Garden-friendly Annual Plants Thrive in Warm Conditions for Refreshed Pots, Flower Beds, and Containers
Heat-Tolerant Plants Thrive in Summer Sun
For those seeking vibrant blooms that can withstand the summer heat, several annuals and perennials are well-suited for pots, hanging baskets, and garden beds. Here are some heat-tolerant options to brighten up your outdoor spaces during hot summer days.
Wave Petunias and Supertunias
These heat-loving varieties of petunias offer unique color combinations, reaching up to two feet in height and spreading further when given room. Both Wave petunias and Supertunias are self-cleaning, dropping spent flowers to reduce the need for deadheading. The popular Supertunia Vista Bubblegum boasts bright pink blooms, while Wave petunias come in a mix of red, pink, white, and purple. However, regular fertilization with a bloom-specific formula is recommended for these petunia varieties to encourage bountiful blooms.
Gazania
Gazania is an exotic, daisy-like annual with vibrant, often bicolored flowers. It thrives in desert-like conditions with full sun, high heat, strong winds, low water, and poor soil. Gazania is a low-maintenance plant that does not require fertilizer and has a mounding growth habit, ranging from six to 12 inches tall and wide.
Portulaca, or Moss Rose
Portulaca is a succulent-like annual with flowers resembling small roses in bright shades. It is a trailing plant that is ideal for sunny pots, hanging baskets, and groundcovers. Like Gazania, Portulaca does not require fertilizer and thrives in desert-like conditions with full sun, high heat, strong winds, low water, and poor soil.
Zinnias
Zinnias are heat-tolerant plants that thrive in high temperatures and produce abundant blooms in various shades. They can grow up to a foot tall in annual pots, while some varieties can exceed a few feet and serve as "thrillers" in flower beds. Zinnias are drought-tolerant and prefer soil to dry out between waterings. Deadheading spent blooms encourages new growth throughout the summer and early fall, and they can be harvested at their peak for cut flower bouquets.
Other Heat-Tolerant Options
In addition to these plants, other heat-tolerant options include Lantana, Verbena, Hibiscus, Canna Lily, Salvia, Sweet Potato Vine, Dusty Miller, and Gerbera Daisy. These plants are commonly available at regional greenhouses or garden centers during the growing season. It is best to contact or visit your nearest greenhouse or garden center to check availability and get expert advice on varieties suited for your local heat conditions.
Table of Heat-Tolerant Plants
| Plant Name | Heat Tolerance | Sun Needs | Suitable for | Notes | |---------------------|----------------|--------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Lantana | High | Full sun | Pots, hanging baskets | Cascading growth, multiple vibrant colors | | Verbena | High | Full sun | Pots, baskets, beds | Long-lasting blooms, spreading habit | | Hibiscus | High | 6+ hours sun| Pots, garden beds | Tropical look, large blooms | | Canna Lily | High | Full sun | Pots, beds | Striking flowers | | Salvia | High | Full sun | Pots, beds | Spikes of colorful flowers | | Sweet Potato Vine | High | Full sun (some shade in hot climates) | Pots, hanging baskets | Colorful foliage, fast-growing vine | | Dusty Miller | High | Full sun | Pots, beds | Silvery foliage for contrast | | Gerbera Daisy | Moderate-High | Full sun | Pots | Bright daisy-like blooms |
Check your local greenhouse or garden center this summer for these plants, as they are commonly available and popular for summer container gardening in hot conditions.
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