In July the summer heat can lower the “bloom” on some people’s enthusiasm for gardening. It’s at that point I need to give them some “grow”-tivation. We all need a little boost now and then. Besides, my Mom told me there would be “daisies” like this.
Some would refer to it as the dog days of summer. I love July, love the heat, and only need to think back a few months to the long cold winter to appreciate what July has to offer. Fortunately there are a number of plants that are heat lovers and thrive in July.
Succulents have developed a new found popularity in the midst of water concerns in some areas across the U.S. Succulents come in many shapes and sizes and are easy to grow provided you don’t drown them with kindness. Herbs are a great choice too. Herbs are sun lovers and thrive in the heat. Basil, Lavender or Oregano are a few examples.
There are many “own root” or shrub roses available to today’s homeowner from the “Drift” series of groundcover roses to “Easy Elegance” roses they are a workhorse in the landscape. I have some Proven Winners “Home Run” roses in my yard and they have continuous blooms and great disease resistance to both black spot and powdery mildew. They are heat tolerant, cold hardy with no winter covering and require no deadheading. I give them a general pruning back and feedings a couple times a year and that’s it!
Remember a light layer of mulch helps plants through the summer months cooling the roots and helping retain some soil moisture. When watering, try watering at the base of the plants as “mulch” as possible and morning is a great time to water.
Everywhere I go people tell me they enjoy my garden puns and sense of “humus” to which I say thank you very “mulch!” They then tell me in addition to the puns they like my lists. So here goes, my list of heat loving plants to try. Give a few a try….I knew you had it “zinnia!”
Annuals: Celosia, Cosmos, Cleome, Gazania, Scaevola, Diamond Frost Euphorbia, Gomphrena, Zinnias.
Perennials: Agastache, Coreopsis, Crocosmia, Echinacea (coneflowers), Ornamental grasses, Gaura, Gaillardia, Sedum, Nepeta, Helianthus, Heliopsis, Yarrow.
Woody Flowering: Own-root Roses, Buddleia (check out new dwarf butterfly bushes like ‘Lo and Behold’), Panicle Hydrangeas.
Rick Vuyst
