Right now the Pacific Northwest is being hit with a record heat wave. Luckily, most of us have access to AC, but the poor plants have to take the brunt of it, facing hour after hour in the full sun at temps reaching 106 degrees or more.Some plants have withered. The poor Hydrangeas may never be the same after this summer. The leaves on a few of the plants have burned to a crisp. And even the butterfly bushes are looking sad, and I thought they could weather anything.
There are plants in the garden that are sucking up the heat. It's no surprise the basil have taken off, or that the new little olive trees I've planted are enjoying the warmth. Then there are the plants you didn't think would do well, but are doing great. For me, that's Astrantia. I should have guessed. This plant is bullet proof and will last in vases long after all the other flowers have moved on to the compost bin. They do like moist soil, and I've read they like shade to part shade. But I'm finding if they are watered, this 2' tall plant handles the direct sun just fine.
I enjoy Astrantia and have put various colors around they yard. They do seed around a bit, but since I like sharing, that works for me.
If you have a plant that you're surprised has weathered the heat, I'd love to hear about it.
Stay cool out there.
Di