These Heat-Loving Plants Thrive When Temperatures Soar
They can really take the heat.
Longer, hotter summers are making many traditional garden favorites struggle. Fortunately, some plants don't just survive extreme heat—they thrive in it, producing colorful blooms even during the hottest weeks of summer.
Egyptian Star Cluster
Also known as Pentas, this tropical plant can handle the heat, because it’s native to Africa, Arabia, and Madagascar. Sure, they'll tolerate light shade, but they bloom most heavily when exposed to full sun.
- Full sun
- Moist, well-draining soil
- Pollinator friendly
- Perennial in Zones 10 and 11
Ageratum
Native to Mexico, this plant has some fun nicknames inspired by its thread-like petals, including Mexican paintbrush, floss flower, blue billygoatweed, and bluemink. But the most important thing to know is that this plant doesn’t only deal well with the heat—it needs it.
- Full sun
- Moist, well-draining soil
- Pollinator friendly
- Annual
Penstemon
This tubular flowering plant, which often goes by the common name Beardtongue, includes species native to every state in the lower 48, including the hot, dry West. Research which ones are local to your area and their growing conditions.
- Full sun
- Likes to dry out once established
- Pollinator friendly
- Perennial
Liatris Blazing Star
When it comes to hardiness, this North American native is fierce. It’s appropriate for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9 when grown solo, as well as 3-4 with mulch. If you want these plants to thrive and grow between 1 and 5 feet tall, plant them in full sunlight.
- Full sun
- Well-draining soil
- Drought tolerant once established
- Pollinator friendly
- Perennial
Lantana
As a native to tropical environments, this flower prefers full sun and moist but well-drained and slightly acidic soil. And if simply being a truly easy-to-care-for plant doesn't convince you, this one also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds! They can be invasive in frost-free zones, so be sure to opt for a sterile cultivar like Bloomify or Luscious Royale Red Zone.
- Full sun
- Drought tolerant once established
- Pollinator friendly
- Perennial in Zones 8-11
Viburnum Flowering Shrub
If you travel a lot, these sun-friendly shrubs are a lifesaver. Why? You only have to water them during dry periods, and if you surround your shrub with mulch, it’ll obtain moisture that can extend how long you can go between waterings. Even better—if you’re looking to add more native plants to your garden, most states in the lower 48 have a native viburnum (though exotic cultivars are popular too).
- Full sun to partial shade
- Likes to be consistently moist
- Pollinator friendly
- Perennial
Zinnia
Want to add pops of color to your garden this summer? You can’t go wrong with these beauties since they thrive in the sunniest locations. They are extremely easy to grow from seeds and you can sow them as late as early July!
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water well once dry
- Pollinator friendly
- Annual, but can self-seed
Read more: 15 Flowers That Grow Easily From Seed
More great garden stories from Country Living:
11 Plants to Make Your Garden Feel More Cool
Country Living Garden Club: Vegetable Garden Tips
Why Your Dahlias Aren't Blooming
The Best Flowers for a Butterfly Garden
