Hot weather plants are hard to come by! I’m originally from the Southwest, and where I’m from, xeriscaping (landscaping without grass) is everything. The high temperatures, lack of water, and low levels of humidity make it extremely difficult for grass to grow luscious and green. Never fear! If your grow zone isn’t optimal for grass, here are 10 plants that love it hot. I know I definitely do!
Celosia
Celosia is a beautiful flower that blooms–even when temperatures are less than desirable! Make sure that you water the plant with warm water as well, because it can’t even tolerate the shock from a cold drink!
Cleome
Also know as “spider flowers” this plant grows exceptionally well in grow zones 10 and 11. Temperatures should be at least 80 degrees during the day to keep this flower blooming and healthy. Cleome’s definitely like it hot and make one of the great hot weather plants.
Cosmos
Unlike my favorite drink at the local bar, Cosmo flowers come in a variety of colors and can tolerate even the hottest of climates. Cosmos don’t do well in richer soils, so plant these in an area where the soil tends to be more barren.
California Poppies
Keep away from moist soils because this flower doesn’t do well in them! California Poppies can tolerate areas of high heat and dryness. Like the cosmos (from the previous slide) this plant tends to do better in barren soils.
Gazanias
If you live in an area of high humidity, it might be best to grow a different kind of flower! Gazanias hate moist soil, rain, and humidity. This is the perfect desert flower!
Ipomoea
A vine plant, Ipomoea can grow to be anywhere from 6 to 25 feet tall. This plant comes in a variety of colors, but the deep red is definitely my favorite! This plant is one of the most beautiful hot weather plants!
Nicotiana
You guessed it! This plant is also known as “flowering tobacco” and comes in a variety of deep and lush colors. Don’t transplant this flower! It does best when you “sow it, and leave it!”
Petunias
I’m sure you’ve seen these colorful flowers lining the flower beds of your neighbor’s homes. Petunias are surprisingly drought (and heat!) tolerant. If you get a lot of rain during the Summer months you might be better off skipping this one!
Tagetes
Also known as “marigolds” these beautiful flowers look great in any landscaping color scheme. Deadhead them throughout the season to promote continuous bloom and growth!
Verbena
Verbena makes for a seriously great groundcover. Make sure you keep these in an area of full sun, but water them as often as you would water your lawn. Drought stressed plants can become target to a host of disease!
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