The frequency of watering perennials will depend on whether or not your perennials are established or if your perennials are newly planted.
How Much Water Does Your Established Perennial Need?
If your perennials are established, the rule of thumb is you don’t need to water your perennial in the summer. Natural rainwater is enough for your perennial. Of course, if there is a drought, you should water your perennials even if it’s established.
How Much Water Does Your Newly Planted Perennial Need?
If you have a newly planted perennial, you need to make sure you give it enough water so it will establish a healthy root system. Water your newly planted perennial 2 to 3 times a week. You should water deeply rather than lots of frequent light watering. This is to prevent a shallow root system from forming.
When to Water Established Perennials in the Summer
Although the rule of thumb is you don’t need to water established perennials in the summer, there are some exceptions. Here are times when you need to water established perennials in the summer.
1. Drought in the Summer
If you experience a few weeks of drought conditions in the summer, your perennials will benefit from water.
2. Your Perennial Looks Dried Out
If your perennials look dried out, then you should water your perennial. That is an obvious sign that your perennial needs supplemental watering.
3. The Soil Feels Dry
Stick your finger in the soil, if it feels dry, then you should water your perennial. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
How to Water Established Perennials in the Summer
When you water established perennials in the summer, it is better to do a deep watering rather than frequent light watering. This will encourage their roots to grow down and deep, preventing shallow roots. Just make sure the soil is evenly moist and the soil is well-drained. The last thing you want to do is to let your perennials sit in soggy soil.
When to Water Perennials in the Summer?
Mornings are the best time to water your perennials. This will allow its foliage to dry so there are fewer chances of fungal diseases.
How to Help Perennials Retain Moisture in the Summer?
Mulching around your perennial is the best way to help your plant retain moisture in the summer.
Summer Watering Needs of Popular Perennials
Below you will find the watering requirements of popular perennials.
Hydrangeas Summer Watering Requirements
Summer Water Frequency for Established Hydrangea
Established Hydrangeas should be watered once a week if you want them to bloom nicely. Although, it will survive even if you don’t water it all summer long. Rainwater is sufficient for your hydrangea to thrive.
From personal experience, watering hydrangeas in the summer will ensure that your hydrangea will bloom. If you don’t water your hydrangea, you risk not having any flowers on your hydrangea plant.
Summer Water Frequency for Newly Planted Hydrangea
For newly planted hydrangea, you should water them 2-3x a week in the summer during the first planting season. The following year, when the roots of your hydrangea are established, you can go back to watering your hydrangeas once a week during the summer.
Rhododendrons Summer Watering Requirements
Summer Water Frequency for Established Rhododendrons
Water your established rhododendrons once a week. Established Rhododendrons don’t need to be watered every day in the summer. If you skip a week of watering your rhododendrons, it’s okay. Although, Rhododendrons have a shallow root system so don’t skip too many weeks! Just make sure to check that the soil is moist and not soggy and not dry.
Summer Water Frequency for Newly Planted Rhododendrons
For newly planted Rhododendron, you should water it 3x a week during the summer until the roots are established. Since Rhododendrons have a shallow root system, keep up the three times a week watering schedule for the first 3 years after planting.
Azaleas Summer Watering Requirements
Summer Water Frequency for Established Azaleas
Similar to Rhododendrons, established Azaleas don’t need to be watered every day in the summer. Water your azaleas once a week. If you skip a week or two in the summer, your azaleas will be fine. Like rhododendrons, your azaleas have a shallow root system so don’t skip too many weeks of watering.
Summer Water Frequency for Newly Planted Azaleas
You should water newly planted azaleas 3x a week in the summer. You need to give it enough water so it will establish its roots. Then for the first 3 years after planting your azaleas, you should still continue the 3x a week watering schedule.
Shasta Daisies Summer Watering Requirements
You don’t need to water it in the summer. Shasta daisies are drought resistant once established. Rainfall should be sufficient. However, if you experience a long period of dry spell, it will be good to water your Shasta daisies.
Perennial Salvia Summer Watering Requirements
You don’t need to water your Perennial saliva in the summer. It is drought resistant so it doesn’t need supplemental water in the summer. Natural rainfall should be enough for your perennial salvia. However, if you experience a long period of drought in the summer, you should water your perennial salvia.
Coneflowers Summer Watering Requirements
Coneflowers don’t need to be watered in the summer. It should receive all the moisture it needs from natural rainfall. Of course, if you are experiencing a drought or dry spell, you should water your coneflower just in case.
Bougainvilleas Summer Watering Requirements
Water your bougainvilleas once every 3 weeks in the summer. It prefers dry over wet so it’s best not to overwater your Bougainvilleas in the summer.
Roses Summer Watering Requirements
Water your roses once a week in the summer. Don’t water your roses overhead, it’s better to water them directly into the soil. This will prevent diseases.