Gardeners have been warned to do one thing to protect their hydrangeas as a heatwave sweeps across the UK this week. Parts of the country have experienced temperatures of around 30C as Brits enjoy the sunshine. Additionally, millions have been given heatwave warnings as parts of the country are expected to get as hot as 34C. It’s not just humans that need to take care in such hot weather; our plants need an extra bit of care and love during heat waves.
Expert florist David Denyer from Eflorist has revealed the plants that need extra care during such hot conditions, with hydrangeas being among the plants that should be tended to. Extreme heat can cause lasting damage to plants, he explains, and there are certain things you need to do to protect them as the days get hotter. This comes as an amber heat wave alert has been issued by the Met Office for the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and the South West. David says that hydrangeas are prone to sudden wilting and leaf scorch in these hot conditions.
To protect them from wilting and scorching, David said that we should water them before 9am and make sure to get down into the roots.
He explained: “Water before 9 am or after 7 pm. Midday sun evaporates water quickly and can even scorch foliage. Morning watering is ideal. It gives the soil time to absorb the moisture before heat sets in.”
He added: “Surface watering doesn’t cut it. Focus on slow, deep watering at the base of plants. For containers, make sure water reaches the roots by soaking the soil thoroughly.”
David also says to provide shade to vulnerable plants, such as hydrangeas, where possible and to group pots together to reduce the rate of evaporation.
As well as hydrangeas, plants that require extra care during hot weather include peonies, begonias, roses and any newly planted bedding flowers. Meanwhile, other plants such as lavender, geraniums, coreopsis, sunflowers, sedum and Echinacea enjoy the hot weather and sunshine, with David revealing that they actually “thrive” in such conditions.
David also warned gardeners to move certain plants indoors during hot weather. He revealed: “Cut flowers should be moved indoors, away from direct sunlight or warm appliances. Recut stems at a 45-degree angle and place in fresh, cool water, changing it daily.
“Add flower food if you have it, or a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice as a homemade alternative.”