Many plants that once flourished with ease are beginning to falter in the hot weather
16:43, 20 Aug 2025Updated 08:07, 22 Aug 2025
Gardeners have been warned(Image: Kathrin Ziegler via Getty Images)
While it might be tempting to plant this one stunning bloom, gardeners are being warned to steer clear due to a worrying climate threat.
As UK temperatures rocket, many plants that once thrived effortlessly are starting to struggle. This is particularly true for plants known to depend on consistent moisture and cooler temperatures, which are now becoming parched during lengthy hot dry spells with scant rainfall.
Regrettably, hydrangeas, famed for their vibrant pink, purple and blue blossoms, are finding it especially tough to cope, as reported by The Express. This is because they flourish on moist soil that is watered regularly.
In hot, sunny weather conditions, water evaporates rapidly from the soil’s surface. In some instances, this means it vanishes before plants have an opportunity to absorb it.
Sunburned blue hydrangea flowers on a bush in a garden(Image: Getty)
Signs your hydrangea may be suffering heat stress include foliage looking scorched and twisted, and petals turning brown. Similarly, drooping branches is also a strong sign that your flower is distressed.
As disheartening as this may be for keen gardeners, you don’t have to abandon the idea of planting a lush garden entirely. There are plenty of plants and flowers which have useful adaptations that enable them to thrive in dry conditions.
Many plants, like succulents, originate in arid climates and have evolved to require little water. They are also capable of withstanding intense sunlight.
Common adaptations for drought resistance include thick, waxy skins that help plants conserve water. Many also have fleshy stems and leaves capable of storing water.
But don’t think you’re limited to cacti when planning a drought-resistant garden. You can grow beautiful flowers like lantanas and blanket flowers, which are both robust and colourful.
There are many flowers you can grow instead(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Another advantage of planting drought-tolerant plants is that many are perennials. This means once you’ve purchased them, you can enjoy their beauty for years, unlike seasonal bedding plants.
They’ll also attract a variety of insects and pollinators. Despite their bad reputation, these creatures are vital for maintaining the health of your garden’s ecosystem.
And it’s not just about flowers. Herbs are a great choice as they’re typically quite resistant to drought and include fennel, coriander, parsley, chives and thyme.
Even better, these can be used in your cooking. Coriander, for example, is a staple in Indian, Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines, while herbs like parsley and thyme feature in many traditional British dishes.
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