Summer flowers that can take the heat

Beat the summer heat

As summer temperatures rise, plants may stop blooming, wilt, drop leaves and flowers, lose color, or stop seed production. Learn how you can help prevent heatstroke in your garden and see 6 heat-tolerant flowers.

Give shade

Adding trees, shrubs, or structures to your landscape that create shade can help lower surface temperatures and reduce heat in your yard. Shaded surfaces are 20 to 45 degrees F cooler than unshaded surfaces in the same area. In mid-summer, when the sun is most intense, coleus (Plectranthus hybrids) and sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas) wilt; But adding temporary fabric row covers or shades can provide relief in particularly hot spots in your yard. UV-stabilized, polyethylene shade netting reduces the effects of the summer sun, but allows air flow. Planting heat-sensitive plants on the north or northeast side of tall, more heat-tolerant plants, such as Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) or zinnia (Zinnia elegans), will provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.

6 summer flowers that can take the heat

Here are 6 flowers that adapt well to heat and drought. They bloom and look beautiful even when other plants struggle. During transpiration, moisture is absorbed through the roots, transports nutrients through the plant, and exits through the stomata while converting carbon dioxide from the air into water vapor. If too much moisture escapes, the plants will wilt. Certain plants have properties that slow down this process as mentioned above.

1. Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia)

Talk about resisting heat and humidity. Angelonia is native to Mexico, so it takes warmer temperatures. Thanks to its upright growth habit and color stick, Angelonia is an ideal plant for bright color. Use it in beds, borders or containers. Some varieties give off a pleasant aroma. Archangel™ Blue Bicolor (pictured) has beautiful deep purple and pale pink flowers atop large flowers and small green leaves.

2. Creeping Zinnia (Sanvidalia procumbens)

Creeping zinnias are one of the easiest plants you can tuck in anywhere: they add a sunny yellow pop in pots or at the edge of borders. And with their trailing habit and low water requirements (through their short hairy leaves) they spread their joy. Tsavo™ Yellow Compact Creeping Zinnia (pictured) is an excellent choice for containers because it is elegant and mounding; The dark green leaves are a nice contrast with the yellow flowers.

3. French Marigold (Dogget Spatula)

One of the standby choices for warm gardens, marigolds add vibrant color, adorable, vase-worthy blooms, and the tiny leaves help prevent moisture loss in summer. Easy to start from seed or buy in flats, French marigolds are a classic. But hold back for a new variety: 'Strawberry Blonde' (pictured) blooms in shades of apricot, rose and yellow. In cool weather, the flowers are pink-plum. As summer heats up, the flowers turn yellow-pink. Plant en masse in containers or beds for a spectacular show.

4. Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)

Hot, dry, poor soil? This is no problem for moss roses. These tiny flowers can sprout anywhere, even in the cracks between bricks. Great for containers, these beauties will often reseed themselves with succulent leaves that retain moisture. While they are annuals in cold climates, they can be enjoyed for years in warmer climates. Another plus is that deer don't like them. Mojave® Red Moss Rose (pictured) has large rosy flowers with delicate yellow stamens. It's a vigorous revival that doesn't require deadheading.

5. Petunia (Petunia x Hybrida)

Petunias are fast-growing, beautiful and low-maintenance: their small, hairy leaves help conserve moisture. Whether in beds or containers, these versatile flowers bloom happily in warm and cool climates. And they come in all the colors of the rainbow. Easy Wave® Petunias are spreading, but have a mounded shape and more controlled spread than the original Wave. Try Easy Wave White (pictured) in containers or as a pathway edger; dark They will help light up the pavements even after

6. Sedum (Sedum rubestre)

Sedums have earned a well-deserved reputation for their ability to take heat and drought with grace—thick, fleshy leaves that store moisture. Available in annual, tender perennial and hardy perennial options, sedums should be your go-to for warm spots. For a splash of color, try Lemon Coral™ sedum (pictured). It doesn't bloom like its cousins, but its beautiful chartreuse foliage pairs well with other plants in containers.