When summer temperatures climb into the triple digits, many plants wilt or stop growing. But some hardy choices thrive in these extreme conditions and even bring bursts of color and texture to the garden. Whether you're facing a long drought, blazing afternoon sun, or weeks of dry weather, these heat-tolerant plants can handle it. With the right mix of flowers, grasses, herbs, and shrubs, your landscape can stay lively and beautiful all season long. Here are some top picks that grow strong when the heat is on.
1. Lantana
Lantana is a colorful, flowering plant that thrives in full sun and extreme heat. It can handle temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit without wilting or slowing down. With its clusters of red, orange, yellow, pink, or purple blooms, lantana attracts butterflies and other pollinators. It needs very little water once it is established, making it ideal for dry, hot climates. Lantana works well in garden beds, hanging baskets, or as a groundcover. It blooms from spring through fall, offering long-lasting color even in triple-digit heat.
2. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple coneflower is a native wildflower known for its toughness and beauty. This plant can survive summer heat that reaches well over 100 degrees. Its large, daisy-like flowers have purple petals and a raised center cone that attracts bees and butterflies. Purple coneflower does best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and blooms from early summer to fall. The plant also has deep roots, which help it handle both heat and dry conditions.
3. Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)
Mexican feather grass is a graceful ornamental grass that dances in the breeze and stands up to intense heat. It can survive long stretches of hot, dry weather with temperatures soaring past 100 degrees. This fine-textured grass has soft, flowing blades and creates movement in garden spaces. It needs full sun and good drainage but very little water once established. It also helps control erosion and blends well with desert and drought-friendly landscapes.
4. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)
Texas sage is a rugged, evergreen shrub that flourishes in full sun and extreme heat. It can thrive even when temperatures stay above 100 degrees for days at a time. Its silver-gray leaves help reflect sunlight and reduce water loss. Texas sage produces purple or pink flowers after summer rains. It needs little water and does well in rocky or sandy soil. This plant is also deer-resistant and can be used as a hedge or stand-alone shrub.
5. Salvia
Salvia is a heat-loving plant that includes many types, such as autumn sage and mealycup sage. Most varieties do well in hot climates where summer temperatures climb into the triple digits. These plants grow in full sun and dry soil, making them perfect for drought-prone gardens. Salvia produces bright flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It has aromatic leaves and a long blooming season. Pruning spent blooms can help extend flowering throughout the summer.
6. Agave
Agave is a desert plant known for its bold shape and heat resistance. It thrives in full sun and extreme temperatures, even beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Agave stores water in its thick, pointed leaves, allowing it to survive dry, hot weather. It comes in many sizes and colors, adding structure to gardens and landscapes. Most agaves bloom only once in their lifetime, then produce pups to continue growing. They need well-drained soil and almost no watering once mature.
7. Verbena
Verbena is a flowering plant that loves the heat and keeps blooming through the hottest months. It thrives in full sun and does well when temperatures rise above 100 degrees. Its small, bright flowers grow in clusters and come in many colors. Verbena attracts butterflies and adds color to beds, borders, and containers. It prefers dry, well-drained soil and needs little care. With regular deadheading, it will bloom from spring through fall.
8. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a climbing plant that flourishes in scorching climates. It thrives when temperatures rise above 100 degrees and actually prefers dry, sunny weather. Its colorful bracts, which look like flowers, come in purple, red, pink, or orange shades. Bougainvillea is perfect for walls, fences, or large pots. It needs full sun and well-drained soil to do its best. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant and blooms throughout the warm season.
9. Oleander
Oleander is a tough shrub that handles extreme heat with ease. It grows well in areas where summer temperatures stay in the triple digits. Oleander has long, narrow leaves and produces clusters of pink, red, white, or yellow flowers. It needs full sun and low water, making it a good choice for dry gardens. Oleander can be grown as a hedge or standalone plant. It is toxic if eaten, so it should be used with care around pets and children.
10. Yucca
Yucca is a hardy plant with spiky leaves that grows well in very hot and dry places. It can take temperatures above 100 degrees without stress. This plant stores water in its thick leaves and has a deep root system, helping it survive long dry spells. Yucca also sends up tall flower stalks with white blooms in the summer. It needs full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. Yucca adds bold texture and shape to desert or drought-tolerant landscapes.
11. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a cheerful flowering plant that handles heat well. It grows best in full sun and can withstand temperatures above 100 degrees. Its bright yellow, red, or orange flowers bloom over a long period. Coreopsis attracts butterflies and pollinators while needing very little water once established. It prefers well-drained soil and regular deadheading to keep blooming. This plant is a great choice for sunny borders and beds.
12. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a succulent that thrives in hot, dry conditions with little care. It grows well in full sun and tolerates temperatures over 100 degrees. Sedum stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves, which helps it survive drought and heat. It comes in many varieties, from low-growing groundcovers to upright forms. Most types bloom in late summer with pink, red, or yellow flowers. Sedum is ideal for rock gardens, containers, and sunny borders.
13. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian sage is a tall, airy plant that loves heat and sun. It grows well when temperatures rise above 100 degrees and needs very little water once it is established. Its silvery leaves and soft purple-blue flowers add beauty and texture to hot gardens. Russian sage is deer-resistant and attracts bees and butterflies. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. This plant blooms from mid-summer through fall and works well in dry, open spaces.
14. Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtle is a flowering tree or large shrub that thrives in the heat. It can handle long stretches of temperatures above 100 degrees. Crape myrtle blooms in summer with pink, red, purple, or white flowers that last for weeks. It needs full sun and well-drained soil to do well. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Pruning in late winter helps shape the plant and encourage more blooms.
15. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susan is a sturdy wildflower that performs well in hot summer weather. It thrives in full sun and can withstand temperatures above 100 degrees. Its yellow petals and dark centers attract butterflies and bees. Black-eyed Susan needs little water once it is established and grows in a variety of soil types. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and works well in borders, meadows, or natural landscapes.
16. Rosemary
Rosemary is a woody herb that enjoys hot, dry weather. It grows best in full sun and tolerates temperatures over 100 degrees once established. Its needle-like leaves are aromatic and can be used in cooking. Rosemary produces small blue or purple flowers and attracts pollinators. It prefers well-drained soil and needs very little water. This plant works well in herb gardens, borders, or containers.
17. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant plant that thrives in hot, sunny spots. It does well in temperatures above 100 degrees and prefers dry conditions. Its gray-green leaves and purple flower spikes add beauty and scent to the garden. Lavender needs full sun and excellent drainage to stay healthy. It attracts bees and butterflies and resists deer. Pruning after blooming helps keep the plant full and tidy.
18. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
Red hot poker is a bold plant with tall flower spikes that look like flaming torches. It grows well in full sun and can handle extreme heat. Red hot poker thrives when summer temperatures reach triple digits. Its flowers are red, orange, or yellow and attract hummingbirds. The plant needs well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once mature. It adds height and color to sunny borders or dry gardens.
19. Zinnia
Zinnias are bright, cheerful flowers that love the sun and heat. They grow well when temperatures rise over 100 degrees and bloom nonstop through summer. Zinnias come in many colors and sizes, from tiny button flowers to large, full blooms. They attract butterflies and are easy to grow from seed. Zinnias do best in full sun and need only occasional watering. Regular deadheading keeps them blooming longer.
20. Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)
Desert marigold is a native wildflower that thrives in dry, hot areas. It can survive temperatures above 100 degrees and needs very little water. Its yellow daisy-like flowers bloom from spring through fall. Desert marigold has silvery leaves that help reflect sunlight and retain moisture. It grows well in full sun and sandy soil. This plant is ideal for desert landscapes and water-wise gardens.
21. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Portulaca, also called moss rose, is a low-growing plant that loves the heat. It does best when summer temperatures reach triple digits. Portulaca has fleshy leaves that store water, making it drought-tolerant. Its flowers open during the day and come in many bright colors. This plant needs full sun and well-drained soil. Portulaca works well in rock gardens, containers, or as a colorful groundcover.
22. Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)
Gaura is a graceful plant with long stems and butterfly-like flowers. It thrives in hot, dry climates and does well in temperatures over 100 degrees. Gaura blooms from late spring to fall with pink or white flowers that dance in the wind. It needs full sun and prefers sandy, well-drained soil. This plant adds movement and softness to sunny beds or borders. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
23. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
Butterfly bush is a large, flowering shrub that draws in pollinators with ease. It handles extreme heat and grows well in full sun with temperatures above 100 degrees. Butterfly bush produces long spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers all summer. It needs well-drained soil and very little water once established. Pruning in early spring helps control its size and shape. This plant is perfect for sunny garden spots.
24. Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)
Indian blanket is a heat-loving wildflower that thrives in dry, sunny conditions. It grows well when summer temperatures soar past 100 degrees. Its red and yellow flowers resemble a woven blanket, adding bright color to the garden. Indian blanket is drought-tolerant and blooms from late spring into fall. It grows best in full sun and poor, sandy soil. This plant attracts bees and butterflies and is great for natural or low-water landscapes.
Garden Smarts for Scorching Days
Choosing the right plants makes a big difference when you garden in extreme heat. These plants are not only beautiful, but they are also tough enough to handle hot summers with little water. Whether you're looking for bright flowers, bold shrubs, or useful herbs, each one brings color and life to outdoor spaces when temperatures rise. By planning with heat tolerance in mind, you can build a garden that stays healthy and attractive, even during the hottest days of the year.