The heatwaves that are increasingly haunting our part of Europe make us realize how much havoc, especially in the world of plants, can be caused by a prolonged drought. However, there is nothing bad that would not turn out to be good. Today, thanks to the observations made, we know which plants are able to survive in such extreme conditions and which are not. This is very important because, according to all forecasts, periods of high temperatures will happen more and more often.
Many species of rudbeckia feel like a fish in water in the sun. Plants tolerate harsh rays and can grow in dry ground. Plants from the Mediterranean basin, such as lavender and santolina, feel good in full sun, operating on a given site all day long.Then they bloom profusely, and when trimmed after flowering, they branch well. Hot summers are also a test for fuchsia and geraniums. Unfortunately, they only partially work: the former stop blooming, the latter lose their flowering power. Lantana, gazania, 'Intensia' flame and zinnia are doing much better.
Survivors
Drought and heat, these developmental conditions also serve petunia, contributing to their lush flowering and improving their overall appearance. They are harmed by rainfall, after which the flowers stick together, especially in the full and white-blooming varieties. Sometimes the appearance of plants alone says a lot about their resistance to high temperatures. The large-flowered purslane leaves are thick and fleshy, which means they are adapted to the storage of water. This, of course, allows them to survive almost any period of drought and heat. The most famous survivors are cacti. Some species can live without water for years. Among the plants closer to our gardens, it is worth mentioning some potted cloves, which are very resistant to heat thanks to their gray needle-like leaves.
Durable succulents
Although succulents are plants with outstanding drought resistance, they must be watered. Remember that plants adapted to potted cultivation lose some of their natural immune features. The reason is obvious: the soil in the pot dries up quickly, the faster the smaller the container. It turns out that even the color of the container significantly influences the development of plants. Clear containers are best. The black plastic pots heat up so much in the sun that sometimes the roots can be damaged. From time to time, plants should be treated with a summer shower. This should be done in the morning so that the water can evaporate calmly. Move the more sensitive species to shaded places, or shade them at noon with a screen. Plants are watered with standing water. This eliminates the risk of thermal shock that plants can experience when cold tap water hits the sun-warmed ground. We advise you to fill the watering cans with water immediately after watering. Plants should be watered either in the morning or in the evening. Water the soil abundantly so that the water comes out of the drainage hole. Owners of large collections of plants should consider installing irrigation systems that supply the plants at the times selected by us with the amount of water that we program in advance. Systems that use the so-called drippers. Plants with a dry root ball can still be saved by placing the plant with the pot in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes. The soaked soil should be drained well.
