Garden plants across Europe brace for extreme summer heat

Verbena has become one of the most popular summer ornamental plants on balconies and terraces throughout Europe, especially in Slovenia. Experts note that it blooms from late spring to early autumn, tolerates high temperatures, and requires minimal care: at least six hours of direct sun, well‑drained soil, moderate watering, and occasional deadheading. Its dense flowers also attract bees and butterflies, making it valuable for pollinators.

In Croatia, horticultural specialists warn that recent heatwaves reaching 35‑36 °C can damage other common garden plants such as petunias, fuchsias and hydrangeas. They recommend moving potted specimens to partial shade during the hottest part of the day, watering early morning or late evening, applying mulch to retain soil moisture, avoiding fertilisation, and using shade nets or umbrellas for larger shrubs. These measures aim to prevent leaf scorch, wilting and reduced flowering.