From our perspective, our root system is relatively shallow and fibrous. We do not send down a deep taproot to seek out water reserves far below the soil surface. This means we are highly dependent on the moisture available in the top few inches of the soil. In the intense summer heat, this upper layer of soil dries out with alarming speed due to increased evaporation. Our primary request is for consistent moisture, but never saturation. The ideal state for our roots is a well-drained environment that feels like a wrung-out sponge – moist to the touch but not dripping water. Soggy, waterlogged soil is a death sentence for us, as it suffocates our roots and leads to fatal root rot.
The question of "how often" is directly tied to "how much." A common mistake is to provide us with a light, surface-level sprinkling every day. This only wets the very top layer of soil, encouraging our roots to grow upwards towards this fleeting moisture, making us even more vulnerable to the heat. Instead, we thrive on a deep, thorough watering less frequently. When you water, please do so slowly and deeply at the base of the plant, ensuring the water penetrates at least 6 inches into the soil. This encourages our root system to grow deeper and stronger, which in turn makes us more resilient and drought-tolerant. You should water us when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel completely dry to the touch.
We will communicate our needs to you. During the peak afternoon sun, you may see our flowers close and our leaves droop or look slightly wilted. This is often a natural defense mechanism to reduce surface area and minimize water loss through transpiration; it does not always mean we are in dire need of immediate water. Check our soil first. If it is still cool and moist an inch down, we are likely just resting. However, if we are still wilted in the early evening or morning, that is a clear sign of significant water stress, and a deep watering is urgently required. Consistently wilting can lead to bud drop, reduced flowering, and overall decline.
Our watering needs are also dictated by our living situation. If we are planted directly in the ground, our roots have more room to spread and access a larger volume of soil, meaning we can often go longer between waterings than our counterparts in containers. For us in pots, the situation is more critical. Containers heat up quickly and have limited soil volume, leading to rapid drying. In the peak of summer, we in containers will likely need a deep watering once a day, and possibly even twice a day during extreme heatwaves. A layer of mulch (about 2 inches) around our base, whether in ground or in a pot, is immensely beneficial. It acts as an insulating blanket, keeping our roots cooler and significantly slowing the evaporation of precious moisture from the soil.
