British gardeners have been advised to reconsider planting this popular blossom beloved for its bright petals over fears it may wilt during the UK’s extreme heat
While it might be tempting to plant this one gorgeous blossom, gardeners are being urged to avoid it over a concerning climate threat.
As UK temperatures soar, many plants that once flourished with ease are beginning to falter. This is particularly true for plants known to rely on consistent moisture and cooler temperatures, which are now becoming parched during extensive hot dry spells with sparse rainfall.
Sadly, hydrangeas, known for their vibrant pink, purple and blue blossoms, are finding it especially hard to cope, as reported by The Express. This is because they thrive on moist soil that is watered frequently.
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In hot, sunny weather conditions, water evaporates quickly from the soil’s surface. In some cases, this means it disappears before plants have a chance to absorb it.
Signs that your hydrangea may be suffering heat stress include foliage appearing scorched and contorted, and petals turning brown. Equally, sagging branches is also a strong indicator that your flower is distressed.
As disappointing as this may be for avid gardeners, you don’t have to give up on planting a lush garden completely. There are plenty of plants and flowers which have useful adaptations that allow them to thrive in dry conditions.
Many plants, like succulents, that originate in arid climates and which have evolved to need little water. They are also capable of withstanding strong sunlight.
Common drought-resistant adaptations include thick, waxy skins, which enable plants to conserve water. Many also have fleshy stems and leaves that are capable of storing water.
But you don’t have to restrict yourself to cacti if you’re planting a drought-proof garden. Some beautiful flowers you can grow include lantanas and blanket flowers, which are both sturdy and vibrant.
Another benefit of planting drought-tolerant flora is that many are perennials. This means once you buy them you can enjoy them for many years, unlike seasonal bedding plants.
They also will attract many kinds of insects and pollinators. While these creatures get a bad rep, they are crucial for the health of your garden’s ecosystem.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just flowers, either. Herbs are a good option as they are typically quite drought-tolerant and include fennel, coriander, parsley, chives and thyme.
Even better, these can also be used in your kitchen. In particular, coriander is used in a wide variety of cuisines, such as Indian, Mexican and Middle Eastern cooking. Herbs like parsley and thyme are also used in many classic British dishes.