Thriving in the Heat: The Best Summer Plants for a Vibrant Garden

Undoubtedly, the most colorful flower pot on my patio right now is one we recently planted despite the intense summer heat. Living in Alabama, we’re dealing with record humidity—it’s the kind of sticky, sweltering heat that makes daily watering of most of my plants an absolute necessity.

While arranging our spring pots, we missed one lone pot sitting on the brick wall of my patio. My husband, the true green thumb in the family, set out to find a suitable plant for it this summer. We both knew we needed something that could withstand the upcoming scorching temperatures, but I also wanted a plant with lasting color.

We chose Citrus Lantana for its hardiness, heat tolerance, and beautiful blooms. Right now, it’s thriving and adding a vibrant splash of color to its perch.

I’m discovering that Lantana truly thrives in the heat. “It can also handle dry conditions, so if you miss a watering session, the plant will still be fine,” says Artarch. I missed watering it during a short vacation, but thankfully, the blooms remained vibrant and healthy when I returned. Lantana can last until the first frost, so it should keep looking beautiful well into the cooler autumn months.

Though I chose a small Lantana plant for a pot, it can be planted anywhere in your yard. With many colors and varieties, a visit to the nursery can help you find the perfect match for your garden. Most nurseries carry Lantana well into summer because of its resilience to drought conditions.

Living in a very hot area, I often gravitate towards plants that stay fresh and keep blooming throughout the summer into fall. While spring blooms are beautiful, they don’t last forever. Zinnias have recently become a favorite; I love cutting them to use in bud vases around my home. “Zinnias are easy-to-grow annuals that thrive in the heat and come in various colors and bloom sizes, attracting pollinators,” says Artarch. Another great option is Portulaca, or Moss Rose, which is also heat-tolerant and hardy.

Although I have Citrus Lantana alone in its pot, it pairs well with other plants. “Lantana works beautifully in containers alongside Salvia, Angelonia, Euphorbia, and Sweet Potato Vine,” says Artarch Just make sure any companion plants are equally heat tolerant to ensure they all thrive together.

Even though Lantana is tough, there are a few tips to help it thrive, especially when planted in the summer. Watering is key during the initial planting phase—even for heat-tolerant plants—as it helps them establish roots. Artarch suggests keeping Lantana watered for the first few weeks; after that, it should mostly care for itself, especially with occasional rain. If using an old pot, consider refreshing the soil or mixing in fresh potting soil. New soil retains moisture better, giving your plants the best chance to flourish.