When summer temperatures rise and the sun blazes for days, it’s not just people and pets who suffer—flowers feel the heat too. Some flowers are tougher and can survive the extreme sun. But there are a few delicate types that struggle during a heatwave. If you love gardening and want to keep your yard or balcony full of color, you need to pay special attention to these sensitive flowers when the weather gets very hot.
In this article, we will talk about four popular flowers that need extra care in the heat. We’ll also share some easy tips on how to protect them during hot, dry days.
🌼 1. Hydrangeas – Beautiful but Sensitive
Hydrangeas are loved for their big, round flowers that come in shades of pink, blue, and white. But they’re not heat-friendly. These plants like moist, cool soil. When the temperature goes above 90°F (32°C), their leaves can droop, and the flowers may dry out or fade fast.
How to Protect Hydrangeas in a Heatwave:
- Water deeply every morning or evening.
- Add mulch around the roots to keep the soil moist.
- Give them shade in the afternoon using a cloth or umbrella if they’re in a pot.
- Don’t prune during heat; let them rest until it cools down.
🌺 2. Impatiens – Heat Is Not Their Friend
Impatiens are colorful flowers perfect for shady areas. They grow well in pots and flower beds, but they don’t do well in direct sunlight or high heat. Their leaves may turn yellow, and they may stop blooming if it gets too hot.
How to Keep Impatiens Cool:
- Move potted impatiens to a shaded spot.
- Keep the soil consistently damp, but avoid soggy roots.
- Spray a light mist of water on the leaves in the early morning to cool them.
- Add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve moisture retention.
🌸 3. Petunias – Popular Yet Heat-Stressed
Petunias are very popular because they come in so many colors and are easy to grow. But during extreme heat, they may stop producing new flowers and become leggy (long stems with few leaves). Their blooms may wilt fast in the hot afternoon sun.
Caring for Petunias During Hot Weather:
- Give them morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Deadhead (remove dead flowers) often to encourage new blooms.
- Water regularly—twice a day if needed during high heat.
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once every two weeks to help them recover.
🌷 4. Pansies – Cool Weather Lovers
Pansies are cool-weather flowers, often planted in early spring or fall. They really struggle in hot summer weather. When a heatwave hits, they can stop blooming altogether and might not bounce back.
How to Help Pansies Survive the Heat:
- Plant them in containers so you can move them out of the sun.
- Water daily to keep the soil from drying out.
- Use a shade cloth to cut down direct sun exposure.
- Once the weather gets too hot (over 80°F or 27°C), consider replacing them with heat-tolerant plants and replant pansies in fall.
🌿 General Tips to Protect All Flowers During a Heatwave
No matter what kind of flowers you grow, heatwaves can affect all plants. Here are a few quick tips for keeping any flower healthy during high temperatures:
- Water early in the morning or late evening to prevent fast evaporation.
- Use mulch (like bark or straw) around the base of plants to lock in moisture.
- Add shade using umbrellas, cloth, or by moving pots.
- Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat—it can stress the plants.
- Remove any dead or dried leaves to allow better airflow.
💬 Final Thoughts
Flowers bring joy, color, and life to our homes and gardens. But they also need our help, especially during extreme summer heat. Hydrangeas, impatiens, petunias, and pansies are beautiful, but they need extra attention when the temperature rises. With proper watering, shading, and care, you can keep these flowers blooming beautifully—even through a heatwave. Always remember, plants are living beings too, and they appreciate your care and love just like pets do!
Visit Garden Today