As the mercury soars towards a staggering 45°C, gardening enthusiasts are facing a tough challenge in keeping their beloved rose plants alive. Roses are highly sensitive to extreme heat, low humidity, and hot winds (loo), which can lead to wilting and death within days. However, lifestyle expert Sayanita Chakraborty suggests that with a proactive care routine, your roses can not only survive but thrive during the peak of summer.

The 5-Step Summer Survival Guide for Roses:

• Strategic Watering: Timing is everything. Avoid watering your plants during the peak heat of the day. Instead, water them early in the morning or late in the evening. This ensures the soil remains moist for a longer period and prevents root shock.
• The Magic of Mulching: To prevent the topsoil from drying out rapidly, cover it with a layer of dry leaves, straw, or coconut husk. This process, known as mulching, acts as an insulation layer for the roots, keeping them cool and maintaining the hydration level of the soil.
• Provide Partial Shade: While roses love sunlight, direct exposure to a 45°C sun is too harsh. Use green shade nets to filter the sunlight or move potted roses to a place that receives indirect light during the afternoon.
• Switch to Mild Fertilizers: High-nitrogen chemical fertilizers can “burn” the plant in summer. Opt for light organic fertilizers like vermicompost or well-rotted cow manure. These provide essential nutrients without causing heat stress to the plant.
• Regular Deadheading and Pruning: Prune away yellow leaves and dried stems immediately. Removing unproductive parts allows the plant to direct its energy toward generating new growth and heat-resistant buds.

By implementing these simple yet effective gardening hacks, you can ensure that your roses remain the pride of your garden even in the harshest summer conditions.