SHREVEPORT, La. – If your flower pots and container gardens are looking a little worse for wear after weeks of scorching summer temperatures, don’t give up on them just yet.
In this week’s Garden Club segment, Jennifer McGimsey shares simple ways to refresh heat-stressed containers and keep them looking beautiful through the hottest part of the season.
A few easy steps can make a big difference. Start by removing dead or damaged plants and trimming back any dried foliage. Deadheading spent blooms encourages plants to produce more flowers instead of putting their energy into making seeds.
If plants like petunias have become leggy, don’t be afraid to prune them back to a healthy leaf node. They’ll often bounce back with fuller growth and new blooms.
McGimsey also recommends replacing plants that struggle in extreme heat with varieties that thrive in it. Vinca, lantana, portulaca and many succulents are excellent choices for colorful, low-maintenance summer containers.
Finally, proper watering is key. Water containers slowly and deeply early in the morning so moisture reaches the entire root system. Pots sitting in full afternoon sun may need extra attention as temperatures climb.
Watch this week’s Garden Club segment for more tips on keeping your containers healthy throughout the summer.
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