Growing Flowers That Thrive in the Summer Heat
Summer can be a challenging time to keep flowers blooming, especially in hot and humid climates. Many plants go dormant or wilt in extreme heat, leaving your garden looking bare and lifeless. But don’t despair! There are many heat-tolerant flowers that can add a splash of color to your garden all summer long.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Heat Tolerant Flowers
Before you start shopping for heat-tolerant flowers, it’s important to consider the climate in your area. Some factors to keep in mind include:
- Average temperatures: The hottest temperatures in your area will determine which flowers are best suited for your garden.
- Humidity: High humidity can make it difficult for flowers to transpire, which can lead to wilting and other problems.
- Rainfall: If your area receives little rainfall during the summer months, you’ll need to choose flowers that are drought-tolerant.
Choosing the Right Heat Tolerant Flowers
Once you’ve considered the climate in your area, you can start choosing the right heat-tolerant flowers for your garden. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- Lantana: Lantana is a tropical native that thrives in hot, humid climates. It produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers that attract pollinators.
- Verbena: Several species of verbena will grow well throughout the summer, providing constant, colorful blooms. It grows in low clumps and spreads vigorously.
- Mexican butterfly weed: Don’t let the name fool you; this is a gorgeous flowering plant that is a cousin to the more common butterfly weed. It grows up to 4 feet tall and produces red and gold flowers.
- Vinca: Vinca is a great annual for hot summer climates. It loves heat and full sun and comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and purple.
- Begonia: For shadier spots in the heat, try all types of begonias. These tropical plants love heat, humidity, and dappled sunlight. They come in a range of colors with different foliage and even flower shapes.
- New Guinea impatiens: Like begonias, New Guinea impatiens thrive in shadier parts of the garden and tolerate the heat. Unlike traditional impatiens, they resist mildew diseases and grow into bushier shapes.
- Coleus: The leaves of this plant are the showstoppers, not the flowers. Coleus varieties grow well in the heat and provide a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Other Heat Tolerant Flowers
In addition to the flowers listed above, there are many other heat-tolerant flowers that can add color to your garden during the summer months. Some other popular options include:
- Zinnias
- Petunias
- Calibrachoa
- Cockscomb
Tips for Growing Heat Tolerant Flowers
Once you’ve chosen the right heat-tolerant flowers for your garden, there are a few things you can do to help them thrive:
- Plant in well-drained soil: Heat-tolerant flowers need well-drained soil to prevent their roots from rotting.
- Water deeply and regularly: Water your heat-tolerant flowers deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilize regularly: Fertilize your heat-tolerant flowers regularly to help them produce more blooms.
- Deadhead spent blooms: Deadheading spent blooms will encourage your heat-tolerant flowers to produce more blooms.
With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful and colorful garden all summer long, even in the hottest and most humid climates.
