Heat Seekers: 10 Flowers That Thrive in the Brutal Summer Sun – Ken Lain

As the June sun begins to bake the soil here in the high desert, many gardens start to look a little tired. It is that time of year when the morning coffee is enjoyed quickly before the heat settles in. If you find yourself dragging the hose around more often than you’d like, only to see your petunias pouting, it is time to rethink your guest list.

In my years at the garden center, I’ve learned that fighting Mother Nature is a losing battle. Instead, we want to invite the “Heat Seekers” into our landscapes. These are the plants that don’t just survive the June sizzle; they actually require it to put on their best show.

The Champions of the Sun

Lantana – if you want a virtually bulletproof plant, Lantana is your first choice. These woody perennials love the heat so much that they won’t even start growing until the soil is truly warm. They offer clusters of bright, neon colors: oranges, yellows, and purples that butterflies find irresistible. They are remarkably drought-tolerant once established. Completely animal resistant to rabbit, deer, and javelina.

Zinnia – there is a reason your grandmother always grew Zinnias. They are the workhorses of the summer garden. Whether you choose the tall ‘State Fair’ giants or the low-growing ‘Profusion’ series, Zinnias thrive in full, direct sun. They are also excellent for cutting; the more you harvest the blooms, the more the plant produces. An added bonus, animals like javelina find them detestable.

Vinca, Catharanthus roseus, often confused with Impatiens, Vinca is the sun-loving cousin. While Impatiens wilt at the mere thought of a 90-degree day, Vinca stands tall with glossy green leaves and flat, five-petaled flowers. They handle the reflected heat from sidewalks and brick walls better than almost any other annual. They grow great in raised beds and hanging baskets.

Portulaca (Moss Rose). This succulent-style groundcover thrives in the hottest, driest spots of the garden. Its needle-like leaves store water, and its vibrant, rose-like blooms open wide in the midday sun. If you have a rock garden or a container that always seems to dry out, Portulaca is the answer.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) This native perennial is as tough as they come. With petals that look like they’ve been dipped in sunset hues of red and gold, Gaillardia handles poor soil and intense heat without flinching. It is a fantastic choice for a low-maintenance, “set it and forget it” flower bed.

Pentas – Named for their five-pointed star-shaped flowers, Pentas are a favorite for hummingbird enthusiasts. They hold up beautifully in dry heat. They maintain a tidy, upright habit, making them perfect for the center of a decorative patio pot.

Salvia – Specifically, look for Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage) or Salvia farinacea (Victoria Blue). These plants are incredibly resilient. Their tall spikes of blue, red, or white provide much-needed vertical interest in a garden, and they are famously deer- and rabbit-resistant due to their aromatic foliage.

Coneflower (Echinacea) A staple of the summer perennial border, the Coneflower is built for the sun. Its deep taproot allows it to find water even when the surface soil is parched. While the classic purple is a favorite, modern hybrids now offer shades of lime green, bright orange, and deep tomato red.

Cosmos are the dancers of the garden. Their airy, fern-like foliage and daisy-like flowers sway in the summer breeze. They prefer “lean” soil; if you fertilize them too much, you’ll get plenty of green but fewer flowers. Let them struggle just a little bit, and they reward you with a sea of blooms.

Angelonia often called the Summer Snapdragon, produces elegant spires of flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. Unlike real Snapdragons, which fizzle out when the temperatures climb, Angelonia keeps right on blooming through the hottest weeks of July and August.

Ken’s Tips for Success

Even a heat-seeker needs a good start. When planting in June, be sure to use a high-quality potting soil like Watters Potting Soil for containers, or amend your garden soil with Watters Premium Mulch. A thick layer of mulch is like insulation for your plant’s roots; it keeps the “feet” cool while the “head” enjoys the sun.

Water deeply and early in the morning, earlier the better. This allows the plant to hydrate before the sun starts pulling moisture from the leaves. With the right plants and a little bit of preparation, your garden can be a vibrant sanctuary all summer long.

Free Gardening Classes Every Saturday @ 9:30 am

Join us for these upcoming topics:

1. June 6: Growing Better Berries & Grapes
2. June 13: Top 10 Flowers that Love Summer Heat
3. June 20: Best Trees for Bushels of Fruit

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners plant sweeter berries here at Watters Garden Center.

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Flowers.com.