Summer gardens can be a challenge, especially when dealing with intense heat and full sun. However, selecting plants that thrive under these conditions can lead to a lush, vibrant garden that stands up to the summer sun. By choosing heat-tolerant plants, you can enjoy a colorful and resilient garden throughout the hottest months of the year. In this article, we’ll explore 21 plants that love heat and full sun, providing you with options to create a thriving summer garden.
Why Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants?
Benefits of Heat-Tolerant Plants
- Durability: These plants are adapted to withstand high temperatures and direct sunlight, making them more resilient in summer conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Heat-tolerant plants often require less water and care compared to those that struggle in the heat.
- Extended Bloom Period: Many heat-loving plants continue to bloom throughout the summer, providing long-lasting color and interest.
- Efficient Water Use: These plants are generally more efficient in their water usage, helping conserve resources.
Top 21 Plants for Heat and Full Sun
1. Zinnias
Characteristics: Zinnias are vibrant annuals that produce a multitude of bright flowers in various colors. They thrive in full sun and are excellent for adding a splash of color to any garden.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining with good fertility.
- Water: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Sun: Full sun exposure is ideal.
2. Marigolds
Characteristics: Marigolds are hardy annuals known for their cheerful, golden blooms. They are highly tolerant of heat and dry conditions.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Prefers well-draining soil.
- Water: Water as needed, but avoid overwatering.
- Sun: Thrives in full sun.
3. Lantanas
Characteristics: Lantanas are versatile and resilient plants with clusters of colorful flowers. They are drought-tolerant and continue to bloom in hot weather.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- Water: Water sparingly; let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Sun: Full sun exposure is essential.
4. Salvia
Characteristics: Salvia produces spikes of vibrant flowers and thrives in hot, sunny conditions. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility.
- Water: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Sun: Full sun is preferred.
5. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Characteristics: Coneflowers are hardy perennials with striking daisy-like blooms that tolerate heat and drought well. They provide color and texture to gardens.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly sandy soil.
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently.
- Sun: Thrives in full sun.
6. Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia)
Characteristics: Blanket flowers are known for their vibrant, daisy-like blooms that tolerate intense heat and sun. They are low-maintenance and long-blooming.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil, tolerant of poor soil conditions.
- Water: Water moderately; drought-tolerant once established.
- Sun: Full sun exposure is ideal.
7. Petunias
Characteristics: Petunias are popular annuals with a wide range of colors and patterns. They handle heat well and add vibrant color to containers and garden beds.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good organic matter.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Sun: Full sun to part shade.
8. Portulaca
Characteristics: Also known as moss rose, Portulaca has succulent-like foliage and bright, cheerful flowers. It’s perfect for hot, dry conditions.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil.
- Water: Water sparingly; drought-tolerant.
- Sun: Full sun exposure is necessary.
9. Sedum
Characteristics: Sedum, or stonecrop, is a succulent plant that thrives in hot, sunny conditions. It is known for its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility.
- Water: Water infrequently; drought-tolerant.
- Sun: Full sun is ideal.
10. Verbena
Characteristics: Verbena produces clusters of small, colorful flowers and is known for its heat tolerance and ability to attract butterflies.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility.
- Water: Water as needed; let soil dry out between waterings.
- Sun: Thrives in full sun.
11. Coreopsis
Characteristics: Coreopsis, or tickseed, offers cheerful, daisy-like flowers that bloom profusely in the summer heat. They are hardy and low-maintenance.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility.
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently.
- Sun: Full sun exposure is preferred.
12. Bougainvillea
Characteristics: Bougainvillea is a tropical plant known for its vibrant, paper-like bracts. It thrives in hot, sunny environments and requires minimal care.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil.
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently; drought-tolerant.
- Sun: Full sun is essential.
13. Nasturtiums
Characteristics: Nasturtiums are hardy annuals with vibrant flowers and edible leaves. They handle heat well and add a splash of color to garden beds.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil.
- Water: Water moderately; prefers slightly dry conditions.
- Sun: Full sun to part shade.
14. Dianthus
Characteristics: Dianthus, or carnations, have fragrant flowers that bloom in hot conditions. They are perfect for adding color to sunny spots.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility.
- Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Sun: Full sun exposure is ideal.
15. Calibrachoa
Characteristics: Often called million bells, Calibrachoa has small, petunia-like flowers that bloom profusely in hot, sunny conditions.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining, high-quality potting mix.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Sun: Full sun is necessary.
16. Ageratum
Characteristics: Ageratum produces fluffy, blue or purple flowers that thrive in hot, sunny conditions. It’s great for adding a touch of color to containers and garden beds.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil.
- Water: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Sun: Full sun exposure is preferred.
17. Gaura
Characteristics: Gaura, or bee blossom, features delicate, butterfly-like flowers that sway in the breeze. It’s a hardy plant that performs well in full sun.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility.
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently.
- Sun: Thrives in full sun.
18. Lobelia
Characteristics: Lobelia offers trailing, vibrant blooms that are perfect for hanging baskets and containers in sunny, hot spots.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good organic matter.
- Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Sun: Full sun to part shade.
19. Hibiscus
Characteristics: Hibiscus plants are known for their large, tropical blooms and are well-suited to hot, sunny conditions. They add a dramatic flair to gardens.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility.
- Water: Water regularly to keep soil moist.
- Sun: Full sun exposure is essential.
20. Sunflowers
Characteristics: Sunflowers are iconic summer plants that thrive in full sun and produce large, cheerful blooms. They are heat-tolerant and attract pollinators.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility.
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently.
- Sun: Full sun exposure is necessary.
21. Mexican Sage (Salvia leucantha)
Characteristics: Mexican sage has velvety, purple flowers that bloom profusely in hot, sunny conditions. It’s an excellent choice for adding color and texture to the garden.
Care Tips:
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility.
- Water: Water regularly but allow soil to dry out between water