When the forecast turns into a string of sizzling, sunny emoji and your backyard feels like the inside of an oven, one thing becomes very clear: not all plants were built for the heat. Some throw a fit the minute the thermometer passes 85°F—leaves droop, blooms vanish, and suddenly your once-thriving garden looks like it’s begging for iced tea and shade.
But not all is lost. For every diva plant that wilts at the mention of a heatwave, there’s another that treats scorching temps like an excuse to thrive. Some flowers actually seem to crank up the color, stretch taller, and bloom harder when the rest of the garden is tapping out.
So if you’ve ever walked outside during a summer scorcher and wondered why half your plants look like they’ve given up on life, this list is for you. From heat-haters that need pampering to sun-worshippers that party on through August, here are 7 plants that just can’t deal with the heat, and 10 that treat heatwaves like a celebration.
Hosta
Hostas, known for their lush foliage, falter when the heat turns up. Their leaves, usually vibrant, droop in distress under the sun’s relentless glare. Imagine trying to keep your cool in a heatwave while wearing a thick sweater. That’s the dilemma hostas face.
These plants crave the cool shade and moist soil, seeking refuge from the sun’s punishing rays. During heatwaves, gardeners often find themselves playing nurse, providing extra water and shade. Despite their struggle, hostas remain a favorite for their lush greenery, especially in shaded gardens.
Astilbe
Astilbes are like the introverts of the garden world, thriving in cool corners away from the spotlight. Their feathery plumes add a touch of drama, but heatwaves quickly sap their vitality. Picture a gentle creature wilting in a bustling crowd.
In the sweltering sun, their leaves brown, and flowers fade prematurely. These plants prefer the serenity of shady spots and consistently moist soil. During heatwaves, they demand extra attention to keep their cool demeanor. Despite their heat sensitivity, astilbes are beloved for their delicate blossoms.
Bleeding Heart
Bleeding hearts, with their romantic, heart-shaped blooms, tell a tale of love under duress during heatwaves. Their delicate flowers droop, echoing a lover pining under the sun’s intensity.
These charming plants prefer the embrace of cool, shaded environments. In the face of rising temperatures, they struggle, making extra watering crucial. Despite their vulnerability to heat, bleeding hearts are treasured for their captivating appearance and unique blossoms, enchanting shady gardens.
Fuchsia
Fuchsias, known for their vibrant, pendulous blooms, find heatwaves a harsh dance partner. Their graceful flowers droop under the pressure of high temperatures, resembling exhausted dancers after a long performance.
These plants flourish in cooler climates and shaded areas, needing respite from the sun’s intensity. During heatwaves, they depend on extra care, including ample watering and shade. Despite their challenges in the heat, fuchsias remain a favorite for their stunning display of color and form in more temperate gardens.
Lobelia
Lobelias, with their brilliant blue blooms, seem to shy away from the spotlight of a heatwave. As temperatures rise, their vibrant color fades, much like a watercolor painting left in the sun.
These delicate plants thrive in cooler, shaded environments, where they can maintain their vivid hues. During heatwaves, they require additional care, such as regular watering and protection from direct sunlight. While they may falter in the heat, lobelias are cherished for adding a splash of blue to garden palettes.
Primrose
Primroses, often heralds of spring, find heatwaves a bit too much to handle. Their cheerful blooms quickly fade under the sun’s unyielding gaze, resembling a tired, sunbaked traveler.
These plants thrive in cooler, shaded spots, where their vibrant colors can shine. In the face of a heatwave, they require extra care, such as consistent watering and protection from direct sunlight. Despite their aversion to heat, primroses are beloved for their bright blooms and early spring presence.
Tiarella
Tiarellas, with their frothy, star-shaped blooms, seem ill-suited for a heated stage. In the intensity of a heatwave, their leaves curl and flowers fade, echoing a performer wilting under harsh lights.
These plants prefer the cool embrace of shade, thriving where the sun’s rays are filtered. During a heatwave, they demand extra pampering, such as frequent watering and shelter from the sun. Despite their heat sensitivity, tiarellas are prized for their unique foliage and delicate flowers in shaded garden areas.
Marigold
Marigolds, with their sun-kissed hues, thrive in the spotlight of a heatwave. Their bright blossoms seem to celebrate the sun’s intense glare, much like joyful dancers in a summer festival.
These sturdy plants bask in full sunlight, requiring minimal care even when temperatures soar. Their resilience makes them a staple in gardens where heat is a constant companion. Beyond their beauty, marigolds are also valued for their pest-repelling properties, making them garden favorites.
Zinnia
Zinnias, with their dazzling array of colors, seem to revel in the sun’s embrace. They stand tall, unfazed by the heat, like confident performers under the spotlight.
These heat-loving plants flourish in full sunlight, requiring little more than regular watering to maintain their vivid display. Their bold presence and minimal care needs make them ideal for gardens that experience intense sunlight. With their festive blooms, zinnias are a favorite for adding color and cheer to any garden setting.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvilleas, with their vibrant pink and purple bracts, seem to thrive in the heat, cascading over walls like a colorful waterfall. Their resilience to scorching temperatures makes them stand out in any sunny garden.
These plants require full sunlight and tolerate drought conditions, making them ideal for heatwave-prone areas. Despite their rugged nature, they offer a stunning display of color that transforms any space. Bougainvilleas are cherished for their ability to bring a touch of tropical splendor to gardens.
Lantana
Lantanas, with their cheerful clusters of multicolored blooms, seem to welcome the sun’s intense rays with open arms. Their vibrant flowers stand out, much like a lively celebration under the sun.
These hardy plants flourish in full sunlight, requiring minimal care and tolerating drought conditions. Their resilience and ability to attract butterflies make them a popular choice for garden enthusiasts. Lantanas are celebrated for their colorful blooms and adaptability in hot climates.
Portulaca
Portulacas, often known as moss roses, thrive in the heat with their radiant blooms in an array of colors. Their vibrant flowers open wide under the sun, much like joyful faces in a summer crowd.
These drought-tolerant plants require full sunlight and well-drained soil, making them perfect for hot, dry gardens. Their ability to withstand extreme conditions and their profusion of color make them a favorite among gardeners. Portulacas are appreciated for their bright, resilient blooms and easy care.
Sunflower
Sunflowers, with their towering stalks and radiant blooms, seem to worship the sun. Their vibrant yellow faces turn towards the light, much like eager spectators at a concert.
These heat-loving giants thrive in full sunlight, requiring little more than occasional watering to sustain their cheerful blooms. Their towering presence and simple beauty make them a staple in summer gardens. Sunflowers are cherished for their ability to bring a touch of sunshine and joy to any landscape.
Gazania
Gazania, often known as treasure flowers, thrive in the heat, displaying vibrant, daisy-like blooms that seem to shine under the sun’s intense gaze. Their colorful display is akin to a painter’s palette, full of life and vibrancy.
These hardy plants require full sunlight and well-drained soil, making them perfect for hot, dry climates. Their resilience and striking appearance make them popular for adding a splash of color to gardens. Gazanias are loved for their ability to bloom brilliantly despite challenging conditions.
Cactus
Cacti, with their tough exterior and surprising blooms, epitomize resilience. Thriving in the desert heat, they stand tall, their spiky forms protecting a surprising inner beauty.
These succulents require minimal water and can withstand the harshest sun, making them ideal for dry, hot environments. Despite their prickly appearance, cacti are valued for their unique shapes and occasional colorful blooms. They are the ultimate survivors, bringing an element of intrigue to gardens.
Lavender
Lavender, with its aromatic blooms, seems to thrive under the caress of the sun. Its fragrant purple flowers sway gently, like a calming wave in a sea of greenery.
These hardy plants require full sunlight and well-drained soil, flourishing in hot, dry climates. Their soothing scent and vibrant color make them popular in gardens and aromatherapy. Lavender is cherished for its beauty and versatility, providing both aesthetic pleasure and a sensory experience.
Salvia
Salvias, with their spiky blooms, seem to celebrate the sun’s embrace. Their bold flowers in red, blue, or purple stand out, much like flags waving in a gentle breeze.
These heat-tolerant plants thrive in full sunlight, requiring little maintenance beyond occasional watering. Their ability to attract pollinators and their striking appearance make them a staple in sunny gardens. Salvias are appreciated for their vibrant colors and resilience, adding a lively touch to any landscape.