Summer Gardening in Qatar: Top Tips for Thriving Flowers
As the sun gets stronger and the weather gets warmer, our gardens start to burst with beautiful colours and wonderful scents. Flowers like peonies, lilacs, daffodils, and tulips are real eye-catchers. But not all flowers can handle the hot summer sun. Surprisingly, there are plenty of plants that love the heat and give us gorgeous summer blooms to brighten up our surroundings. You can buy small potted plants or larger ones from lots of different garden centers or online flower shops in Qatar. It doesn’t matter if you have a yard, balcony, or just a window – the Blacktulip Flowers Qatar team has picked out a selection of flowering plants along with some hot-weather gardening tips that will add a lovely touch to your summer!
Summer Blooms in Qatar
1. Bougainvilleas
When cruising through the streets of Doha, you can’t miss the vibrant bursts of deep pink adorning fences and walls—those are Bougainvillea! This climbing shrub is widely grown in Qatar for its ability to thrive in hot summers with minimal upkeep. It needs only good soil, drainage, and plenty of sunlight.
Like most plants, Bougainvillea starts off relatively small, flaunting an array of colors, including yellow, red, orange, purple, white, and lavender. Here’s an interesting tidbit: the ‘colorful flowers’ are actually leaves called “bracts,” with the tiny white blossom in the middle serving as the actual flower.
2. Ixora or geraniums
Ixora, or Jungle geranium, is a resilient flowering plant widely available in Qatar’s plant nurseries. It flourishes in the summer, thriving in full sunlight whether planted in the ground or pots.
At this time of the year, Ixora displays vibrant large blooms in striking red, yellow, orange, and pink hues. It’s low maintenance, even in extreme heat. Forgetful watering won’t cause the flowers to dry up quickly; they bloom more with abundant sunlight.
3. Lantanas
Lantanas introduce a sense of enduring beauty to your summer garden. These lively flowers feature clusters of petite blooms of red, orange, yellow, and purple. As they mature, they often undergo changes in color. Lantanas exhibit remarkable resilience, thriving in hot weather, enduring drought, and adapting to neglect, making them ideal for low-maintenance planters. They can be used as border plants, in container arrangements, or to entice birds with their sweet nectar. Flourishing in hot climates, these flowers require well-draining soil and regular watering, particularly during the warmer days.
4. The heat-resistant Marigold
Marigolds, known for their vibrant yellow, orange, and red blooms, offer more than just visual appeal – they also possess pest-repelling characteristics. The strong scent they release acts as an effective repellent for insects, making them excellent companions for other summer vegetables and flowers. Moreover, marigolds are highly resilient in hot and dry conditions, requiring minimal care to thrive. Combine them with zinnias and geraniums for a stunning and insect-free summer showcase
5. Zinnias
Zinnias make a vibrant entrance with a dazzling variety of colors, from lively reds and oranges to delightful pinks and purples. These fast-growing annuals thrive in full sun and are a wonderfully low-maintenance option. With their tall, slender stems, they are perfect for cut flowers, bringing a burst of color to summer bouquets.
Summer Flower Maintenance & Gardening Tips:
Protect Sensitive Plants with Shade
Ensure that sensitive plants are shielded from direct sunlight to prevent dehydration due to heat. Additionally, ensure that the flowers remain well-hydrated when exposed to the sun to retain moisture even in direct sunlight.
Get Enough Sunlight
Ensure plants receive 6-8 hours of sunshine daily. Pinch back lanky stems to promote bushier growth and deadhead spent blooms to ensure ongoing flowering.
Feed Them Well
It is crucial to ensure the plants thrive and provide the essential nutrients they need to support their natural processes and stay healthy, especially in the summer heat. Although plants may not constantly require fertilizers, they need additional nutrients during the summer, given the longer days.
Do not overwater
• Remember to water your plant sufficiently; overwatering can be harmful. It’s best to water it slowly so the soil can absorb it. Consider watering your plants early or after sunset for best results to minimize evaporation.
• Consider providing a deep soak watering once a week (30–45 minutes) instead of watering a little bit every day.
Remove Old flowers
To prolong the blooming period of your plant, it’s beneficial to remove old or dying flowers. This not only encourages more blooms but also contributes to maintaining the youthfulness of the plants.
Trim the Stems
When transporting the stems, it’s crucial to trim them a few inches to prevent drying out and enhance hydration for the blooms. Trimming the stems at a 45-degree angle maximizes the surface area for efficient water intake, ensuring their freshness during transit.
Remove the weeds
Weeds threaten the health of your garden by depriving desirable plants of essential soil nutrients and moisture. Eliminating weeds before they have a chance to spread and reproduce prevents further infestation.
Use fertilizers
• If leaves are turning yellow or it’s not doing well, try adding compost to the soil around its roots. This simple step can bring your plants back to life and keep them healthy.
• Improve your plants by using a slow-release granular fertilizer like Osmocote. A balanced 14-14-14 fertilizer will help with roots, green leaves, and flowers, giving your plants the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Kellogg Garden Organics All Purpose Fertilizer is a good choice for people who choose organic fertilizers
• To maximize the health and growth of your plants, utilize companion planting techniques to group plants that benefit one another. For instance, marigolds put near crops can deter pests, while low-growing creeping jenny can help control weeds. These natural partnerships can significantly enhance the well-being of your garden.
Thriving flowers in Qatar heat & gardening Tips FAQs
Can Flowers Thrive in Qatar’s Summer Heat?
Absolutely! Despite Qatar’s challenging summer conditions, with careful selection and extra attention, you can nurture magnificent summer blossoms. Here are some important reminders to keep in mind:
• Select the right flowers: Choose heat-resistant varieties that can endure high temperatures and require minimal water (Refer the blog for detailed recommendations!)
• Timing is crucial: It’s best to plant your summer blooms during the cooler months (October to March) to allow them to develop strong root systems before the intense heat sets in.
• Adapt your care routine: In summer, it’s important to adjust your watering schedule and sun exposure. Deep watering in the early morning or evening is essential to prevent evaporation. You may need to provide shade during the hottest part of the day or consider planting near trees for natural shade protection.
2. What are some tips for summer flower care in Qatar?
Remember the following points
• Water deeply in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
• Choose shade during the hottest part of the day and consider using shade cloths or planting near trees.
• Use well-draining soil with organic matter to retain moisture.
• Apply mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
3. What heat-resistant flowers can I grow in Qatar?
Remember these plants:
• Zinnia: Colorful flowers for full sun.
• Portulaca: Low-maintenance ground cover for hot weather.
• Desert Rose: Unique succulent for drought and high temperatures.
• Butterfly Bush: Attracts butterflies and handles heat well.
• Catharanthus roseus: Heat-tolerant perennial with glossy foliage.
4. Are there any general gardening tips for Qatar’s summer?
• Plant in the cooler months (October to March) for better establishment.
• Group plants with similar water needs for optimized watering.
• Consider container gardening for more control over sun exposure and watering.
• Harvest vegetables and herbs early in the morning to avoid heat stress.
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