When summer heat hits, finding flowers that can handle the blazing sun can be tricky. You want plants that not only survive but actually thrive when temperatures rise and daylight is intense.
Choosing the right heat-loving flowers means your garden will stay colorful and lively even on the hottest days. These flowers are built to withstand strong sun and dry spells, making them a smart choice for sunny gardens.
Marigolds
Marigolds are perfect if you want bright, cheerful flowers that love full sun. You can expect vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds that bloom all summer long.
They’re pretty low-maintenance and do well in well-drained soil. Plus, they help keep pests away, making them a great addition to your garden. For more details, check out these heat-tolerant flowers.
Lantana
You’ll find lantana is a tough plant that loves full sun and heat. It’s drought-tolerant, so it handles dry spells without much fuss.
Lantana grows in colorful clusters that attract butterflies and bees, making your garden lively. Plant it in well-draining soil and give it room to spread for best results. For more on caring for lantana, see this lantana plant care guide.
Catmint
Catmint loves full sun but can handle some afternoon shade, especially if you live in a hotter area. It’s pretty low-maintenance once established, but make sure to keep it watered when it’s young. You’ll see lots of small, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators and hold up well in heat. Learn more about how to grow catmint here.
Pentas
If you want flowers that can handle hot, sunny spots, pentas are a solid choice. They bloom in bright colors like red, pink, and purple, adding great texture to your garden or containers.
Pentas thrive in heat and humidity, making them perfect for summer. Plus, they’re pretty low-maintenance, so you don’t have to fuss much to keep them looking good.
Zinnia
If you want a flower that loves heat and sunshine, zinnias are a great pick. They grow fast and come in all sorts of bright colors.
Zinnias attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, so they’re great for your garden’s ecosystem. You can easily grow them in full sun and dry conditions without much fuss.
Bee Balm
If you want a flower that loves full sun and heat, bee balm is a solid pick. It blooms later in the summer with bright, warm colors that add a lively touch to your garden. Bee balm attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making your space buzz with life.
Just make sure it gets good air circulation to avoid mildew. You can learn more about growing it from this guide on Monarda care.
Agastache
You’ll love Agastache if you want a flower that handles full, blazing sun like a champ. It thrives in hot, dry spots and doesn’t mind poor soil.
These plants bloom for weeks, adding color and attracting hummingbirds. Try varieties like Summer Breeze for a splash of peachy-pink all summer long.
French Marigold
French marigolds love full sun and need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. You can grow them in well-drained soil, and they do fine even if your soil isn’t the best.
They’re pretty tough, handling heat, drought, and humidity without much fuss. You’ll see bright gold, orange, and red blooms adding color to your garden or containers.
Geraniums
Geraniums are a solid choice if you want flowers that love full sun. They’re pretty easy to care for and can handle the heat without much fuss.
You’ll get blooms all summer long with minimal watering. They’re also great if you want something deer-resistant to keep your garden looking nice. For tips on growing geraniums in full sun, check out this guide on geranium care.
Portulaca
If you want a flower that loves blazing sun and heat, portulaca is a great pick. It thrives in full sun and can handle dry, poor soil without much fuss.
You’ll get bright, colorful blooms all summer long, and it’s perfect for containers or hanging baskets. Just make sure it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Balsam
If you want a flower that handles heat well, balsam is a solid choice. It thrives in full sun and keeps blooming through the summer.
You’ll enjoy its bright, showy flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plus, it doesn’t need much fuss once it’s established.
Bellflower
If you want a flower that handles heat well, bellflower is a solid choice. It loves full sun but can tolerate some shade too, making it flexible for your garden spots.
Bellflowers produce charming, bell-shaped blooms that add a gentle touch of color. They don’t need much fuss, so they’re great if you want low-maintenance beauty. For more heat-tolerant flower ideas, check out this list of sun-loving perennials.
Angelonia
Angelonia loves the heat and shines best in full sun, so pick a spot where it gets at least six hours of direct light daily. It blooms all summer long with colorful spikes that handle both drought and occasional wet feet pretty well.
If you live where it doesn’t freeze, your Angelonia can come back year after year, making it a reliable summer star. You can learn more about growing Angelonia from this Angelonia growing guide.
Petunias
If you want flowers that can handle full sun, petunias are a solid choice. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight to bloom well.
These plants are heat tolerant and usually bloom all summer long. Just make sure they have well-drained soil and consistent watering. For more details, check out petunia companion ideas and care tips here.
Gerbera
If you want bright, cheerful flowers that handle heat well, gerbera daisies are a great pick. They need full sun for at least six hours daily to bloom their best.
In very hot climates, giving your gerberas some afternoon shade can help them stay healthy. These flowers bring long-lasting color to your garden during summer.
Basil
If you want a flower that can handle strong sun and heat, basil is a solid choice. It loves full sun and brings a fresh, herbal scent to your garden.
You can grow basil easily in pots or garden beds. It also pairs well with other heat-loving plants and adds flavor to your kitchen.
Armenian Cucumber
If you want a heat-loving plant that’s easy to grow, Armenian cucumber is a solid choice. It thrives in hot summer sun and keeps producing well when others might struggle.
You’ll like that it handles 70°F to 85°F best, so it’s perfect if your garden heats up. Plus, those scalloped slices make your salads look cool and taste fresh.
Arugula
If you like a peppery bite in your salads, growing arugula in hot weather can be rewarding. Just watch out—arugula tends to bolt quickly when it gets hot and dry.
When it bolts, it sends up tall stalks with flowers, which you can leave to attract pollinators or harvest for a spicy addition to dishes.
Crowder Peas
If you want a plant that loves heat, crowder peas are a great choice. They thrive in hot weather and can handle temperatures above 85°F without much trouble.
Growing crowder peas also helps improve your soil since they fix nitrogen, making your garden healthier over time. You can find more about growing them in hot climates at this crowder peas grow guide.
Globe Amaranth
If you want a flower that loves heat, globe amaranth is a solid pick. It thrives in full sun and keeps blooming the more you cut it.
You’ll like how long the blooms last, both fresh and dried—they can brighten your space for weeks. This easy-care flower fits well in summer gardens and bouquets.
Coreopsis
If you want a flower that loves full sun, coreopsis is a solid choice. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and doesn’t mind poor soil.
You’ll get bright, cheerful blooms from early summer all the way into fall. Plus, it’s low maintenance, so it’s great if you want something easy to care for. Coreopsis is also known for being deer resistant, which helps keep your garden looking good.
Blanket Flower
If you want a flower that handles full sun like a champ, Blanket Flower is a great pick. You’ll need to plant it in well-drained soil, and it’ll thank you with bright, daisy-like blooms.
It’s pretty drought-tolerant once it’s settled in, so it won’t mind the heat or dry spells. Keep it happy with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day for the best results.