In hot, dry climates or full-sun gardens, keeping plants alive through summer can be a challenge. Many common garden plants begin to struggle in hot temperatures or in areas with low rainfall. But some species are adapted to exactly these conditions.
Whether you’re dealing with drought-prone soil, reflective heat from paving, or extended dry spells, the right plants can still provide reliable color and structure. The flowers in this list grow well in heat, and many continue flowering when others have long finished for the season.
Why Choose Heat-Loving Flowers?
In hotter regions or during increasingly dry summers, it may seem like there are fewer choices for your garden. These are species that evolved in sun-drenched environments, such as prairies, deserts, and Mediterranean hillsides.
And if you’re also growing food, here’s a helpful list of heat-tolerant vegetables for your summer garden that can handle the same tough conditions.
12 Flowers That Don’t Mind the Heat
1. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are native to dry grasslands in Mexico, and thrive on heat and sunshine, producing flowers in bold, saturated colors, such as magenta, scarlet, and tangerine. Plant them in succession and deadhead occasionally, and they’ll flower into fall.
2. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Whether you grow French marigolds for borders or the taller African marigolds, Tagetes species are among the toughest annuals. Their scent deters some pests, and their golden-orange flowers are comfortable in direct, hot sun.
3. Lantana (Lantana camara)
In its native tropical habitat, lantana sprawls in dry, exposed conditions. That same habit makes it ideal for tough gardens. Its small, multicolored florets form dense clusters that attract butterflies. In frost-free zones, lantana can become woody and perennial; elsewhere, it makes a vibrant summer annual.
4. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
Gaillardia is a North American native that is adapted to poor soils, reflected heat, and lean watering. In fact, overwatering is more likely to kill it than drought. Let it sprawl or mix into prairie-style plantings.
5. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Certain sage species, including Salvia splendens, S. farinacea, and S. coccinea, are well-equipped for heat.
Their flower spikes of red, blue, or purple attract bees and hummingbirds, and their slightly aromatic foliage often helps deter browsing deer. Once established, they rarely need supplemental water.
6. Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)
Also known as moss rose, this succulent-leaved annual is highly drought-adapted. Each flower may only last a day, but they open in brilliant flushes under hot sun—pink, yellow, coral, even bicolors. Its low, spreading habit makes it perfect for edging, rock gardens, or sunny containers.
7. Coneflower
Echinacea is native to North American prairies, comfortable in sun, drought, and poor soil. They’re a staple in any pollinator garden, with robust purple or white blooms with a distinctive central cone.
If you’re planning a full-sun bed or container, it’s worth pairing them with other heat-tolerant annuals you can plant in late spring, especially in warmer zones where summer heat comes fast.
8. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis likes full sun and will produce flowers throughout the season. Yellow is the classic color, but newer hybrids bring pinks, reds, and bi-colored options into play. Deadheading helps prolong flowering, but even neglected plants will bloom.
9. Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Whether you choose low-growing Verbena rigida or trailing types for hanging baskets, these plants excel in the height of summer. They flower consistently, even in lean soils, and are especially good choices where airflow and sun exposure are intense.
10. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are the emblem of summer planting. Dwarf varieties suit containers or small spaces, while branching or tall types can provide cut flowers for weeks. Birds and bees are drawn to them, helping to encourage a diverse garden of beneficial organisms.
11. Celosia (Celosia argentea)
Whether plume-type or cockscomb-shaped, the feathery celosia flowers hold up to extreme heat without fading. They’re particularly good for cutting gardens, where their odd, sculptural forms provide contrast and interest.
12. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
There’s a reason you see Rudbeckia naturalized along highways and in wildflower meadows—it thrives on neglect. These golden daisies bloom reliably through heat and drought, especially once their roots are established. They also self-sow, making them ideal for informal or naturalistic plantings that evolve over time.
Tips for Gardening in Hot Weather
These techniques help reduce stress in extreme heat:
For more resilient and eco-friendly planting ideas, check out our list of native ground-covers that beat invasive spreaders.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to be a dormant season in particularly sunny gardens and in hotter climates. Whether you’re planting a water-wise front garden or refreshing a sunbaked patio, these flowers bring resilience, color, and joy to the hottest parts of the year.
With the right plant choices, you can reduce watering needs, support pollinators, and still enjoy a vibrant, low-maintenance display through the peak of the heat.
