These 10 Heat-Tolerant Flowers Keep My Garden in Full Bloom All Summer
Keeping your plants thriving can seem impossible when summer peaks and temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
I know this feeling well, as I live in an area with drought conditions and regular heat waves. It’s a challenge keeping a yard and garden looking fresh and alive.
These days, my garden thrives even in triple-digit temperatures. The secret? Choosing the right blooms that don’t just survive—but shine—in the heat.
In this post, I’m sharing 10 tried-and-true flowers that bloom beautifully all summer, even when the days are long and dry. These flowers can be used in large gardens, small gardens, planter arrangements, and hanging baskets.
But first, let’s talk about what makes a flower heat-tolerant—and how to set your garden up for success.
What Makes a Flower Heat-Tolerant?
Heat-tolerant flowers are built to withstand intense sunlight, high temperatures, and even periods of drought.
They’re usually native to warm climates and have features that help them thrive in dry, sunny conditions—like waxy or fuzzy leaves, deep root systems, or succulent-like qualities.
Here’s what to look for when choosing flowers for hot weather:
Sun-Loving
These plants thrive in full sun—usually needing 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Drought-Resistant
They don’t need constant watering and can handle dry spells better than most.
Low-Maintenance
Most are fuss-free and don’t need much deadheading, pruning, or pampering.
If your summers are long, dry, or intensely hot, planting heat-tolerant flowers is one of the easiest ways to keep your garden looking lush without constant maintenance.
10 Heat-Tolerant Flowers That Bloom All Summer
These are the flowers I plant year after year. They’ve stood the test of summer in my garden beds, planters, and even tough-to-fill patio pots. Whether you’re working with a small backyard, a sunny balcony, or a big landscape, you’ll find something here to bring color and resilience to your space.
1. Zinnias
Sun needs: Full sun
Water needs: Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Bloom colors: Pink, orange, red, yellow, white, green
Zinnias are a summer favorite for a reason. They bloom fast, grow quickly, and keep going strong until fall. I plant them every year from seed, and within weeks I have a showy, pollinator-friendly display that lasts all season.
Personal Tip: Deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming. The more you cut, the more they bloom!
2. Lantana
Sun needs: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Bloom colors: Multicolor (pink, orange, yellow), purple, white
Lantana is my family’s go-to for hot, dry areas of the yard that get full sun. My grandma has these in pots throughout her yard, and it’s how I was first introduced to them.
They add pops of bright color and interest, with their clusters of tiny flower petals.
I like to use them in containers near my patio, or on our balcony to add a little interest to the space.
Personal Tip: If you want a flower that thrives on neglect, this is it. Just give it sun and a bit of water when the soil is dry.
3. Marigolds
Sun needs: Full sun
Water needs: Moderate
Bloom colors: Yellow, gold, orange, red
These flower blooms are a garden classic—they love the heat, and they bloom for months on end, even into mid-to-late fall. I tuck them into containers and around my herb and lettuce garden to help repel pests.
Personal Tip: Try French marigolds for a smaller, bushier plant that’s a serious stunner! They’re the prettiest marigold, in my opinion!
4. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Sun needs: Full sun to part sun
Water needs: Low
Bloom colors: Purple, white, pink, yellow
Coneflowers are tough perennials that bloom through the worst of the heat. If you’re new to flower gardening, this is a great plant to start with. Their daisy-like shape adds softness to any garden, and they come back stronger each year.
Personal Tip: I let the seed heads stay in place after blooming—birds love them in fall!
5. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Sun needs: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Bloom colors: Red, orange, yellow
If you love wildflower-style gardens, blanket flowers bring in bold color and a touch of whimsy. They can handle dry soil and full sun without blinking.
Personal Tip: These are great for areas where nothing else seems to grow. They’re resilient and full of personality.
6. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Sun needs: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Bloom colors: Bright pink, orange, yellow, white, red
Here’s one of my favorites – this is a tough yet lovely plant! This succulent-like flower is perfect for rock gardens, containers, vertical garden walls, and anywhere that stays super dry and sunny. Its blooms are vibrant and the foliage makes a wonderful filler.
Personal Tip: Don’t plant it in shade—it won’t bloom! Place it in full sun.
7. De La Mina Verbena (Verbena lilacina ‘De La Mina’)
Sun needs: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Bloom colors: Deep lavender-purple
I adore this plant! This California native variety of verbena is one of my absolute favorites for summer. The shrub has the prettiest deep lavender flowers and tall, fragrant foliage that softens any sunny spot. It’s perfect for covering large sparse areas in front yards.
Personal Tip: It starts blooming in late winter here and keeps going through summer, which makes it a workhorse in my garden. Plus, it’s a pollinator magnet—bees and butterflies can’t resist it.
8. Verbena
Sun needs: Full sun
Water needs: Low to moderate
Bloom colors: Purple, red, pink, white
Verbena grows so well in my area. Not only is it beautiful but it’s incredibly long-blooming. is another flower that looks delicate but holds up beautifully in the heat. It’s a lovely spiller in hanging baskets and mixed containers.
Personal Tip: Give it space, don’t overcrowd your plantings. The shurb will grow and spread out.
9. Coreopsis
Sun needs: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Bloom colors: Yellow, gold, pink, red
This low-maintenance perennial is a summer workhorse. It fills out quickly and continues blooming into fall, especially if you shear it back mid-season.
Personal Tip: Pair it with lavender or yarrow for a sunny, drought-tolerant border.
10. Celosia
Sun needs: Full sun
Water needs: Moderate
Bloom colors: Red, orange, pink, yellow
I adore this plant. Celosia is a showstopper! The color is so deep and rich; it’s the perfect plant to add to your flower arrangements and planters. it has such a unique look.
Its feathery blooms add bold texture to containers or flower beds. If you want something sticking, celosia is the perfect choice.
Personal Tip: Cut and dry a few stems to bring that vibrant color indoors.
Simple Tips to Help Your Summer Flowers Thrive
Even heat-tolerant flowers appreciate a little help. Here are a few tricks I use to keep everything looking fresh through the hottest weeks:
- Mulch your beds to help retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and avoid mildew.
- Group plants with similar needs (sun, water, soil) to make care it easier.
- Use compost or organic matter in your soil to improve water retention and drainage.
Plant Once, Enjoy All Season
I hope this list inspires you to create a garden that truly thrives in the heat. These flowers have saved me time, water, and frustration—and they’ve given me a garden that’s buzzing with pllinators and color from June to September.
Whether filling in a sunny corner or planting a patio pot, these blooms are beautiful, easygoing, and built for summer.
Happy Gardening!