While the warm weather has been beautiful (most of the time), my garden has suffered a few casualties from the heat this summer. Tender bedding plants and my hydrangeas have really suffered when it’s been hot and sunny, and it’s been a struggle to water and care for them.
But when it comes to varieties like lavender and rosemary in my garden, these plants thrive in hot weather, which has me thinking about adding a few more Mediterranean plants that can withstand the heat better and still thrive during it. Heatwave.
‘With the UK experiencing record temperatures during June and July, many gardeners are now looking for it. Drought tolerant plants It can handle hot and dry weather that can last well into August and September,’ says David Denyer, flower and garden expert. Eflorist.
‘While many traditional bedding plants struggle to cope with prolonged periods of heat, Mediterranean plants Naturally adapted to high amounts of sunlight, dry soil and high temperatures, now is the perfect time to consider them in your own outdoor spaces.’
1. Sheep’s ears
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Mediterranean plants says Chris Bonnet, founder of Gardening Express.
‘It is imperative to choose varieties that can retain water, and they often have fleshy leaves that store excess moisture. Plants with silvery or hairy foliage, such as sheep’s ear or Lavenderwill reflect sunlight and reduce water loss, and deep root systems that can access moisture below the soil surface are also great options.’
Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) is a silvery, velvety ground cover plant that produces beautiful pinkish-purple flowers. It thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it a great low-maintenance choice for hot and sunny conditions.
nice for Garden bordersEdge and rock gardens, bees and hay Sheep’s-ears are loved for its fuzzy foliage and the furry hairs on the leaves, which they use for nesting.
Where to Buy Sheep’s Ear Plants:
2. Olive trees
(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)
‘While our changing summer weather certainly puts our gardens to the test, a little research and careful planning can go a long way,’ says Shelly Davies, flower expert. Flying Flowers. ‘By choosing the right varieties and adjusting our care routines, we can help these sun-loving Mediterranean plants establish themselves and bring a lively touch of the continent to our gardens.’
‘Don’t bring anything like that Mediterranean A home-like holiday atmosphere The olive treeAnd as UK summers get warmer, we can really start to see them fruiting,” adds Shelley. ‘When temperatures settle into the late 20s and early 30s, the olive trees will open their tiny flowers, which local pollinators can help develop into small, domesticated olives.’
‘Just remember that while they love the heat, they are not completely self-sufficient. Young or potted olive trees need constant moisture, so keep the soil moist but never soggy to prevent their roots from rotting.’
David agrees, ‘It’s hard to beat the addition of an olive tree or two to add a touch of ‘Greek summer holiday’ aesthetic to your outdoor space.
“Olive trees are incredibly resilient in hot weather and grow more Drought tolerant As they mature. Place them in large containers with good drainage to keep them thriving during the heat.’
Where to buy potted olive trees:
Shop these extra-large patio planters
Clayton Large Terracotta Plant Pot
3. Geranium
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Geraniums David says. ‘They like a sunny spot, and geraniums really do better when allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, making them a great choice for summer containers.’
‘For those looking to squeeze every last bit of summer sunshine out of their garden, it’s also handy to know that geraniums continue to produce colorful blooms for months, no matter how high the mercury rises,’ adds David.
Thanks to their thick, fleshy foliage that acts as a natural reservoir, geraniums don’t struggle in the heat. To keep it blooming and flowering when it’s warm, water the base of the plant early in the morning or late in the evening, making sure to drain off any excess water. And make sure Deadhead GeraniumRegularly pinch off dead flowers and any yellowing leaves to ensure they continue to flower throughout the summer.
Where to buy geraniums:
4. Salvias
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Coming from a hot, dry climate, salvia is exceptional Drought tolerant Once established,’ says Shelley. ‘While other flowers can burn under the intense summer sun, salvias retain their vibrant color. And thanks to their deep root systems, they can tap moisture deep underground, meaning they need a thorough soaking once or twice a week, even during intense heat waves.’
For the ultimate summer resilience, look for the ‘Heatwave’ range – a hardy hybrid Salvia microphylla (mountain sage) and Salvia Gregii (Autumn Sage), scientifically known as Salvia x jamensiswhich have been bred specifically for baking,’ adds Shelley.
David agrees, ‘Salvia’s vibrant foliage is perfect for long-lasting summer color in your garden. ‘And with regularity DeadheadingSalvia should continue to flower long after many other plants have faded.’
Salvias thrive in sunny, sheltered locations and look great in the center or front of garden borders and in gravel and Mediterranean-style gardens. Salvias in pots are more susceptible to drying out, however, so they will need more regular watering than plants in the ground.
Where to Buy Salvia Plants:
5. Callistemon
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘When it comes Flowering bushes Varieties that do well in hot, dry weather, such as Callistemon, Cistus and Nerium oleander are all top choices,’ says Chris.
‘All these plants are able to retain water for heat gain and do well in hot climates. Their characteristics include deep roots and leathery leaves, which retain moisture. Just make sure to protect them from the cold UK climate.’
Callistemon (also known as the bottlebrush plant) bears dense cylindrical spikes of crimson flowers on the tips of fragrant green foliage. It flowers best when grown in full sun, and in moist but well-drained soil, sheltered from cold winds. Ideal for Flower beds And place Callistemon against borders, walls and fences where its bright flowers will look brighter.
Where to buy Callistemon plants:
6. Sea holly
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Sea holly (Eryngium) is another plant that prefers dry weather and is a bit more unusual in appearance with its spiky, silvery-blue flower spikes. Coastal garden,’ suggests Julien Palframond, head of the plant at British Garden Centres.
‘Sea holly is tougher than it looks and does better when you leave it to fend for itself, so it’s perfect for planting when conditions are dry and will withstand heat waves.’
With purple, thistle-shaped flowers and spiky, architectural foliage, sea holly looks attractive planted in garden borders, trailing over low-growing plants or paired with billowy ornamental grasses or Cottage-style Flowers like salvias and alliums.
Where to buy sea holly plants:
7. Silverbush
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Originating from the coastal areas and limestone hillsides of Spain, Italy and Croatia, the silver tree is prized for its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in the baking sun,’ says Shelley. ‘Like salvia, this hardy plant only needs one Deep watering During a heatwave when the soil is completely dry.’
‘While its delicate, white trumpet flowers can handle the heat, they can fade a little quickly in hot weather. Regular deadheading of these blooms will encourage a bushy bush and stimulate a fresh flush of new flowers.’
Where to Buy Silverbush Plants:
8. Yarrow
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Achillea is another star choice for potentially hot climates,’ suggests Julian. ‘Achillea has flat-topped flowers in yellow, pink or red, perched on feathery foliage and copes well in poor soil.’
‘Achillea is one of them A low maintenance plant Julian adds that he really likes to be left to his own devices, so he can thrive with a little water.
Plant Achillea in sunny borders with well-drained soil. Achillea’s flat-headed blooms look good when paired with plants that provide contrasting shapes, such as prickly salvias or feathery grasses. Deadhead flowers during the summer to encourage more blooms, leave a few flower heads if you want to collect seeds.
Where to Buy Achillea Plants:
Is your garden suffering in the heat? Are there any plants that thrive in the heat in your garden? Tell us.
subjects
