From our perspective, drooping and wilting are often our most direct way of communicating a critical need: water. Our root systems are relatively fine and can dry out quickly, especially when grown in containers or during periods of intense heat and sun. When the soil moisture drops below a certain threshold, our cells lose turgor pressure—the internal water pressure that keeps our stems and leaves rigid. Without it, we simply cannot hold ourselves upright, and we wilt to conserve the remaining moisture we have. However, it is crucial to note that the opposite extreme, saturated soil, is equally damaging. Constantly waterlogged conditions suffocate our roots, preventing them from absorbing oxygen and leading to root rot. In this case, we also droop, but our stems and base may feel soft and look darkened, a sign we are literally drowning.
Our inability to produce the vibrant blooms you expect is typically a response to our environment and your care regimen. We are photoperiodic in our flowering habit, meaning we set buds in response to the length of daylight and night. We often enter a natural resting phase during the peak heat of midsummer, a survival tactic to conserve energy. If we are planted in excessive shade, our energy is diverted to stretching our stems towards the light (becoming leggy) rather than producing flowers. Furthermore, an imbalance in nutrients directly impacts our blooming capability. A diet too rich in nitrogen encourages us to produce an abundance of lush, green foliage at the expense of flowers. We require a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (the middle number in NPK ratios) to support robust bud formation and flowering.
Beyond specific water or nutrient issues, broader environmental stresses take a significant toll on our health. While we thrive in full sun and are tolerant of heat, a sudden, extreme heatwave can cause temporary wilting even in well-watered plants as our transpiration rate exceeds our water uptake ability. Conversely, we are extremely sensitive to cold. Temperatures even slightly above freezing can cause our cells to freeze and rupture, leading to blackened, mushy leaves and stems—a sure sign of cold damage from which we may not recover. Strong, damaging winds can physically batter our petals and leaves, increasing moisture loss and causing mechanical stress that diverts energy away from growth and flowering.
To help us overcome these problems, please consider our native needs. Plant us in a location where we receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and in very well-draining soil. Water us deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but ensure we never sit in water. To encourage continuous flowering, feed us monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or one formulated for blooming plants. Most importantly, practice deadheading. By removing our spent blooms, you prevent us from putting energy into seed production and instead encourage us to create more flowers, extending our display well into the season.
