July is hot in North Carolina, and many of us face the challenge of maintaining a landscape with wildflowers, vegetables, and other interesting plants. The scorching temperatures and dry spells can be a real test. Today, we have tips for efficient summer watering and name some of the best plants for the hot season.
Deep Watering
A common misconception that new gardeners have is that frequent, shallow watering is beneficial. This will actually encourage roots to stay near the surface, making plants highly susceptible to wilting and even root rot. In North Carolina’s summer weather, we want roots to seek deeply for moisture under the surface to build a defense against the heat.
To achieve this type of summer watering, water deeply and infrequently. Instead of a daily sprinkle, aim for thorough saturation once or twice a week, depending on local rainfall and soil type. This means allowing water to penetrate at least 6 to 12 inches into the soil, building up a drought-tolerant root system.
For established beds, an advanced step is drip irrigation or soaker hoses. This method will deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and ensuring that every drop counts. Unlike overhead sprinklers, which can lead to excessive runoff, sunburned leaves, and fungal disease, drip systems are more efficient. If you choose to hand water, use a slow, steady flow at the base of the plant until the soil is fully saturated.
The ideal time to water is in the early morning hours, before the sun’s intensity ramps up. This gives the plants more time to absorb moisture before it evaporates, and the foliage has ample time to dry, reducing the likelihood of fungal issues. Watering in the evening seems convenient, but actually can leave plants wet overnight, creating a waterlogged environment for disease to develop, like root rot.
Always direct your watering efforts to the root zone, the area directly under the plant canopy. Spraying foliage unnecessarily can lead to sunburn on the leaves and potential disease.
Blanket of Mulch
One underused yet effective strategy for fighting the summer heat is the application of mulch. Think of it as a protective blanket for your soil, a simple move that gives many benefits.
Why Mulch:
- Moisture Retention: A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch (pine bark, compost, shredded leaves) acts as an insulating barrier, dramatically reducing water evaporation from the soil surface. This means you’ll need to water less frequently, saving water and your valuable time.
- Temperature Regulation: Mulch helps maintain a more consistent soil temperature, shielding roots from extreme heat waves. This allows plants to allocate more energy to growth and flowering rather than suffering heat stress.
- Weed Suppression: A thick layer of mulch blocks emerging weeds, competing with your landscape plants for water and nutrients. Fewer weeds mean healthier plants.
- Soil Health: As organic mulches decompose, they enrich the soil with valuable organic matter, improving soil structure, drainage, and fertility over time.
When applying mulch, make sure it’s not making contact against the stems or trunks of plants, which is what is called a “mulch volcano.” This can trap moisture in the wrong place and encourage rot. Leave a small ring of mulch-free space around the base of each plant. Pine needles, pine bark, or cypress bark are best mulches to use because over time they will break down and enrich the soil.
We have a selection of flowering shrubs and deer-resistant plants that grow well in King’s summer conditions, promising a continuous spectacle of color and texture in your garden.
Evergreen Shrubs:
- Loropetalum (Chinese Fringe Flower): With its striking purple/maroon foliage and delicate, fringe-like pink or white blooms, Loropetalum offers year-round visual interest. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant and requires minimal fuss. It prefers full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice.
- Abelia: This semi-evergreen shrub is a true workhorse, gracing the garden with a long blooming season from spring through fall. Its fragrant, tubular flowers are a magnet for pollinators. Abelias are adaptable to various soil types, thrive in full sun to partial shade, and are notably resistant to pests and diseases.
Heat-Loving Trees:
- Lagerstroemia (Crape Myrtle): The undisputed champion of Southern summers. These beauties explode with color when everything else is struggling in the heat. They come in all sizes, from shrubby varieties to towering tree types, and they handle the heat and humidity no problem.
Deer-Resistant Plants:
While no plant is entirely “deer-proof,” these selections are consistently less appealing when other options are available.
- Coneflower (Echinacea): A long summer bloomer, Echinacea is a robust perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its iconic daisy-like flowers attract butterflies and provide long-lasting color. Deer tend to avoid them due to their slightly coarse foliage.
- Sedum (Stonecrop): For low-growing, incredibly tough options, sedum is your go-to. These succulents store water in their leaves, making them incredibly drought-tolerant. They come in a variety of colors and textures, perfect for rock gardens or borders. Deer are not a fan of the fleshy texture or the bitter taste of sedum.
- Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana): For a grassy texture, the native Pampas Grass is simply stunning. Its cloud-like plumes emerge in late summer and persist into fall, creating a soft, hazy effect. It’s highly drought-tolerant, enjoys full sun, and is deer-resistant with its sharp leaves.
By applying timely, deep, targeted watering, laying down some mulch, and selecting plants that are naturally suited to our environment, your garden will easily survive the scorching summer heat.