When temperatures soar above 90°F, finding the right plants for your summer garden can feel overwhelming.
After years of experimenting in my own backyard, I’ve discovered these incredible heat-loving plants that actually thrive in warm weather.
1. Black-Eyed Susan
These vibrant natives from the Eastern United States have become the backbone of my summer garden.
They reach an impressive height of up to 4 feet tall and produce the most stunning yellow and orange blooms.
I’ve found they perform best in temperatures between 70-85°F, and they absolutely love a full sun position with well-draining soil. Plus, they’re incredibly resilient – being both drought and salt tolerant!
2. Cosmos
These Mexican natives have been a game-changer in my garden with their daisy-like blooms in various shades.
They’re truly unstoppable through intense summer heat, growing up to 4 feet tall.
I’ve learned that deadheading extends their blooming season, and they actually prefer poor soils. They’re a butterfly magnet in my garden!
3. African Marigold
These cheerful plants have outperformed every other variety in my hot summer garden.
They handle temperature fluctuations amazingly well, making them perfect for regions with hot summers and cold winters.
Growing up to 4 feet tall, they fill my garden with bright blooms and sweet fragrance from summer into fall.
4. Garden Sage
This versatile plant adds beautiful silver-gray foliage and lovely lavender-blue flower whorls to my early summer garden.
While it grows up to 2.5 feet tall, I’ve learned to be cautious with watering as it’s sensitive to wet soils.
It’s proven to be a reliable performer, attracting pollinators while keeping the deer away!
5. Desert Bird of Paradise
This tough southwestern native has become my go-to plant for challenging spots in the garden.
The bright pink or purple tubular flowers bloom for an extended season, reaching up to 3 feet tall.
It thrives in any fast-draining soil and has proven perfect for my rock garden areas.
6. Purple Coneflower
These southeast United States natives have been blooming machines in my garden from May to October.
They’re incredibly adaptable, thriving in both full sun and part shade, reaching up to 4 feet tall.
I divide mine every few years to prevent overcrowding, and the pollinators absolutely love them!
7. Harvard Agave
This striking succulent has become the centerpiece of my drought-tolerant garden section.
Its blue-gray leaves form beautiful rosettes, growing up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, with yellow flower clusters in summer.
It performs best in sunny positions with well-drained soil, and I’m always careful around its sharp central spine.
8. Pink Muhly Grass
This ornamental grass has solved my erosion problems while creating a stunning display.
Growing up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, it produces gorgeous pink fuzzy flowers in fall.
I simply prune and divide it every few years to keep it looking its best.
9. Sweet Acacia
This semi-evergreen tree has become the pride of my garden, reaching up to 25 feet tall.
Its yellow puffball blooms and feathery foliage create interest in early spring.
I’ve planted it in a well-drained site and make sure to protect it during winter frosts.
10. Common Zinnia
These heat-loving annuals have become my reliable summer color solution.
They grow quickly to 4 feet tall and are perfect for borders in warm, sunny spots.
They’re both deer and disease resistant, making them truly beginner-friendly and perfect for any warm weather garden.