As the weather gets steamier, how do you keep your blooms from wilting? We asked Max Apton, owner of Bedford Farms, and Jess Zavaglia of Zavaglia Associates for their advice on the hardiest choices for season-long beauty.
Heat-Resistant Options
Allium ‘Millenium’ is a perennial that produces a constellation of orb-shaped flower clusters from midsummer on. Tolerant of baking sun and drought, “it’s a great filler for the garden and it gives you a pop of purple,” says Zavaglia. Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ is an ornamental grass with striking wheat-colored stems that create a strong architectural element.
The pros suggest several shrubs that can endure high heat including crape myrtle with its vibrant, cotton candy-like blossoms, and native shrubs such as summersweet and buttonbush.
Pro Tip: Water your garden for at least an hour early in the morning to really hydrate the roots.
Container Garden Go-Tos
For a sunny deck or patio, count on floriferous mandevillas, ivy geraniums, lantanas, cosmos, zinnias, and hibiscus. Calla lilies and sweet potato vines are perfect for spots with partial shade. Callas feature gorgeous flowers while sweet potato vines produce lush, cascading foliage.
Pro Tip: Insert drip lines into pots for a constant source of water on hot, dry days.
Related: This Family Compound in Greenwich Has South American Influences
