.
Other plants likely to struggle include container plants and hanging baskets of any variety. Unless you've been diligently watering them throughout, the chances are these will now be shrivelled and drooping – and sadly, at this stage, there's little that can be done to rescue them.
Vegetables present another challenge; once they've 'bolted', revival becomes impossible. Bolting occurs when a plant sends up a tall flowering stem and sets seed prematurely, resulting in a bitter, woody taste that's hardly appetising for your kitchen table.
Plants That Can Recover with Care
That said, several plants do stand a fighting chance of recovery, and these are the ones worth focusing your attention on once conditions improve. Lawns, surprisingly, are amongst the most resilient; while grass may appear the most battered by scorching temperatures, it will spring back to life following a 'decent spell of rain' and return to its lush green state.
Established perennials, shrubs and trees, thanks to their extensive root networks, should recover once temperatures drop and regular watering resumes. Any apparent 'death' is likely purely cosmetic rather than genuinely damaging to these larger specimens – simply give them time.
Rose bushes and plants will be experiencing significant stress, but don't panic when you spot fallen leaves and buds. With steady rainfall and proper watering, they'll make a full recovery before long.
Horticulturist Chris Bonnett explained: "This summer has been unlike any other. The heat has been intense, but more alarming has been the lack of rain - and our gardens have really taken a hit."
"As a general rule, those plants more recently added to your garden are those least likely to survive. They won't have the root systems of more established plants and will be less likely to recover from the drought conditions."
"Established plants may look beaten by the weather right now - there are lots of brown lawns, dropping and dead leaves and lots of dead blooms - but they will recover with gentle care and pruning and once we get some rain."
