10 Heat-Tolerant Plants That Thrive in Summer

When summer turns up the heat, not all plants are up for the challenge. But for those who garden in hot, sunny climates, there's good news: some plants don’t just survive the summer—they thrive in it. Whether you're growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables, choosing heat-tolerant varieties will help your garden stay lush and colorful even during the most intense heat waves.

Here are 10 reliable, heat-tolerant plants that can take the heat and keep on growing:

🌺 1. Zinnias

These vibrant annuals love full sun and bloom nonstop from early summer until frost. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes and are incredibly low-maintenance. Just plant them in well-drained soil and enjoy the show.

Bonus: Zinnias attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.

🌿 2. Lantana

A favorite in southern gardens, lantana is drought-resistant and thrives in blazing sun. Its clusters of small flowers come in fiery shades of orange, pink, red, and yellow, making it a showstopper in beds or containers.

Pro Tip: Once established, it needs very little water.

🍅 3. Cherry Tomatoes

While not all vegetables can handle the heat, cherry tomatoes often excel in hot weather—especially heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Sungold’ or ‘Juliet.’ Just be sure they get at least 6–8 hours of sun per day.

Care Tip: Water deeply and mulch to keep roots cool.

🌱 4. Basil

This sun-loving herb thrives in hot weather and adds flavor to your summer meals. Keep pinching back the flowers to encourage leaf growth, and plant successions to keep it going all season.

Varieties to Try: Genovese, Thai, or lemon basil.

🌼 5. Marigolds

Marigolds are practically synonymous with summer gardening. Their sunny orange and yellow flowers are not only cheerful but also help deter garden pests like nematodes and aphids.

Growing Tip: Avoid overwatering—these like it hot and dry.

🌾 6. Ornamental Grasses

Varieties like blue fescue, fountain grass, and switchgrass handle heat and drought with ease. They add movement and texture to the landscape and are virtually carefree.

Bonus: Many ornamental grasses are also deer-resistant.

🌺 7. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Native to North America, coneflowers are built for hot, dry conditions. They bloom for months and are a magnet for bees and butterflies. Plus, they make great cut flowers.

Care Tip: Deadhead regularly to promote more blooms.

🌸 8. Salvia

Whether it's the perennial Salvia nemorosa or annual varieties like Salvia splendens, these spiky blooms are made for hot weather. They tolerate drought, thrive in sun, and attract hummingbirds.

Colors to Try: Deep blue, purple, red, or coral.

🌻 9. Sunflowers

As the name suggests, sunflowers love the sun. They’re fast-growing, heat-hardy, and cheerful—and they come in more than just the classic yellow. Try branching or dwarf varieties for smaller spaces.

Bonus: Harvest seeds in late summer as a snack or bird treat.

🍠 10. Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas)

Not just edible but ornamental too—especially the trailing varieties with lime or burgundy foliage. These plants thrive in heat and can be used as a ground cover or in hanging baskets.

Edible Tip: For a harvest, choose an edible cultivar and allow about 90–120 days to maturity.

Final Tips for Gardening in the Heat:

• Water deeply, not frequently to encourage deep root growth.

• Mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce temperature swings.

• Choose the right location—most of these plants need full sun (6–8 hours daily).

• Avoid over-fertilizing; too much nitrogen can stress heat-tolerant plants.