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Heat-Stressed Plants? How to Help Them Bounce Back
When the temperatures soar and the sun blazes down, even the toughest plants can suffer. If your garden is looking a little worse for wear this summer, it may be feeling the effects of heat stress. The good news? With a little TLC, your plants can bounce back. Here’s how to spot the signs of heat stress and what you can do to help your garden recover and thrive.
Spot the Signs of Heat Stress
Plants show stress in a variety of ways. Keep an eye out for:
🌿 Leaf Scorch – Look for browning edges or tips on leaves, often accompanied by a dry, crispy texture.
🥀 Wilting – Even with moist soil, plants may droop during peak heat. This is a defense mechanism to conserve water.
💛 Yellowing Leaves – A sign that your plant is struggling to photosynthesize effectively under extreme heat.
🌸 Blossom Drop or Reduced Fruit Set – Flowers and developing fruits may fall off or fail to form if the plant is overwhelmed.
How to Help Heat-Stressed Plants Recover
1. Water Smart, Not More
Deep, infrequent watering is better than shallow daily watering. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation. Make sure water reaches the root zone.
2. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds that compete for water.
3. Provide Temporary Shade
Use shade cloth, patio umbrellas, or even an old bedsheet to create a barrier from the midday sun—especially for tender plants or new transplants.
4. Skip the Fertilizer (for Now)
Heat-stressed plants aren’t up for a nutrient boost. Fertilizing during extreme heat can actually worsen stress. Wait until temperatures cool down.
5. Prune Wisely
Hold off on major pruning, but remove scorched or dead growth to help the plant redirect energy toward healthy recovery.
6. Keep Soil Healthy
Heat takes a toll on soil too. Revive it with compost or a light top-dressing of Espoma organic soil amendments to boost resilience over time.
Set Your Garden Up for Success
Heat is inevitable, but damage isn’t. Proven Winners® plants and American Beauties Native Plants® are bred to thrive in tough conditions, including high heat. And don’t forget to enrich your soil with SunGro potting mix and Jonathan Green soil conditioners to create the healthiest root environment possible.
Still Worried? Visit Us for Expert Help
If you’re unsure whether your plants can bounce back or need help choosing heat-tolerant options, stop by Lakeview Nurseries. Our Plant Geeks are here to help you diagnose problems and pick the right solutions—whether it’s a soil upgrade, a heat-hardy perennial, or the perfect mulch.
And if you’re planting to support pollinators, don’t forget: Get a $10 gift card FREE when you purchase $75 of select pollinator plants—just use promo code pollinator25.
New to our app? Download it here and get $10 off your first $50 purchase with promo code welcome. (Discounts cannot be combined.)
Stay cool—and keep your garden growing strong!
From Michelle and the Plant Geeks at Lakeview Nurseries
🌼 Proud to feature Proven Winners, American Beauties Native Plants, SunGro soils, Espoma fertilizers, and Jonathan Green lawn care products.
