Heat & Drought Tolerant Plants

When the heat of summer arrives this means some plants may begin to excel while others start to show signs of heat stress.

Every plant will react differently to extreme or extended heat, particularly if coupled with extreme dryness. To keep the garden looking lush and colorful, here are a few of the plants we know tolerate summer’s heat and drought with ease:

ANNUAL FLOWERS

Cleome
Cuphea/Mexican Heather
Evovulus
Lantana
Penta
Portulaca/Moss Rose
Scaevola
Vinca

TROPICALS

Agave
Aloe
Allamanda
Aspargus Fern
Cannas
Citrus
Cordyline
Croton
Dipladenia
Echeveriea
Jade/Crassula
Kalanchoe
Mandevilla
Pheonix/Date Palm
White Bird of Paradise
ZZ Aroid (shade)

PERENNIALS

Amsonia
Echinacea/Coneflower
Epimidium
Eucomis/Pineapple Lily
Iris
Kniphofia/Red Hot Poker
Nepeta/Catmint
Rudbeckia
Russian Sage
Salvia
Sedum
Sempervivum/Hens & Chicks
Solomon’s Seal
Yarrow

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

Calamagrostis/Feather Reedgrass
Miscanthus
Switchgrass

TREES AND SHRUBS

Buddleia/Butterfly Bush
Callicarpa/Beauty Berry
Crabapple
Crapemyrtle
Gingko
Holly
Hypericum/St. John’s Wort
Juniper
Nandina
Physocarpus/Nine Bark
Southern Magnolia
Viburnum (most varieties)
Vitex
Yucca

Right plant, in the right place is extremely important to combat summer stresses. It is important to be aware of the area’s environment to make the best plant selection. Evaluate sun exposure, soil conditions, area/space, etc. There are also a wide range of watering tools available to assist you in getting water where it needs to be. Pick one or more depending on what, where, and how much needs to be watered. Choose the tool that will water easily, rapidly, and with as little waste (evaporation and runoff) as possible. Stop by The Plant Kingdom and our professional team will be happy to give you advice on these plants and the many watering tools we have available.