Fade-Proof Flowers for Summer Heat
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- July 19, 2021
If You Can't Stand The Heat, Get Out Of The Garden
The dog days of summer are finally here, and you (and your plants) are probably feeling the heat from the hottest stretch of summer. Heat impacts plants in different ways. Some wilt, others crisp up, and a few even take a break from flowering altogether. That can leave your garden feeling a little lackluster for a few weeks. But don’t worry; some plants like it hot! Beat the summer heat with flowering perennials and shrubs that survive, or even thrive, in high temperatures and dry soils.
Check out some of our favorite flowering plants that never seem fazed in the summer heat!
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
High Impact, Low Maintenance
Why use tiki torches in your garden when you can plant red hot poker (Kniphofia) instead? Spikes of vibrant flowers resemble sparklers or flaming torches, perfect for igniting your garden with color. They handle deer, rabbits, disease, heat, and mild drought with ease, making them a great addition to any sunny spot that needs some extra flare. There isn’t anything else quite like it! Discover other tropical looking flowers HERE.
Hibiscus
Vibrant Blooms For Weeks On End
Whether it’s perennial hibiscus, or their close cousin rose of Sharon, hibiscus shines in the summer with vibrant blooms. Their flowers are practically massive billboards, advertising to pollinators that they’re loaded with rich nectar and pollen. While other flowers are fading, hibiscus is just getting started. Celebrate summer with weeks of delightful flowers! Discover other garden plants that flourish in full sun.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Attract A Plethora Of Pollinators
Looking for fragrant flowers all summer long that can take the heat? Butterfly bush (Buddleia) combines saturated colors with a rich honey-like fragrance to entice pollinators (and gardeners). Spikes of flowers appear all summer long – with no need to deadhead or remove them. Even if you neglect them while on vacation, butterfly bush won’t really mind! It’s heat and drought-tolerant, requiring little to no maintenance to thrive. Learn more about butterfly bush on our blog HERE.
Russian Sage (Perovskia)
Bullet-Proof Performance All Summer
Even on the hottest summer days, Russian sage (Perovskia) always looks fresh with silvery foliage and icy purple-blue blooms. This perennial is the perfect answer for hot, dry sites that are hard to fill. They truly thrive in heat and drought once established! Plant it along a pathway, patio, or porch to enjoy their fragrant foliage. Learn more about perennials that bloom all summer long.
Hummingbird Mint (Agastache)
Bold Blooms For Pollinators
Hummingbird mint (Agastache) bursts with a profusion of vibrant blooms in the summer! Spikes of flowers hover above fragrant foliage, serving as a beacon for pollinators (especially hummingbirds). It’s tolerant to hot, dry sites and performs exceptionally well in containers. This drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and pollinator-friendly perennial won’t disappoint. Learn more about pollinator-friendly plants HERE.
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Our Go-To For A Good Reason
Coneflowers (Echinacea) aren’t only pretty – they’re also problem-solvers in the landscape. They adapt easily to nearly any well-draining soil and handle drought with ease once established. After planting them, you’ll soon learn that gardeners aren’t the only ones that love coneflowers! Pollinators find their blooms irresistible. Even on hot summer days, the flowers will look like a fresh treat for bees, butterflies, and more. Learn more about coneflowers HERE.
Salvia
Low Maintenance, Drought-Tolerant, And Easy To Grow
Give salvia a spot with lots of sun, and it will reward you with masses of long-blooming flower spikes all summer long! Dense spikes of flowers come in a variety of colors, all adding rich color to the landscape. It’s easy to grow, making it a star in the summer garden. Plant it in a hot, well-draining site, and this prolific plant will still dazzle. Learn more about salvia HERE.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Looks Delicate, Acts Tough
Not only is catmint one of the longest-blooming perennials on the market, but it’s also one of the most dependable! You can count on this long-time favorite to look picture-perfect, even in high temperatures. Small blue flowers make a big impact by blooming by the hundreds. It’s an ideal way to add a burst of color and fragrance! Learn more about other long-blooming perennials.
Written by: Miranda Niemic, click here to read bio.
Questions, comments, or concerns? Let us know! We have an experienced, knowledgeable staff ready to make sure your garden turns out perfect. Or check out our other blogs, here.
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