When summer temperatures soar, we humans can take shelter indoors. Our garden plants, however, have no such respite. Some may droop, wilt, or get crispy, while others may simply refuse to bloom. Although there is not much we can do to counter extreme weather, we can equip our gardens to stand up to it better by choosing flowers that will shine through hot, dry stretches under a scorching sun.
Container vs. In-Ground Plants
Plants growing in containers will always need more attention than their in-ground counterparts. That is because their water and nutrient needs are completely dependent on us. Sometimes, after watering my pots in the morning, they are bowing humbly by sunset. But well-established heat- and drought-tolerant garden plants have more modest needs and, if necessary, can stretch their roots to access water farther away.
Top Heat-Tolerant Flowers
Coneflower (Echinacea) is a superstar in the garden, hardy in zones 3-9. After watering throughout their first season to establish a healthy root system, they can be neglected and still produce a floriferous season. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) are equally resilient. Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) get their name from their spreading habit, blanketing beds with yellow, orange, and red blossoms. They are remarkably heat-tolerant. Zinnias also flourish in the heat, though they can be susceptible to powdery mildew in high humidity.
Succulents and Groundcovers
Moss rose (Portulaca) produces small, self-seeding flowers in various colors on semi-succulent groundcover plants that store water in their leaves. Other succulents include prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) and stonecrop (Sedum). Also, ice plant (Delosperma) is a good option, but avoid it in California, Baja California, and other locales where it has been deemed invasive.
Pollinator-Friendly Options
Lantanas provide sweet bi- and tri-colored clusters of small blooms on mounded plants, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They flower from late spring through frost. Petunias, specifically Supertunia, Tidal Wave, and Laura Bush types, are notably resilient. Petchoas, the love children of petunias and calibrachoas, resist scorch but may need deep watering in extreme conditions.
More Sun-Loving Flowers
Cosmos are remarkably resistant plants with feathery foliage and daisy-like blooms in pink, magenta, white, orange, or yellow. Sunflowers love the sun. Marigolds are dutiful and dependable, available in various heights and colors like orange, yellow, and copper-red. Ivory-colored varieties include Kilimanjaro, Sugar & Spice, and Moonlight. A new compact African marigold called Lana Lace, with crisp cream flowers, will be available at garden centers in 2027.
Jessica Damiano writes regular gardening columns for The Associated Press and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter.
