Regular watering in July is essential for good plant health and a long-lasting display, but one smart move is to know which plants need more water than others.
Depending on their cellular makeup, certain plants require more water to help them perform key tasks such as photosynthesis, transporting nutrients, providing structure and reproduction.
This knowledge, along with spotting signs of plant thirst and knowing when to water a garden (this soil moisture meter from Amazon can help), will not only stimulate growth but can also help prevent pests and disease from taking hold. Here are the thirsty garden favorites to prioritize.
Dahlia
Easy-going and unashamedly blowsy, dahlias need more water than other border stars.
'The reward with Dahlias is months of cut-flower-quality blooms right through to frost,' says horticulturalist Stephan Winterfeldt. 'They're building tubers and flower stems at the same time in July, and if they dry out badly, you can see fewer blooms and shorter stems afterward.'
Whether in-ground or container grown, dahlias benefit from constantly moist soil but they will rot if left in soggy ground. Strike the perfect balance with a little thought and preparation.
'I prefer a soaker hose at the base of the plant, running slowly two or three times a week,' continues master gardener Tabar Gifford. 'That keeps the foliage dry, helps prevent powdery mildew and encourages deep root growth that makes the plant more resilient.'
Stephan adds, 'Mulching around the base holds moisture between waterings.'
Find a selection of soaker hoses at Walmart.
Suitable mulch options include pine bark chippings from Amazon and Coconut Husk Chips, also from Amazon
Hydrangea
Shrub hydrangeas earn their yard space producing large, long-lasting summer blooms and vibrant foliage in Fall. ‘As beautiful as they are, they do need more water during the Summer,' says plant expert Katie Sunderlage. 'Watering 2-3 times a week, of 1-2” of water, is best, especially if rainfall is low.'
From conical flowered Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea quercifolia to lacecap types Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata, these ornamental shrubs can be a little contradictory when it comes to watering.
‘Hydrangeas may wilt as a defense mechanism during periods of heat and humidity,’ adds Katie. ‘Before watering, check the soil first. If the soil is already wet, do not water more, this can cause root rot. If the top 1-2” of soil is dry, it’s safe to water’
Relatively drought tolerant once established, find live Oakleaf Hydrangea 'White Gatsby' plants at Walmart.
Canna Lily
Tall, elegant and unashamedly exotic, canna lilies are commonly grown outdoors in USDA Zones 8-11. Raise as annuals in cooler areas, starting rhizomes off under cover in April before moving outside when night temperatures are consistently above 50F (10C).
'These spring-planted tropicals are producing enormous leaves and vivid blooms in a compressed growing season, and consistent deep watering is what gives them that lush, almost otherworldly presence in the July garden,' explains Tabar.
Cannas benefit from a regular soaking, their leaves will droop and loose luster if thirsty. Check container grown cannas with a water monitor - try the RainPoint wireless design from Walmart , while in-ground plants benefit from a slug-unfriendly compressed coconut fibre mulch mat from Amazon .
What to Shop
This soaker hose is 50ft in length. It's porous material allows water to drip through and directly hydrate roots.
A watering wand is useful for directing water to the soil rather than the foliage. This 15-inch watering wand is made with strong, premium zinc alloy.
Bury this olla in your garden bed with the top at surface level. Fill it with water and watch as it keeps plant roots hydrated. Made of terracotta, it's porous and provides consistent moisture.
Impatiens
Top contenders for extra TLC and watering in July are impatiens. Commonly grown as annual bedding plants in the US, these blooms are popular for brightening shady spots plus filling hanging baskets and containers.
Busy Lizzies (Impatiens walleriana) and New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) are both tropical natives, requiring consistently moist growing conditions to satisfy their brittle, water-filled stems and shallow root systems.
Self watering planters and baskets are a smart choice here, as they cut down effort, stress and enable you to monitor moisture levels at a glance. These contemporary baskets from Amazon include a watering lip, water reservoir and wicking system.
For an impressive yet movable display, try this Raised Garden Bed from Walmart.
Sweet Peas
For many, sweet peas epitomise the headiness of summer. With their delicate beauty and sweet perfume they are highly prized but can quickly fade when July arrives. Proficient watering is the secret, as garden expert Annie Morton explains.
'If you want your sweet peas to keep blooming all summer, make sure their roots stay moist. If they dry out, they’ll go to seed and stop flowering. Water deeply at the base every other day, and avoid watering from above, as it can cause mildew.'
Let technology eliminate any guesswork. 'I use an automatic timer on my drip hose so they get watered early in the morning, even if I forget,' says Annie. Try the Garden Hose Timer with Rain Sensor from Hoselink.
Find Eckfords Finest Mix Sweet Pea Seeds at Burpee.
Elephant Ears
Tropical native Colocasia esculenta - Elephant Ears - make a dramatic statement in the summer yard, but require extra water to thrive.
Best raised as spring planted tubers, these foliage giants can grow up to 3-6ft (91-182cm) in a season, but rely on consistent water to to retain their rigidity and growth.
Consider installing an irrigation system to do the job for you. This patio sprinkler kit from Lowe's is for up to 8 planters.
Ligularia
A giant plant of the damp, shady garden, Ligularia impresses with its bold leaves and sunny yellow spires in summer but doesn't cope well with dry July heat.
'Ligularia is probably the most honest plant I grow. When thirsty, it doesn't hint. It collapses — dramatically.' says Tabar. 'The first time I saw it happen, I was convinced I'd lost it. Then I gave it a thorough drink, and within a few hours it had straightened right back up.'
Tabar adds, 'That dramatic wilt is actually one of the things I love about recommending Ligularia. It teaches gardeners exactly what a genuinely thirsty plant looks like - and it's remarkably forgiving once its needs are met.'
Regular deep soakings and a generous layer of mulch keep ligularia roots cool and moist. Clay ollas from Walmart slowly release water.
Discover how watering plants in containers correctly and color drenching in gardens can prolong floral color well into fall.
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