A new heatwave is beating down on the UK, with 36C temperatures being felt in some regions in the south of England.
The Met Office has been warning of unceasing heat over the last few days, and it looks set to remain well into the weekend and beyond.
It comes as water companies have put in place hosepipe bans across England and Wales, making gardening especially difficult.
For anyone already struggling to keep their hydrangeas alive, let alone flowering, it’s a tall order.
Thanks to the BBC Gardener’s World presenter Mark Lane, who is stairlift and home lift company Stannah’s gardening expert, this is how you can keep your hydrangeas flowering.
How to keep hydrangeas flowering in hot weather
Mark said: “Hydrangeas are thirsty plants. You'll know when they need water as the plant will start to droop, but ideally you need to keep the soil moist at all times.
“With the excess heat this can be really difficult, but there are a few things that you can do to keep your prized hydrangea looking great.”
Ensure the soil is moist
Keeping your flowers flourishing is especially difficult in some parts of the UK now, with hosepipe bans gripping the nation.
Mark added: “With hosepipe bans, either use stored water from waterbutts or collect the water from washing up and from the bath and use this to water your plants.
“Avoid greasy water, but everyday washing up water will be fine, as will bath water. Another trick is to place some bowls in your shower and collect any run-off water.
“After the soil is moist add a thick layer of biodegradable material, such as spent compost or homemade compost, known as a mulch.
“This will help keep in water and slow down evaporation. It's better to give the plant plenty of water a few days a week rather than a little every day."
Use tubing to promote growth
Giving your plants some additional support during weather like this is particularly crucial.
Mark continued: “Place some tubing or downpipe next to your plants so that it goes down to the roots. Water through the pipe and this will target the water where it is really needed (there is no point in watering the leaves, especially during hot weather).
“If growing in a pot always water the plant all the way around the container, not just in one place. Water should come out of the bottom of the pot.
"Never let it sit in water as this will rot the roots. Overwatering your hydrangea can also lead to the plant wilting, which can tempt the gardener to go out and water it, thinking it needs moisture. Just feel around in the soil and stick your finger in, down to the second knuckle.
"If it still feels moist, hold off from watering. Yellowing leaves is also a sign of over-watering and stress."
When should you water hydrangeas?
Watering your hydrangeas at the right time of day can make all the difference in keeping them flowering.
Mark explained: “Always water in the morning or late evening to prevent quick evaporation.
“Growing your hydrangea in the shade will also slow down the droop, so if you're growing a hydrangea in a pot, move it to a shady area. The plant will grow happily in the shade.
“As flowers fade remove them as soon as possible so that the plant's energy goes back into growing and flowering, rather than to seed.
“Just remember to leave some faded blooms come mid-autumn to help protect the new emerging buds from frost and cold weather over the winter.”
