The Garden Meltdown

Gardening enthusiasts know that weather can be both a friend and a foe. When temperatures soar above 100°F, the effects on garden plants can be dramatic and challenging to mitigate. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impacts of extreme heat on garden plants, and highlight which species can endure the scorching conditions and which ones might struggle. I have to say, this summer was a bit of a learning curve for me personally. It wasn’t just enough to water and try to keep the roots cool – some favorites did well and others did not.

Effects of Extreme Heat (Over 100°F) on Garden Plants:

1. Wilting: High temperatures lead to increased transpiration, causing plants to lose water faster than they can absorb it. This results in wilting leaves and stems as the plant attempts to conserve moisture.
2. Sunburn: Just like humans, plants can get sunburned. Intense heat can scorch leaves and cause them to turn brown or become crispy. Sunburn can hamper a plant’s ability to photosynthesize, hindering growth. Even hostas that love the heat and humidity of the Midwest region look worse for wear.
3. Reduced Flowering and Fruit Production: Extreme heat can disrupt the pollination process, leading to fewer flowers and fruits. Some plants may even drop their blossoms to conserve energy.
4. Stunted Growth: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can slow down a plant’s growth. Resources that would normally be allocated to growth are redirected toward survival, resulting in smaller, less vigorous plants.

Plants That Thrive in Extreme Heat:

1. Succulents: Plants like agave, yucca, and cacti are well-suited for high-temperature environments. Their thick, water-storing leaves help them survive drought and extreme heat. This one was not a surprise.
2. Lavender: Lavender is known for its heat tolerance and fragrant blooms, making it an excellent choice for hot climates.
3. Portulaca: Also known as moss rose, portulaca thrives in hot and dry conditions, producing vibrant, low-growing flowers.
4. Tomatoes and peppers: These plants did well and produced vegetables.
5. Ornamental Grass: Planted in the raised garden are three purple fountain grasses. Boy, do they look great!
6. Cosmos: Just performed amazingly and the color (orange in our space) is so cheery.

1. Impatiens: These shade-loving annuals are not equipped to handle intense sun and heat. They may wilt and decline rapidly in extreme temperatures.
2. Fuchsia: Fuchsia plants are sensitive to heat and prefer cooler, shadier conditions. They can suffer from heat stress, leading to reduced flowering.
3. Lettuce: Cool-season vegetables like lettuce are prone to bolting (going to seed prematurely) in hot weather, resulting in bitter-tasting leaves.
4. Dahlias: Did you know that this is the National Flower of Mexico? I was surprised that the flowers in the sun did not survive while the plants in the shade survived, but certainly do not look well.

Plants That Struggle in Extreme Heat:

In conclusion, extreme heat above 100°F can take a toll on your garden plants. To help your garden withstand scorching temperatures, choose heat-resistant species, provide ample shade, and implement proper watering practices. By selecting the right plants and offering them the care they need, you can ensure your garden remains vibrant and resilient in the face of extreme heat.