The sun is shining and nature is in full bloom here in the UK, and we're delighted by the beauty of this glorious season!

However, in the summer months it is important to give your blooms a little extra TLC. Our lovely director Dani says: 

“Warmer weather and longer daylight hours bring benefits to our plants, but hot weather can also cause plants to suffer, whether it’s wilting leaves if your plant is too dry, or yellowing leaves from over-watering. By following these easy tips, however, you can help your plants remain strong, healthy, and able to withstand summer weather.”

Dani’s given some top tips to help your flowers beat the heat below:

How often should I water my flowers? 

The best way to extend the vase life of cut flower blooms is to maintain their care. One way to do this is by topping up water daily as it will evaporate quicker in the summer heat. It's also important to make sure that the water is completely refreshed every two to three days by pouring away old water, rinsing the vase or pot, and then refilling with fresh water.

Another way to maintain cut flowers is to trim an additional 2-3cm off the ends of the stems at a 45-degree angle whenever you refresh the water, as this increases the surface area and allows the flowers to absorb more water. You’ll notice your blooms have another lease of life with fresh water and trimmed stems!

What should I do if they need extra TLC?

If your blooms need an extra bit of TLC this summer, you can add a pinch of sugar to their water. This acts as flower food, and will help them to continue to stand tall for up to seven days or more.

How can I help house plants and bouquets cope with direct sunlight?

In the summer months, it's important to keep your blooms and house plants out of direct sunlight as their leaves can easily become sun scorched. We would advise moving plants and flowers away from windows, preferably into a more shaded spot. It is also best to avoid draughts through open doors and windows as they can cause the flower’s moisture to evaporate to a greater degree than it can absorb, making the blooms go limp. 

A simple way to prevent direct sunlight is to close curtains and blinds fully or partially during the day, as this filters out the strongest UV rays in sunny rooms. This will also help keep rooms cooler.

Another tip to help your indoor plants is to regularly dust the leaves, as this can help to boost the amount of light your plants soak up whilst they shelter from the harsh sun. Remember, the leaves are the lungs of your plant, so always give them a clean with a damp cloth when you can see dust build up! 

What about my indoor plants?

Throughout the hotter months, it's important to recognise how the heat can affect house plants. The most important factors to consider are the changes in light, heat and moisture. 

For green plants, continue with your weekly watering, keeping in mind that too much water can cause rotting and stunt the growth of your plants. A good way to check if your plant may be extra thirsty in the heat is to stick your finger into the top couple of inches of soil; if this feels dry, your plant is likely to need another drink! A damp plant is a happy plant (in most cases). Thoroughly soak plants once a week, but allow them to drain fully, as water build-up can result in root rot and will affect your plant’s health.

Flowering plants can continue to be watered as soon as the top couple of inches of the soil feels dry. Alternatively, it might be a safer option to regularly mist your indoor plants to prevent overwatering. 

What about regulating temperature? 

Regulating the temperature of your plants is also vital, as draughts or fluctuations in the temperature from air conditioning and fans in your home or office can cause instability in your plant’s environment, putting it under unnecessary stress. Try to keep a consistent temperature for plants wherever possible - this will keep them happy and thriving.

What if I'm going on holiday?

If you're planning a holiday, your plants should be fine for at least a week if given a big drink and moved to a shady spot before you go. If you're away for more than a week, we recommend asking someone to come and check on them for you, and give them water if required.