Like 7 inches from the midday sun! (nod to Santana) Not only do WE feel it, but our plants do to. And not all of them are fans. While most of our tropical plants look good, they also cry out for water… just not soggy feet.
Picky? Probably not as much as humans. Recently Gertens received a lot of questions about tropical hibiscus leaves turning yellow and buds dropping off.
Dale K explained what’s happening in a video on Gertens Facebook page. Quick takeaways include:
- Typically, it’s due to environmental factors like the sudden fluctuations in temperature and rainfall.
- Significant rainfall can lead to soggy feet (roots). This inhibits chlorophyll production which produces green, healthy leaves.
- Don’t overwater. It’s okay to let them dry out between waterings.
- When it comes to bud drop, add Bloom Enhancer water soluble fertilizer to add micronutrients that are inhibited.
If you recently planted new perennials, expect to keep them well-watered. Minnesota is notorious for whiplash forecasts. Torrential rain, no rain, hot temps, cold temps.
The point is to monitor your plants and the weather. Most of them give you signals when they need something. Drooping/crispy leaves? They need water. Dropping non-crispy leaves? Check the moisture level, they could be too wet. I recommend the Luster Leaf Rapitest as it measures both moisture and sunlight! There’s a 5-inch probe to really get into the soil while being much less invasive than using your trowel.
When establishing perennials, shrubs and trees, it’s important to follow a watering schedule, in particular when we hit 90-degree temps. Talk with Gertens Experts.
Excessive heat tolerant plants include:
- Lantana
- Celosia
- Angelonia
- Zinnia
- SunPatiens
- Mandevilla
- Cosmos
- Marigolds
- Canna
- Coneflower
- Sedum
- Butterfly weed
- Coreopsis
- Hostas
- Daylilies
- Ornamental grasses
- Yarrow
This is no way a complete list but includes gardener favorites.
I can’t wait to see the above container planting in August! Butterflies and hummingbirds love this combo.
Bottom line… stay cool.
Keepin’ it Smooth,
The Garden Scoop
