Who's Thirsty?When evaluating droopy plants, it is critical to determine the wetness of soil at the root ball level. Begin by removing the mulch from underneath your plant, and find a place where you can stick your finger into the soil close to the root ball. If it is wet an inch or two down, the plant has enough water and is probably drooping due to the heat from the sun. In this situation, see if you can give plants some much-needed shade during the warmest parts of the day (which is usually between 2:00 and 3:00 PM). If plants are in containers, you can physically move them underneath overhangs or to shaded sides of your home. If they are in the ground, shade can be provided with a strategically-placed umbrella or shade screen. If your soil feels dry under your drooping plant, it is a clear sign that it needs more water. Evaluate how you are watering your plant, how the soil is absorbing that water, and whether your plant can even be saved. Drip systems are considered the best for watering most landscape plants because they provide water slowly enough for the soil to have time to absorb moisture. If water is applied at to fast of a rate (via a hose or sprinkler system), water will simply run off the soil surface to lower areas of the landscape, and not be absorbed by the soil that your plant is pulling its water from. In some situations, water corrections may be made too late to save the plant and it will need to be removed and replaced with something a little more tolerant of heat and drought. Thankfully, you can find a replacement plant in the list below. Droop-Proof PlantsThe following plants were chosen for their resistances to drought and heat stress. These plants are beautiful, hardy, easy to care for, and are great choices for western landscapes.
Even though gardening in the summer months can be a bit frustrating, using the plants above can go a long way in creating a landscape that is both beautiful and low-maintenance over the warmer months of the year. Monitoring your garden for signs of water stress is critical to keeping plants healthy and happy, and thankfully cooler temperatures will come around again in just a few months' time.
Happy gardening!
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AuthorAn Alameda County Master Gardener with a love for the outdoors, gardening, self sufficiency, and the environment. Archives
January 2025
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