If you live in an area with hot summers and intense sun, you might be looking for plants that are tough enough to endure the heat and the glare of the sun. Here are some great suggestions for plants that can survive high heat and sunlight: Pentas, Lantana, Petunias, Sedum, and the sun-loving Sunflower. These flowering plants thrive in a variety of conditions, including intense heat and drought.
Pentas
The bright colors of pentas are eye-catching, but can be overpowering up close. Consider choosing pastel-colored pentas if you are growing a variety that isn’t overly bright. Pentas can grow in a variety of soil types and are best planted in well-drained soil. They need a balanced organic fertilizer every few months.
These plant species thrive in hot climates, making them an excellent choice for flower beds. Sunstar series plants boast large, double flowers, and good summer durability, making them excellent bedding plants or container-bound perennials. Plants in the sunstar series make excellent fillers and thrillers. They are available in four colors. Choose a variety that best fits your garden’s environment. Pentas have a very long blooming season, which makes them perfect for hot climates.
Pentas have large clusters of individual flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. These plants grow eight to fifteen inches tall and spread up to 18 inches. The flowers of pentas are nectar-packed and last for several weeks. The plants are heat and drought-tolerant, and they grow well in well-drained soil. Pentas also prefer moist soil, and fertilizers will help them grow and thrive.
Lantana
Lantana is a beautiful plant that can handle the hottest and driest conditions and will bloom profusely until the first frost. Its flowers are also attractive and attract butterflies. This tropical perennial likes rich, well-drained soil. Many varieties are perennial and can be grown in zones eight and up. It can also overwintered indoors in cold climates.
Lantana is a popular houseplant in the South. Its lush foliage and colorful flowers make it an excellent choice for patios, porches, and decks. In general, lantana is drought-tolerant, fast-growing, and has no pest problems. Among the many varieties, Lantana Luscious Royale Red Zone is certified sterile by the University of Florida and is best for full-sun gardens.
The bright, spherical blooms of Lantanas are a joy to watch. Their spherical blooms range from pastel to bright neon. This tropical plant will bloom from late spring until the first frost, and will attract hummingbirds for long periods. They are best in hot conditions and tolerate high temperatures. However, some lantana varieties are very invasive and should not be planted in residential gardens.
Petunias
If you’re gardening in a warm climate, you should consider growing a number of heat-tolerant plants. They require little maintenance and can thrive in the intense heat of summer. Some of the best choices for high-heat areas include annuals and perennials. Annuals tend to bloom only once, but are excellent choices for a short-term solution. Perennials, on the other hand, bloom all year long.
Celosia, for example, is a heat-tolerant species, originating from regions near the equator. It is drought-resistant, self-seeding, and can tolerate rocky soil. It is native to Brazil, where it thrives in hot, humid conditions. Its woody stem makes it tolerant of high heat, yet it also tolerates high humidity. In addition to heat and humidity, this plant has bright pigments that help protect it from the sun.
In addition to being drought-tolerant, zinnias are easy to care for. Their dazzling blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. In addition, they’re easy to grow and come in a rainbow of colors. These plants thrive in Zones 2 through 11, and will survive in the harshest conditions. You’ll be glad you chose them, because they’re so hardy and will make your garden a more pleasant place to be.
Sedum
If you’re in a region with high summer temperatures, you might be wondering which plants are best suited for this type of weather. There are two kinds of plants that thrive in heat: annuals and perennials. Perennials are the better choice if you live in a cooler climate. Annuals, on the other hand, only live for a season. In addition, they’re not as attractive as perennials.
If you live in an area with high temperatures and sun, you may want to try one of the many succulents. Succulents are almost impossible to kill. They can thrive up until the first hard freeze and make lovely additions to fall displays. These plants come in both low ground-hugging varieties and tall varieties. Because their stems and leaves are made of water, they can handle scorching summer days without any problem.
Asters
Asters are a native plant of the tropics and thrive in a variety of conditions, including full sun and hot temperatures. These blooms are a favorite of pollinators, and their flowers attract a wide range of species. Asters can grow up to 8 feet tall and tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, but they are most comfortable in slightly moist soil in zones 3-8.
The aromatic aster gets its name from the fragrant fragrance it gives off when crushed. This species has blue-green oblong leaves and generally blooms well into the fall. The daisy-like flowers attract a variety of butterflies and bees. Not only do they add autumn color to garden beds, they also provide nectar to late-flying pollinators. For those looking for the most fragrant plants for high heat and sun, asters are a good choice.
Gaillardias
Among the best plants for high heat and sun are Gaillardias. Also known as Blanket Flower, these short-lived perennials produce colorful mounds of flowers that attract hummingbirds. Depending on the variety, Gaillardias can grow two to three feet tall. Partial shade will reduce their blooming time. In hot climates, Gaillardias can tolerate partial shade, but they will become floppy and not bloom as well.
These colorful, compact plants are perfect for borders. They produce blooms throughout the summer and form a mound. They are also drought-tolerant once established. These plants thrive in average soil with good drainage. They can be grown in containers as well. Ample, well-drained soil is recommended. In addition, Gaillardias are drought-tolerant if grown properly. They should be divided every two years or so.
Another great feature of Gaillardias is their long bloom period. Often referred to as blanket flower, gaillardias are easy to grow, and bloom for months. They also attract many pollinators, which makes them an ideal container plant. They can be planted year-round and will not suffer from excessive drought. The long blooming season is an added benefit! During hotter weather, Gaillardias grow and bloom best in partial shade.
Caladium
Growing a caladium in high heat and sunlight requires some basic knowledge of the plant’s needs. This plant’s large tubers absorb water, so it’s important to keep them well-watered. Caladiums should be planted in well-draining soil or in containers with drainage holes. Water them when the top few inches of soil are dry. Caladiums are not tolerant of excessively dry weather, so they’ll need some regular fertilization to survive. Fertilizing during periods of extreme heat can burn the roots of caladiums. Plants in full sunlight need to be protected from strong winds, as their foliage will dry out quickly.
When planting a caladium in high heat and sun, keep in mind that the tuber should be planted at least one inch below the surface. It’s best to space the plants 8 to 12 inches apart. The caladium tuber is a relatively small plant and should be planted in early spring, when temperatures are around 70 deg F. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. The soil should be evenly moist. Too much dry soil may cause the plant to turn yellow and drop its leaves. Mulch the soil to retain moisture.
Caladium is best suited to a sunny or partially shaded location. A sunny window is the ideal place for a caladium, but they can tolerate full sun if they’re kept moist. A good caladium will reach a height of about 12 inches. It’s important to remember that the plant does enter dormancy during the winter, so they’ll need to be repotted every two to three years.