Some like it hot: Plants to beat the heat

Popsicles are melting faster than you can eat them, but these resilient plants are cool as cucumbers. If your garden is starting to fizzle, consider adding more heat-loving beauties. These selections shine through the hottest days of summer without missing a beat.

Unstoppable Perennials

Many perennials turn to survival mode after the abundance of spring, hunkering down until the worst heat passes. Others churn out an endless stream of blooms despite the scorching temperatures. Among the latter, salvias are among the most vigorous. ‘Hot Lips’ Littleleaf Sage (Salvia microphylla, Zones 7-10) is a standout for summer blooms as are mealy cup sages like ‘Henry Duelberg’ (Salvia farinacea, Zones 7-10).

One of my favorite perennials, hummingbird bush (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii, Zones 7-10), gets going when the weather turns hot. This hummingbird magnet starts flowering mid-summer and just doesn’t quit. ‘Iron Butterfly’ Ironweed (Vernonia lettermanii, Zones 4-9) joins the party mid-summer, providing a feast for butterflies and native bees.

Another great pollinator selection is rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium, Zones 3-9). This architectural native produces spiky white flowers above blue-green, yucca-like foliage. And while we’re on the topic of yuccas, ‘Color Guard’ (Yucca filamentosa, Zones 4-10) remains a fixture among heat-loving perennials.

Resilient Annuals

Annual plants are known for their flower power, but many can’t stand up to heat. Fortunately, several stunning annuals are up to the challenge, including dwarf morning glory (Evolvulus glomeratus, Zones 9-11). This adorable, low-mounding groundcover brings silvery foliage and true-blue flowers to your most difficult sites.

Fanflower (Scaevola aemula, Zones 10-11) blooms non-stop through the heat of summer. Plant this sprawler along garden edges or let it spill from containers and over stone walls. If you’re looking for an annual that attracts pollinators, Mexican zinnia (Zinnia haageana, annual) fits the bill with cheery yellow to burgundy blooms. For a taller option, the fuzzy orange flowers of lion’s ear (Leonotis leonurus, Zones: 8-11) are always a hit. This tender perennial is commonly grown as an annual but can be overwintered with special care.

Carefree Grasses

Ornamental grasses provide fabulous color and texture through the heat of summer. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum, Zones 4-9) boasts upright structure and handsome foliage in solid green to metallic blue hues that turn gold in autumn. Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris, Zones 5-9) is a favorite in autumn gardens when airy pink blooms adorn plants. In summer, attractive blue-green foliage grows as an open, arching mound.

‘Blonde Ambition’ blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis, Zones 3-10) is adored for its magnificent mid-summer blooms. This native selection produces unique chartreuse flowers followed by distinctive seedheads, which are held perpendicular to stems like tiny flags waving in the wind.

Tropical Delights
Not all plants that thrive in heat are drought tolerant. Tropical plants love hot weather but require ample moisture. When properly irrigated, they flourish in Oklahoma, bringing a touch of the tropics to any garden. Esperanza (Tecoma cltvs., Zones 8-11) flowers with abandon all summer long. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators adore the vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. This tender perennial can be overwintered indoors with special care.

Several varieties of banana (Musa spp., Zones 5-11) and elephant ear (Colocasia, Zones 6-12) tolerate Oklahoma winters. They make striking architectural elements with bold foliage and rich texture. With a bit of planning, cannas (Canna hybrids, Zones 7-10) can also overwinter in Oklahoma. These plants add both stunning foliage and gorgeous blooms to the summer gardens.

Be water-wise when selecting heat-loving plants for the landscape. Group thirsty varieties together to simplify watering. While many heat-loving plants are drought tolerant, some will require irrigation during extremely hot, dry spells.