Choosing plants that can handle extreme heat is essential for gardening in Zones 9 and 10. The right plants will survive long periods of sun and drought and keep your garden looking vibrant year-round. Many of these heat-loving varieties attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to your outdoor space. They also require minimal upkeep, making them ideal for low-maintenance, sustainable landscapes. You can create a thriving garden that withstands high temperatures with the right selection. Whether you prefer bold blooms or hardy greenery, there’s a heat-tolerant plant for every style.
1. Agave
Agave thrives in hot, dry conditions and requires minimal water. Its thick, fleshy leaves store moisture, making it perfect for arid climates. Once established, it's highly drought-resistant. This plant loves full sun and works well in xeriscaping. Some varieties have sharp spines, so plant with caution. Agave also attracts pollinators like bats and hummingbirds. It can live for decades and produces a tall flower stalk when mature.
2. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea loves full sun and blooms best in dry, warm climates. Its vibrant bracts create stunning pink, red, and orange displays. It requires little water once mature and thrives in well-drained soil. This climbing plant is perfect for fences, trellises, or walls. Pruning encourages fuller growth and more blooms. Bougainvillea is also resistant to most pests and diseases. It can tolerate coastal conditions and strong winds.
3. Lantana
Lantana thrives in full sun and withstands extreme heat and drought. It produces clusters of flowers in bright colors, attracting butterflies. This plant prefers well-drained soil and needs little maintenance. Some varieties can spread aggressively, so monitor growth. It’s ideal for borders, containers, or ground cover. Lantana also deters deer and rabbits from the garden. It can bloom nearly year-round in warm climates.
4. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb that flourishes in hot, dry climates. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Once established, it requires minimal watering. Its purple blooms attract bees and butterflies. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth. Lavender is also excellent for repelling mosquitoes and other pests. It is widely used for essential oils and aromatherapy.
5. Desert Marigold
Desert Marigold thrives in poor, rocky soil and extreme heat. It produces bright yellow flowers that bloom for months. This plant requires little water and prefers full sun. It’s an excellent choice for xeriscaping. Deadheading spent blooms prolong flowering. Desert Marigold is also resistant to deer and rabbits. It helps stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas.
6. Desert Willow
Desert Willow is a heat-tolerant small tree with trumpet-shaped flowers. It thrives in full sun and requires little water once mature. Its blooms attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. Well-drained soil is essential for healthy growth. It grows quickly and provides light shade. Desert Willow is also highly resistant to pests and diseases. It has a beautiful, airy canopy that adds elegance to landscapes.
7. Salvia
Salvia is a hardy perennial that thrives in hot climates. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Once established, it's drought-tolerant and low maintenance. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooms. Salvia also has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. It comes in many colors, including red, blue, and purple.
8. Mexican Feather Grass
Mexican Feather Grass is an ornamental grass that tolerates heat and drought. Its fine, wispy blades move gracefully in the wind. This plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, it needs little watering. It works well in rock gardens or borders. This grass also helps prevent soil erosion in dry areas. It is a favorite for adding movement to a garden.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that thrives in heat and drought. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This plant is great for culinary use and ornamental landscaping. Once established, it requires little water. Prune regularly to maintain its shape. Rosemary also repels pests like mosquitoes and aphids. Its woody stems can be used for grilling meats.
10. Oleander
Oleander is a tough shrub that withstands intense heat and drought. It produces colorful blooms in red, pink, and white. This plant thrives in full sun and needs minimal care. Be cautious—it's toxic if ingested. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Oleander can also handle coastal conditions and salty air. It is commonly used as a privacy hedge.
11. Verbena
Verbena thrives in hot, sunny conditions and blooms all summer. It produces clusters of small flowers in vivid colors. This plant requires little water and is drought-tolerant. It works well in borders, containers, or hanging baskets. Regular deadheading promotes continuous flowering. Verbena is also highly attractive to pollinators. It makes an excellent ground cover in dry landscapes.
12. Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush is a heat-loving shrub with striking red, brush-like flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This plant attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Once established, it's highly drought-tolerant. Pruning helps maintain its shape. Bottlebrush is also known to tolerate occasional flooding. It’s a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
13. Plumbago
Plumbago is a hardy shrub that loves heat and full sun. It produces beautiful clusters of blue or white flowers. This plant is drought-tolerant and low maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soil and attracts butterflies. Prune regularly to encourage fuller growth. Plumbago also makes a great natural ground cover. It can be used as a cascading plant in hanging baskets.
14. Sago Palm
Sago Palm is a slow-growing plant that thrives in hot, dry conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, it needs minimal watering. Its glossy, spiky leaves give a tropical look. Be cautious—it’s toxic to pets if ingested. Sago Palm is also resistant to most pests and diseases. It is often used in Japanese-inspired gardens.
15. Coneflower
Echinacea is a hardy perennial that thrives in heat. It produces daisy-like flowers in purple, pink, and white. This plant is drought-tolerant and low maintenance. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Echinacea attracts bees and butterflies. The roots and flowers have medicinal properties. It is commonly used to boost the immune system.
16. Mexican Petunia
Mexican Petunia is a heat-loving perennial with vibrant flowers. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. This plant is drought-resistant and spreads easily. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Prune regularly to control growth. Mexican Petunia is also known for its rapid regrowth after pruning. It provides continuous blooms in warm climates.
17. Ice Plant
Ice Plant is a succulent that thrives in hot, dry climates. It produces bright, daisy-like flowers in vibrant colors. Once established, this plant requires little water. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Ice Plant makes excellent ground cover. It can also survive in sandy coastal environments. The thick leaves store moisture for drought resistance.
18. Daylilies
Daylilies bloom profusely in full sun and tolerate heat well. They come in a variety of colors and require little maintenance. Once established, they are drought-tolerant. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil. Deadheading promotes more blooms. Daylilies are also resistant to most pests and diseases. They adapt well to different soil types.
19. Blackfoot Daisy
Blackfoot Daisy thrives in full sun and extreme heat. It produces small, white flowers that bloom for months. This plant is drought-tolerant and requires little water. It does well in rocky, well-drained soil. Blackfoot Daisy attracts pollinators. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits. It has a pleasant, honey-like fragrance. This hardy plant can survive in nutrient-poor soils. It is perfect for adding long-lasting color to dry landscapes.
20. Gaura
Gaura is a delicate perennial that thrives in hot, dry conditions. It produces airy, butterfly-like flowers that sway in the breeze. Once established, Gaura requires minimal water and blooms continuously. For optimal growth, it prefers well-drained soil and full sun. This plant is excellent for adding movement and softness to garden beds. Gaura also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees.
The Best Heat-Resistant Plants for Zones 9 & 10
Choosing resilient plants is key to success when gardening in scorching climates. These 20 heat-loving species survive and thrive in extreme sun and drought conditions. From vibrant Bougainvillea to hardy Agave, each plant brings beauty and durability to your garden. Many of these selections also attract beneficial pollinators, adding life to your outdoor space. Whether you're looking for flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, or tough succulents, this list has something for you. With minimal maintenance required, these plants ensure a stunning, water-wise garden year-round.
Looking to add more succulents that thrive in dry climates? Explore this list:
10 Stunning Succulents That Can Survive Even the Driest Climates