Though this North Texas summer has been unusually cooler than the last few years, we finally hit temperatures over 100 degrees this week. And while we may not be spending a lot of time outside for the foreseeable future, we can’t forget our plants. Scorching heat can do a number on a lawn, flower beds and container gardens. So we checked in with Jennifer Hatalski, a Texas Certified Nursery Professional with Calloway’s Nursery, for answers to all our burning questions about keeping our greenery alive when it’s this hot.
When and how often should I water in extreme heat?
Cora XDR vinca, which Hatalski says is a heat-tolerant “staple” in Texas summer landscapes, comes in a variety of colors.(Courtesy Calloway’s Nursery)
How and when you water can significantly impact the health of plants, especially in high summer heat. Just like experts advise you to water your lawn deeply, you should do the same with your plants.
“[When you water] first thing in the morning, before it gets really hot, you don’t lose as much water to evaporation,” says Hatalski. For potted or container plants and flower beds, she advises watering daily provided the soil warrants that schedule. “It is always best to check the moisture of your flower beds first before watering,” she says. “If the soil is dry about 2-3 inches down, it’s time to water; if not, you are still good.”
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Related:You’re watering your lawn all wrong. Here’s what to do insteadHow can I protect my plants from the heat?
Properly mulching your flower beds can help your plants retain moisture and protect them from the heat.(Courtesy Calloway’s Nursery)
Next to water, mulch might be the most important factor in keeping your plants as healthy as possible. General gardening wisdom says you need a 3-inch layer of mulch in your flower beds. “Not only does it give your flower beds a clean and very polished look, but what mulch is going to do is … suppress weeds,” says Hatalski, noting that weeds can compete with plants for water, which is something you want to avoid. “[Mulch] also protects your plants roots from [heat] during the summer months and then from cold during the winter months, as well. It acts as a natural insulation barrier.” The mulch also locks in the moisture, she says, so that when you water, your plants stay hydrated for longer.
When you apply mulch, be sure to leave a 3-to-6-inch ring around the base of the plant exposed — too much mulch at the base can suffocate the plant.
Should I fertilize my plants in extreme heat?
A common mistake Hatalski sees this time of year is gardeners forgetting to fertilize — but you really should be fertilizing in the heat. “We take our vitamins every day, and your plants need their vitamins too, especially when you’re watering more and it’s warm outside.”
Some people worry about burning their plants with fertilizer, but Hatalski says that shouldn’t be an issue if you use a fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen. When you do fertilize your plants, follow the instructions on the container; most will tell you how long to wait before you reapply.
For larger shrubs and trees, Hatalski recommends a root stimulator, which will help establish strong roots and create more resistance to the impact of heat.
Related:11 low-maintenance, heat-resistant plants that will withstand a North Texas summer What are the signs of heat stress in plants?
Vitex is a heat-tolerant plant that thrives in Texas — and in the full sun. Its blooms attract pollinators, such as bees.(Courtesy Calloway’s Nursery)
It’s easy to mistake heat stress for a dying plant, but the two are not the same. Heat stress may cause plants to wilt during the hottest parts of the day. (Feels relatable, no?) Other signs of heat stress are smaller flowers, flowers that fade in color more easily, leaves that roll at the edges and burn, and bloom dormancy, a period when plants don’t bloom.
But don’t panic: If your flower beds are mulched and you’re watering consistently, more often than not, the plant will perk up the next morning. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust your watering schedule or check that the mulch around your plant is sufficient.
Heat stress can make your plants more susceptible to pests and disease. To help shore up your plants’ health, Hatalski recommends a four-in-one product, Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Max. In the event that your plants seem to be struggling but you’re not sure why, you can always bring them (or photos of them) to a nursery and ask for help from a certified professional.
Should houseplant care change in the summer?
Keep an eye on your indoor plants during the heat of summer. Strong sun and a lot of air conditioning can cause them to dry out.(Grumpy Cow Studios/Getty Images)
As long as your air conditioner is working — and we certainly hope it is — your house plants will be pretty well shielded from the heat. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay them a little more attention. Continual blasts of air conditioning and the strong summer sun can cause your indoor plants to dry out. Keep an eye on them and, if you think they might be getting too much sun, migrate them to a new space in your home for the season. Hatalski also recommends a moisture meter, a device you put into the soil of a potted plant, to tell you when a plant needs water.
Is it too hot to plant anything new?
Hatalski maintains that you can still add to your beds in the summer — you just need to pick the right plants. Here are a few of her favorite heat-tolerant selections.
Annuals
Hatalski loves Cora XDR vinca, lantana, pentas and Soiree Catharanthus for high-summer annuals. Lantana is a magnet for pollinators, and pentas will rebloom through the fall, she says.
Perennials 
Coneflowers will add vibrant color and draw pollinators to your yard.(DebraLee Wiseberg/Getty Images)
Perennial hibiscus can thrive in the sun, and coneflower is heat tolerant and low maintenance, according to Hatalski. Plus, coneflowers provide an abundance of nectar and pollen, which are both vital for bees’ survival. Hatalski also recommends milkweed, which can attract monarch butterflies, and salvia, which will attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Trees and shrubs
If you want to fill your garden with more than flowers, consider a heat-tolerant tree or shrub. Hatalski recommends crepe myrtles (which are the Texas state shrub), althea, vitex, Texas sage and red or golden sword yucca.
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