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When temperatures soar, many plants struggle to survive. The hot sun and dry conditions can quickly wilt leaves and damage roots. But some plants are built to handle the heat.
We’ve put together a list of 21 plants that can thrive even in extreme heat. These tough plants have special features that help them conserve water and stay cool when temperatures climb. From flowering perennials to hardy shrubs, there are options for every garden. With these heat-loving plants, you can create a lush landscape that looks great all summer long.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a tough plant that can handle extreme heat well. It thrives in temperatures between 55°F and 80°F (13°C to 27°C). This succulent can survive brief periods of temperatures up to 100°F (38°C). Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, helping it cope with hot conditions.
Aloe vera prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade in very hot climates. To keep it healthy in extreme heat, we should water it deeply but infrequently.
We can grow aloe vera outdoors in warm regions or as a potted plant that can be moved indoors during cold weather. Its heat tolerance makes it a great choice for hot, dry areas.
2. Agave
Agaves are tough plants that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, allowing them to survive long periods without rain. These desert-dwelling succulents can handle extreme heat and intense sunlight. Their waxy coating helps prevent water loss through evaporation.
We recommend planting agaves in well-draining soil. They don’t need much water once established. Too much moisture can harm them.
Agaves prefer daytime temperatures between 75-85°F. At night, they do well in temperatures from 60-70°F. Some varieties can tolerate even hotter conditions. In very hot weather, agaves may benefit from some afternoon shade. This helps prevent sunburn on their leaves.
3. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a stunning tropical plant that thrives in extreme heat. It can handle temperatures up to 100°F (38°C) or even higher. This makes it perfect for hot climates. We love bougainvillea for its vibrant, colorful bracts that bloom in various shades. These plants are vines but can be grown as shrubs or ground covers too.
Bougainvillea is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. In cooler areas, we can grow it as an annual or in containers that can be moved indoors during winter.
To keep bougainvillea happy, we should plant it in full sun and well-draining soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for hot gardens.
4. Cactus
Cacti are champions of heat survival. These desert plants have unique adaptations that let them thrive in extreme temperatures. Cacti store water in their thick stems, allowing them to stay hydrated during long dry spells. Their waxy coating helps prevent water loss through evaporation.
Many cacti have a round shape that minimizes sun exposure. This helps them stay cool even in scorching heat. Some species can withstand temperatures over 120°F (49°C).
Cacti have shallow root systems that quickly absorb any available moisture. Their spines also provide some shade and protect against heat. We can learn a lot from cacti about surviving in hot climates. Their efficient water storage and heat-resistant features make them true masters of extreme weather.
5. Yucca
Yucca plants are champions of heat tolerance. These tough natives thrive in hot, dry conditions that would wilt other plants.
Yuccas store water in their thick leaves, allowing them to survive long periods without rain. This makes them perfect for low-water gardens.
We love how yuccas add a bold, architectural look to landscapes. Their sword-like leaves create interesting shapes and textures.
Many yucca varieties also produce tall spikes of white flowers in summer. These blooms attract pollinators to the garden.
With over 40 species to choose from, there’s a yucca for every garden style. Some stay small while others can grow quite large over time.
6. Lavender
Lavender is a tough plant that thrives in hot, dry climates. We love its fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage.
This Mediterranean herb prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for hot areas.
Some heat-loving lavender varieties include Spanish, French, and Portuguese types. They can handle intense sun and high temperatures with ease.
Lavender needs little water or care. In fact, too much water or fertilizer can harm it. We recommend planting it in spring or fall for best results.
7. Lantana
Lantana is a tough plant that thrives in extreme heat. It’s a great choice for gardens in hot climates. Lantana produces vibrant flowers in many colors, from orange and pink to yellow and purple. These blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.
We love how lantana keeps flowering all summer long, even in high temperatures. It’s also drought-tolerant once established, making it low-maintenance.
Lantana grows well in full sun and can handle partial shade too. It’s versatile enough for both flower beds and container gardens. To keep lantana healthy, we recommend light fertilization in spring and late summer. With proper care, it will reward us with non-stop color throughout the hot season.
8. Red Hot Poker
Red hot pokers are tough plants that can handle extreme heat like champs. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
We recommend planting red hot pokers in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They don’t like wet feet, so good drainage is key.
Red hot pokers are pretty low-maintenance once established. They only need water when the soil is dry. Too much moisture can cause root rot.
In winter, it’s best to leave the stalks in place until spring. This helps protect the plant from cold damage. A layer of mulch around the base provides extra insulation.
9. Sedum
Sedum plants are excellent choices for gardens that experience extreme heat. These succulents come in many varieties with different colors and shapes. They can handle both hot and cold temperatures well.
Sedums don’t need much water to thrive. This makes them perfect for dry climates or areas prone to drought. Their thick leaves store water, helping them survive hot spells.
We love sedums for their low-maintenance nature. They can grow in poor soil and still look great. Popular types include ‘Autumn Joy’ with its pink flowers and ‘Neon’ which has bright foliage.
These plants work well in rock gardens or as ground cover. Their ability to withstand harsh conditions makes them reliable choices for many landscapes.
10. Ice Plant
Ice plants are tough succulents that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They get their name from the tiny crystals on their leaves that sparkle in the sun.
These plants form low-growing mats of fleshy leaves. In summer, they produce vibrant daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow, or white.
Ice plants are perfect for rock gardens or as ground cover in sunny areas. They need very little water once established. We recommend planting them in well-draining soil.
These heat-lovers can even handle some cold, making them versatile choices for many climates. Their drought tolerance and colorful blooms make ice plants great low-maintenance options for hot gardens.
11. Blanket Flower
Blanket flowers are tough plants that thrive in hot, sunny conditions. We love how these cheerful flowers brighten up gardens with their colorful daisy-like blooms. They come in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Blanket flowers are easy to grow and don’t need much care. They can handle poor soil and dry spells once established. These plants bloom for a long time, often from early summer until fall frost.
We find blanket flowers work great in borders, rock gardens, and containers. They attract butterflies and make nice cut flowers too. For best results, we plant them in full sun and well-draining soil.
12. Portulaca
Portulaca, also known as moss rose, is a heat-loving plant that thrives in hot and dry conditions. It boasts vibrant, ruffled flowers in various colors like pink, red, yellow, orange, and white.
This low-growing annual has succulent foliage that helps it retain water. Portulaca is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers. It’s easy to grow from seeds or cuttings.
We recommend planting portulaca in well-draining soil and full sun. It needs little water once established, making it ideal for drought-prone areas. The flowers open in bright sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days.
Portulaca attracts pollinators and can bloom all summer long with proper care. Its hardiness and colorful blooms make it a great choice for gardeners in hot climates.
13. Russian Sage
Russian sage is a tough plant that can handle extreme heat. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and full sun. This hardy perennial produces beautiful purple flowers that bloom for a long time.
We love how Russian sage needs very little water once established. It’s perfect for gardens in hot climates. The plant’s silvery-gray foliage adds nice texture too.
Russian sage grows well in many soil types. It can even tolerate salty or alkaline soils. We recommend planting it where it has room to spread out.
Pollinators like bees and butterflies are drawn to Russian sage. It’s a great choice for creating a wildlife-friendly garden in hot areas.
14. Gazania
Gazanias are tough, heat-loving flowers that thrive in hot climates. These daisy-like blooms come in vibrant colors like yellow, orange, and red. They’re perfect for gardens in sunny, dry areas.
We love how gazanias open their petals during the day and close at night. This neat trick helps them conserve energy and moisture. They grow well in sandy, well-draining soil.
Gazanias don’t need much water once established. They can handle drought and still look great. We recommend planting them in full sun spots that get at least 6 hours of direct light daily.
These flowers stay compact, usually growing 6-12 inches tall and wide. They work well in borders, rock gardens, or containers. Gazanias are a smart choice for gardeners wanting low-maintenance, heat-resistant plants.
15. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is a tough little plant that can handle hot weather well. It thrives when the heat index is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
This low-growing herb spreads out to form a green carpet. We love how it can fill in spaces between stepping stones or cover bare patches of ground.
Creeping thyme needs full sun and well-drained soil to do its best. We plant it 8 to 12 inches apart to give it room to spread.
In spring and after flowering, we trim it back to keep it neat and encourage new growth. This hardy plant is a great choice for hot, dry spots in the garden.
16. Daylilies
Daylilies are tough plants that can handle extreme heat with ease. They’re known for their vibrant blooms and ability to thrive in hot, sunny spots. We love daylilies for their deep root systems, which help them survive dry spells. These plants can go a while without water once established.
Watering daylilies deeply but not too often is key. This helps their roots grow strong and deep, making them even more heat-resistant.
Adding mulch around daylilies can keep their roots cool and moist. This simple step boosts their ability to handle hot weather. With proper care, daylilies reward us with beautiful flowers all summer long, even in the hottest climates.
17. Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush plants are tough survivors in hot climates. These evergreen shrubs thrive in full sun and can handle intense heat.
Native to Australia, bottlebrushes have adapted to harsh conditions. They produce stunning red brush-like flowers that attract birds and butterflies.
Most bottlebrush varieties grow 6-15 feet tall. They prefer well-draining soil and don’t need much water once established.
We recommend planting bottlebrush in zones 9-11. In colder areas, they can be grown in containers and brought inside for winter.
With proper care, bottlebrush plants will provide vibrant color and texture to hot, sunny gardens for many years.
18. Sumac
Sumac is a hardy shrub that thrives in hot, dry conditions. We love its ability to withstand extreme heat and drought. This plant comes in several varieties, each with unique characteristics.
Sumac’s leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in fall. It produces clusters of red berries that persist through winter. These berries attract birds and can be used to make a tart, lemonade-like drink.
We recommend planting sumac in full sun. It adapts well to poor soils and doesn’t need much water once established. Sumac spreads easily, so give it plenty of space to grow.
19. Blue Fescue
Blue fescue is a tough ornamental grass that can handle hot weather. Its blue-green color adds a cool touch to gardens. This grass forms small, rounded clumps that grow about 8-12 inches tall. It likes full sun and well-drained soil.
Blue fescue is drought-tolerant once established. We recommend watering it deeply but less often to encourage deep roots. Every few years, we can divide blue fescue plants to keep them healthy. This helps rejuvenate the grass and prevents bare spots in the center.
In very hot climates, blue fescue may appreciate some afternoon shade. It’s a low-maintenance choice for rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover.
20. Oleander
Oleander is a tough shrub that thrives in extreme heat. It can handle drought, high temperatures, and humid conditions with ease. These plants produce beautiful flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. They bloom from midsummer to fall, adding color to hot gardens.
Oleanders grow well in zones 8 to 11. In colder areas, we can grow them in pots and bring them inside for winter. We should water oleanders regularly for the best blooms. They need moist soil but can’t tolerate waterlogged roots.
Oleanders are easy to grow from cuttings. This method is faster than starting from seeds, which can take up to 20 days to sprout.
21. Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants are surprisingly tough when it comes to heat. They can handle temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) with ease. Some varieties even thrive in scorching conditions reaching 115°F (46°C).
For best results, we recommend planting hibiscus in full sun. They love soaking up those rays. Just make sure to give them extra water when temperatures soar above 85°F (29°C).
Hibiscus flowers come in many vibrant colors. They bloom from midsummer to fall, adding a tropical flair to gardens. Some hardy varieties can survive cold winters too, down to zone 4.
