Whatever your climate zone, you’ll likely have a choice of a hundred heat-, sun- and drought-resistant perennials. In some places closer to the equator, where this type of weather is common every day of the year, plants are more accustomed to this constant heat.
But in other places, where the climate changes more drastically and the winters are much colder, not all perennials can withstand these droughts and the summer sun. The good news is that there are some species that not only survive, but thrive when the sunny season arrives, even in these radical climates. Want to know more about them? That’s exactly what we will cover today; read on!
1. Sedum
Sedum Herbstfreude Spectabile Autumn Joy Autumn late summer colour colourful plant portrait close up 270918 27092018 27/09/18 27/09/2018 27 27th September 2018 Autumn Alan Titchmarsh PLEASE CREDIT location Rose McMonigall Dipley Mill Hartley Wintney Hook Hampshire photographer Sarah Cuttle
Sedum is the name given to a genus of plants that probably contains over 600 species. The variety of shapes and colors is enormous. These plants can withstand sun and drought because of their succulent type leaves, so they store both water and food in their leaves.
They are also known as rock plants, as many species can survive in dry places and rocky areas. This is very handy for creating dry gardens and planting in places where it is difficult to grow ordinary ornamental plants.
2. Echinacea
Most people know Echinacea for its pharmaceutical properties, whether it’s to counter the effects of the common cold or many other illnesses. However, it is a plant that produces beautiful flowers and is used to decorate and cultivate many types of gardens.
The Echineacea plant belongs to the daisy family and is very resistant to sun and drought. Its flowers are usually purple and even grow wild in some meadows.
3. Vervain
There are hundreds of species among the verbenas, although only a handful are grown for ornamental purposes. Its flowers come out in small branches and are usually very colorful and fragrant. They are plants that grow to a moderate height and can withstand the sun and lack of water in the field. Its flowers can be red, pink and even purple.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial and very fragrant plant. It is widely used to season dishes, but it is also very good for decorating the garden. Planted in the right place and in the right sun, this plant produces small pink, purple, white or blue flowers. In very cold climates, it’s best to keep them in pots to bring into the house when the winter frosts start.
5. Lavender
Lavender produces one of the most aromatic and beautiful flowers on the planet. Not only is it great for planting and adding color to the garden, but it’s also an easy plant to grow that can handle good sunlight and drought. It also likes well-drained soils, meaning it doesn’t accumulate excess water. Soils saturated with mature organic matter or compost also favor it.
6. Salvia
Salvia has flowers somewhat similar to those of lavender, as they grow from long spikes. There are many species of sage, all very aromatic and colorful. The flowers of this plant attract all kinds of pollinators, from hummingbirds to butterflies to bees. They grow best in the summer sun and grow fairly quickly.
7. Ground Covers
There is a group of plants known as ground covers. These plants have succulent-like leaves where they can store water and nutrients. This is why they are well suited to rough, rocky and difficult to grow areas. Ground covers have leaves of different textures and colors. Combine them to create incredible effects in the garden.
8. Vinca
In many places, they are called beach flowers because they survive well in salty, sunny soil and are drought resistant. This plant produces flowers of many colors and the flower is very similar to those of impatiens. In English, they are known as “periwinkle”. In tropical regions, vincas are always in bloom. They prefer well-drained soil with mature organic compost.
9. Ajuga
The plant called ajuga is one of the ground covers, as some of its varieties form a kind of very colorful carpet on the ground. They are usually kept at a moderate height not exceeding twelve inches. These plants are also used to control soil erosion with their strong root system.
10. Butterfly Bush
If you want to attract butterflies and other beneficial species to your garden, plant the butterfly bush. This plant produces spectacular purple, pinkish white, yellow or red flowers. It usually blooms between spring and summer, although in tropical regions it usually blooms year-round. The plant can reach a height of six to eight feet, so it is essential to prune it after it has finished blooming.
There you are! With this list of plants you should be able to have a blooming garden even during scorching hot summers. Do you know any other perennial that can withstand the sun? Let us know about it in the comments below.
