Heat Loving Annuals for the Summer Garden
Gardening in the heat of summer can be challenging, but choosing the right plants can make all the difference. Here are nine fantastic heat-tolerant annuals that will keep your garden vibrant all season long. Plus, we grow these locally in our Woburn greenhouses, and they are available all summer long in our stores!
1. Angelonia
Angelonia, often referred to as “summer snapdragon,” thrives in hot, sunny conditions. With its spikes of colorful blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue, this plant adds vertical interest and continuous color to your garden beds and containers.
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2. Bractheantha (Strawflower)
Strawflowers are known for their papery petals and long-lasting blooms. These hardy plants not only tolerate high temperatures but also attract pollinators. They are perfect for both fresh and dried arrangements, bringing a unique texture to your garden.
SHOP STRAWFLOWER3. Celosia
Celosia, with its striking plumes or cockscomb flowers, adds bold color and structure to any garden. This heat-loving annual comes in vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and pink, making it a standout choice for hot summer landscapes.
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4. Geranium
Geraniums are a classic favorite for summer gardens due to their robust nature and continuous flowering. They come in a wide range of colors and are perfect for borders, containers, and hanging baskets, providing reliable beauty even in scorching conditions.
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Lantana is a tough, heat-tolerant plant that produces clusters of tiny, multi-colored flowers. It’s a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators, and its ability to withstand drought makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance summer gardening.
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Portulaca, also known as moss rose, is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Its bright, cheerful flowers open in the morning sun and come in a variety of colors, providing a ground-cover option that spreads joy throughout the garden.
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Pentas, with their star-shaped blooms, are superb for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. These heat-loving plants bloom profusely in shades of red, pink, white, and purple, adding a lively touch to sunny garden spots.
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SunPatiens are a hybrid impatiens that flourish in full sun and high heat. Unlike traditional impatiens, these resilient plants provide vibrant color in sun-drenched areas, making them ideal for adding continuous blooms to sunny garden beds and containers.
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8. Flowering Vinca
Flowering vinca, or periwinkle, is a low-maintenance annual that blooms profusely in hot weather. Its glossy green foliage and wide range of flower colors, from pinks and whites to purples, make it a versatile choice for edging, ground cover, or container planting.
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By incorporating these heat-tolerant annuals into your summer garden, you can enjoy a burst of color and beauty despite the rising temperatures. If you’re looking for some perennials that fit the same bill, check out our blog post here. Happy gardening!