Nip Problems in the Bud with Heat-Tolerant Plants

Nip Problems in the Bud with Heat-Tolerant Plants

‘It’s a scorcher out there’ is something we’re hearing nearly every day this summer, and few parts of the country have been immune to record-breaking heat. Without the right precautions, plants and gardeners alike can wilt in this weather. 

Staying inside is always an option, but for avid gardeners, it’s not a realistic one. If you’re not ready to let high temps keep you doing what you love, here are some ways to heat-proof your garden, and yourself.

Natural Choices

Buying the right plants for the climate is proof that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By choosing flowers, herbs, and vegetables that perform well in hot and sunny conditions, you’ll save yourself the effort of trying to keep less suitable plants alive or constantly (and probably futilely) replacing them.

It’s only natural that some plants are more heat-tolerant than others: they have evolved and adapted to their conditions, and leaves and roots both play a major role.

For example, plants with smaller or waxy leaves are better able to retain moisture when it’s hot outside. Plants whose leaves have tiny hairs — Lamb’s Ear, Echeverria, and sage — have a built-in insulator against heat absorption; the hairs trap a layer of still air around the leaf surface, which helps keep heat out.  Shiny leaves reflect the sunlight and deeper root systems allow plants to better access water in the soil.

Sun-Lovers

Knowing your USDA zone will help you find the right heat-tolerant plants for your garden. In general, though, you may want to consider: 

• Zinnias (Zinnia elegans). These sun worshippers come in a wide variety of colors and bloom profusely through the summer. Unlike some plants that struggle in the heat, they seem to revel in it. 
• Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) are vibrant daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators. They don't require a lot of coddling and can withstand high temperatures without fading or succumbing to disease.
• Marigold (Tagetes spp.) are both heat and drought tolerant, requiring minimal watering once established. As an added bonus, they are known to repel some garden pests, including aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and nematodes.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) thrives in hot and dry climates and prefers full sun. It's drought tolerant and requires minimal watering once established. And who can resist the light, lovely scent?
• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii). As it name suggests, this plant is a magnet for butterflies. Butterly bushes bloom profusely through the summer, handling hot and dry periods quite well.  
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and sage (Salvia officinalis) all tolerate or even prefer hot and dry conditions.
• Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a hot-weather champion. In fact, the higher the thermometer registers, the faster okra plants tend to grow and the more pods they produce.
• Peppers (Capsicum annuum) come in a variety of spice levels, and all do well in hot climates.
• Eggplant (Solanum melongena) thrives in hot weather, tolerating full sun.
• Cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are more likely to handle hot temperatures than other varieties.

Throwing Shade

Obviously, caring for plants during the blazing months of summer isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it proposition. Whether the plants are succeeding or stressed depends on the attention you provide, and even heat-tolerant plants can benefit from some protection during the hottest parts of the day.  Remember to:

• Water deeply and regularly, early in the morning before the sun gets too strong.
• Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain soil moisture and to regulate soil temperature.
• Use light-colored pots if you’re container gardening. They’ll reflect more heat away from the plants.
• Group plants together to create a microclimate that retains moisture.

Can’t resist adding a few heat-sensitive plants to the mix? Providing afternoon shade gives them a much-needed respite. Shield them from the sun with umbrellas or shade sails or locate them where taller plants can cast shade on them.

I’m Melting!

While you’re giving your plants the care they need to withstand excessive temperatures, don’t forget to safeguard yourself as well. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and skip sugary drinks, alcohol, excessive caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Schedule your gardening for cooler parts of the day, if possible (I realize “cooler” is a relative term); if that’s not possible, take breaks in the shade (or a self-imposed time out in the A/C). And remember: light, loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat should be your summer gardening uniform.

Summer may be brutal, but good planning and appropriate care can keep you and your garden flourishing.