8 Plants That Skyrocket After Summer Storms
While almost all backyard plants benefit from natural precipitation, certain species have evolved to harness sudden influxes of water with astonishing speed.
If you are practicing summer gardening on a balcony, patio, or in a small urban yard, incorporating these eight rapid responders will provide you with lush, rewarding results every time the storm clouds roll in.
1. Hostas
Hostas are the undisputed champions of the shade garden, and they are incredibly well-adapted to capitalizing on heavy rainfall. If you look closely at a hosta leaf, you will notice deep, ribbed veins running from the edge to the center.
These leaves act as natural funnels, perfectly designed by nature to catch falling raindrops and channel them directly down the stems toward the plant’s central crown and root system.
Because hostas have large, fleshy roots that store moisture, a deep soaking from a summer storm triggers an immediate response. Within twenty-four hours of a heavy rain, hosta leaves will plump up, their colors will become more vibrant, and new shoots will often push through the soil.
For small-space gardeners growing hostas in pots, ensure your containers are at least fourteen inches wide to accommodate their expanding root mass. Use a potting mix heavy in organic matter, such as compost and pine bark, to retain that valuable rainwater while allowing excess moisture to drain away.
