07/20/2026
☀️ **Helping Flowers and Perennials Survive Extreme Summer Heat**
When temperatures climb, flowers and perennials can struggle—even varieties that normally handle Southern summers well. Heat stress often shows up as wilted leaves, scorched edges, dropped blooms, or plants that simply stop growing.
Here are the best ways to help them through extreme heat:
💧 **Water deeply, not lightly.**
A quick sprinkle only wets the soil surface. Water slowly and deeply so moisture reaches the root zone. Early morning is best because plants have time to absorb water before the hottest part of the day.
🌿 **Check the soil before watering again.**
Wilt does not always mean dry soil. Plants can also wilt when roots are sitting in wet, oxygen-poor soil. Push your finger a couple of inches into the soil before adding more water.
🍂 **Use mulch wisely.**
Two to three inches of mulch helps keep roots cooler and slows moisture loss. Keep mulch pulled slightly away from the crown and stems to reduce rot and disease problems.
⛱️ **Give temporary afternoon protection.**
Newly planted flowers and perennials may benefit from temporary shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Even a lawn chair, shade cloth, or piece of cardboard positioned on the west side can reduce stress while roots become established.
✂️ **Remove spent blooms and damaged growth.**
Deadheading helps plants conserve energy. Remove scorched or broken growth, but avoid cutting a heat-stressed plant back too severely unless necessary.
🚫 **Do not push fertilizer during extreme heat.**
Heavy fertilizer encourages tender new growth that may burn quickly. Focus on consistent moisture and healthy roots first. Resume feeding when temperatures moderate and the plant begins actively growing again.
🪴 **Watch containers closely.**
Potted plants can dry out much faster than plants in the ground. Some containers may need daily watering during extreme heat, especially smaller pots and dark-colored containers sitting in full sun.
Most importantly, do not panic if a plant looks tired during the hottest part of the afternoon. Many plants wilt temporarily to conserve moisture and recover later in the evening. Check the soil before assuming they need more water.
At **C.C. Martin Nursery**, we believe choosing the right plant is only the beginning. We also want to help you keep it healthy and thriving through Louisiana’s heat, humidity, heavy rain, and unpredictable weather.
Have a plant that is struggling? Send us a clear photo and tell us how much sun and water it receives. We will help you figure out what is really going on before you lose it.
🌱 **C.C. Martin Nursery — practical plants and honest advice for the Gulf South.**
