Summer heat doesn’t mean your garden has to suffer. These tough, low-maintenance plants can handle scorching temperatures, intense sun, and dry spells without constant care. Whether you're planting in pots, borders, or open ground, there's something here that will flourish. From bold blooms to hardy greenery, these heat-tolerant picks combine beauty with serious staying power. Here are 33 garden heroes that can take the heat and still look great all season long.
1. Lantana
Lantana is a colorful, sun-loving plant that thrives in hot and dry climates. It blooms nonstop throughout summer with clusters of bright orange, pink, red, and yellow flowers. Once established, Lantana is drought-tolerant and requires very little water. This tough plant attracts butterflies and pollinators, too. It grows well in containers or garden beds. Lantana doesn’t need much pruning; just remove dead blooms occasionally.
2. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a hardy succulent that loves heat and full sun. It stores water in its leaves, making it very drought-resistant. Its thick foliage adds texture to gardens and comes in various colors. Many varieties bloom with star-shaped flowers in summer. Sedum is ideal for rock gardens, borders, or containers. It requires almost no maintenance once planted. Just give it well-drained soil and enjoy its resilience.
3. Blanket Flower
Blanket Flower is a bold bloomer that thrives in hot weather. Its daisy-like flowers come in fiery red, orange, and yellow shades. This plant handles drought and poor soil like a champ. It blooms from early summer into fall without much help. Deadheading encourages more flowers, but it isn’t essential. Blanket Flower is great for pollinators and resists deer. A great pick for sunny, low-maintenance landscapes.
4. Coneflower
Coneflower is a native wildflower known for its heat tolerance and long blooming season. It features large, pink or purple blooms that attract bees and butterflies. This plant does well in full sun and poor, dry soils. Coneflowers are also deer-resistant and disease-resistant. They look great in wildflower gardens or sunny borders. Minimal watering is needed once they’re established. Plus, the seed heads feed birds in fall and winter.
5. Russian Sage
Russian Sage thrives in blazing sun and poor soil. It has silvery foliage and tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers. The plant adds a soft, airy look to landscapes. It’s both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Russian Sage blooms from midsummer to fall with almost no upkeep. Cut it back in early spring to keep it tidy. It’s a favorite for hot, dry gardens.
6. Agave
Agave is a striking succulent that’s built for the heat. Its thick, pointed leaves store water, making it perfect for drought conditions. Agave adds bold structure to landscapes and requires very little care. It grows well in sandy or rocky soil with excellent drainage. Once planted, it rarely needs watering. Some types produce a tall flower stalk after years of growth. Agave is perfect for modern, desert-style gardens.
7. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Portulaca is a small but mighty plant with brightly colored flowers. It loves full sun and thrives in heat and drought. This plant has succulent-like leaves that hold water. It spreads nicely as a groundcover or in containers. The flowers open during the day and close at night. Portulaca blooms all summer with barely any maintenance. Just plant it and enjoy its cheery presence.
8. Zinnia
Zinnias are vibrant annuals that bloom through the hottest months. They come in a rainbow of colors and attract butterflies and bees. Zinnias love full sun and tolerate dry soil. These flowers are great for cut arrangements, too. Deadheading keeps blooms coming, but they’ll still flower without it. Zinnias grow fast from seed and require little care. They are perfect for sunny borders or containers.
9. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a show-stopping vine that loves hot, dry climates. It’s covered in bright bracts in pink, purple, orange, or red. This tropical plant thrives in full sun and needs minimal water. It’s great for walls, fences, and hanging baskets. Bougainvillea is fast-growing and low-maintenance once established. Occasional pruning helps shape it, but isn’t required. It brings bold, tropical beauty with little effort.
10. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also called Tickseed, is a cheerful bloomer that loves heat. It produces yellow, red, or pink flowers that brighten up sunny spots. This plant thrives in poor soil and dry conditions. It spreads easily and blooms for months. Coreopsis attracts pollinators and resists deer. It needs very little maintenance to keep going.
11. Yucca
Yucca is a bold, spiky plant that thrives in dry, sunny areas. Its sword-like leaves are drought-tolerant and provide a strong visual impact. Yucca requires very little water and grows well in sandy soil. It also produces tall flower spikes with white blooms. This plant is tough, low-care, and perfect for xeriscaping. Once established, it can handle extreme heat easily. It is great for adding drama to hot garden beds.
12. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb that loves the sun and hates wet feet. Its silvery foliage and purple flowers are heat—and drought-tolerant. Lavender attracts pollinators and repels pests. It grows well in dry, rocky soils with excellent drainage. Pruning after flowering keeps it tidy and compact. It thrives in borders, raised beds, or containers. It is a beautiful plant that smells as good as it looks.
13. Rosemary
Rosemary is an edible evergreen herb that thrives in hot, dry weather. It has needle-like leaves and a piney scent. This herb loves full sun and well-drained soil. It can be trimmed into hedges or left to sprawl. Rosemary is great for cooking and garden aesthetics alike. Its low water needs make it ideal for summer survival. Bees love its small blue flowers, too.
14. Verbena
Verbena is a trailing plant that blooms nonstop in the heat. Its clusters of small pink, purple, and red flowers thrive in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds. Verbena loves full sun and only needs occasional watering. It attracts butterflies and adds a soft, airy look. Minimal pruning keeps it looking fresh all season. It is a true champion of summer color.
15. Oleander
Oleander is a flowering shrub that handles heat and drought well. It blooms in shades of pink, white, red, or yellow. This plant grows quickly and makes a great screen or hedge. Oleander thrives in full sun and poor soil. It’s very low-maintenance once established. Just be aware—all parts are toxic if ingested. Still, it’s a popular pick for hot, sunny landscapes.
16. Marigold
Marigolds are classic summer flowers known for thriving in the heat. They bloom in orange, yellow, and gold tones. Marigolds repel pests and make great companion plants. They prefer full sun and do well in dry soil. These easy annuals bloom nonstop with little care. Just deadhead for even more flowers. Perfect for borders, pots, and veggie gardens.
17. Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle is a flowering tree that loves hot, humid weather. It blooms in pink, white, red, or purple throughout the summer. The bark peels to reveal beautiful trunks. It thrives in poor soil and needs little water once settled. Crape Myrtle is great as a small ornamental tree. Prune in late winter to shape it. It is a standout tree for color and heat tolerance.
18. Blue Fescue
Blue Fescue is a cool-toned ornamental grass that handles heat well. It grows in clumps and adds texture to garden beds. Its bluish leaves are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Blue Fescue loves full sun and dry soil. It stays compact and neat with little trimming. It is great for borders, rock gardens, or containers. It is a sleek, modern touch for hot climates.
19. Mexican Feather Grass
Mexican Feather Grass is a wispy ornamental grass perfect for heat and drought. Its soft blades dance in the wind, adding motion to the garden. This grass thrives in poor, dry soil and full sun. Once planted, it requires almost no maintenance. It is great for erosion control and texture. It self-seeds easily but is not invasive. It is a light, graceful plant for sunny spaces.
20. Globe Amaranth
Globe Amaranth blooms with clover-like flowers in pink, purple, or white. It’s tough, heat-tolerant, and drought-resistant. This annual blooms all summer and attracts butterflies. It's great in containers or beds with full sun. Deadheading extends its blooming season. It also makes a fun dried flower. It's a colorful and easy pick for summer gardens.
21. Pentas
Pentas are star-shaped flowers that shine in the summer heat. They bloom in pink, white, red, and purple, attracting butterflies like magnets. Pentas are tough annuals that love full sun and warm weather. They need little maintenance and only occasional watering. They work well in borders or containers. Keep them deadheaded to encourage new blooms. They are a reliable and vibrant choice for hot days.
22. Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susans are classic summer perennials with golden petals and dark centers. They bloom for weeks and handle heat and drought like pros. These flowers grow best in full sun and poor soil. They attract bees, butterflies, and even birds. Little care is needed once they’re established. They look great in mass plantings or wildflower gardens. A sunny, fuss-free favorite for summer beds.
23. Salvia
Salvia is a heat-loving flower that blooms in vivid purple, red, or blue spikes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This drought-tolerant plant draws pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Once established, salvia is nearly carefree. Occasional trimming helps promote fresh growth. It’s great for beds, borders, and containers. A beautiful, fragrant bloom that survives summer with ease.
24. Dusty Miller
Dusty Miller is a silvery-foliaged plant that thrives in heat and sun. Its unique leaves offer a contrast to colorful blooms. Dusty Miller is drought-tolerant and prefers dry, well-drained soil. Depending on the climate, it can be grown as an annual or tender perennial. It pairs well with petunias and marigolds in hot garden beds. No special care is needed—just plant and admire. It is a lovely filler with soft texture and toughness.
25. Gaura
Gaura is a graceful plant with delicate, butterfly-like flowers. It blooms nonstop in white or pink and loves full sun. Gaura tolerates heat, wind, and poor soil with ease. It adds movement to gardens thanks to its airy stems. No staking or deadheading is required. It’s deer-resistant and attracts pollinators. An easy-care flower that dances through summer.
26. Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a tough plant with tiny flowers and airy, textured stems. It tolerates heat and drought without flinching. Many varieties feature silver-green foliage that brightens garden beds. It’s often used as a filler in containers and borders. Euphorbia needs minimal watering once rooted. Be careful—the sap is irritating if touched. Otherwise, it’s an elegant and durable garden friend.
27. Cannas
Cannas bring a tropical vibe with big leaves and bold flowers. They love heat and grow fast in sunny locations. Cannas thrive in poor soil and don’t mind drought once established. Their blooms come in red, orange, yellow, and pink. They’re perfect for bold borders and containers. Deadheading encourages continued blooming. A showy addition that doesn’t quit in the heat.
28. Vinca
Vinca is a tough groundcover or bedding plant that thrives in high heat. It blooms in pink, purple, white, and red. Vinca is very drought-resistant and low-maintenance. It thrives in sun or partial shade. This plant resists pests and diseases well. It spreads easily and keeps blooming with minimal attention. It is ideal for worry-free color in hot zones.
29. Celosia
Celosia stands out with feathery or flame-like blooms in vibrant hues. It loves hot, sunny spots and dry soil. These annuals are great for containers and cut arrangements. Celosia is heat-hardy and needs little care. Its unique shapes add fun texture to gardens. Keep it watered occasionally, and it will bloom all season. It is a bold beauty for summer drama.
30. Kangaroo Paw
Kangaroo Paw is a heat-tolerant native of Australia with unusual, fuzzy blooms. It thrives in hot, dry areas and full sun. Flowers come in red, yellow, and green shades. This plant is drought-resistant and prefers sandy soil. It’s great in borders or rock gardens. Kangaroo Paw also attracts hummingbirds. A unique pick that handles heat like a pro.
31. Gazania
Gazania is a daisy-like flower that opens in the sun and closes at night. It thrives in full sun and needs little water. Gazania blooms in bold colors like yellow, orange, and red. It’s perfect for borders, containers, or rock gardens. This plant is highly tolerant of heat and drought and grows well in sandy, poor soil. It is a cheerful plant that lights up the hottest days.
32. Achillea or Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial with flat flower clusters in yellow, pink, or white. It’s incredibly heat- and drought-tolerant. Yarrow attracts butterflies and resists deer and rabbits. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it needs almost no care. Prune lightly after blooming to tidy it up. A low-key plant with high payoff in dry summers.
33. Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear is a fuzzy-leaved plant that loves dry heat. Its soft, silvery foliage is great for borders and contrast. Lamb’s Ear grows in full sun and poor soil. It needs little water once established. Small purple flowers appear on tall stalks in summer. It’s also deer-resistant and very hardy. A cozy, touchable plant that handles tough summer weather.
Your Summer Garden, Simplified
Creating a beautiful garden during hot months doesn’t have to be hard. These low-maintenance plants can take the heat, thrive with little care, and still offer vibrant color, texture, and charm. This list has something for every style and space, from flowering annuals to drought-hardy perennials and bold succulents. Pick your favorites, plant them where the sun shines, and let nature do the rest. With minimal effort, your garden can stay lush and lively all summer long!