by Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, Watters Garden Center
I’ve learned fighting Mother Nature is a losing battle. Instead, invite “heat seekers” into your landscapes. These plants don’t just survive the June sizzle; they require it to put on their best show.
Champions of the Sun
1. Lantana. If you want a bulletproof plant, lantana is your first choice. These woody perennials won’t start growing until the soil is truly warm. They offer clusters of bright, neon colors: oranges, yellows and purples that butterflies find irresistible.
2. Zinnia. They are the workhorses of the summer garden. Whether you choose the tall State Fair giants or the low-growing Profusion series, zinnias thrive in full, direct sun.
3. Vinca, (Catharanthus roseus). Often confused with impatiens, vinca is the sun-loving cousin. While impatiens wilt at the mere thought of a 90-degree day, vinca stands tall with glossy green leaves and flat, five-petaled flowers.
4. Portulaca (moss rose). This succulent-style groundcover thrives in the hottest, driest spots of the garden. Its needle-like leaves store water, and its vibrant, rose-like blooms open wide in the midday sun. If you have a rock garden or a container that always seems to dry out, portulaca is the answer.
5. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower). This native perennial is as tough as they come. With petals that look like they’ve been dipped in sunset hues of red and gold, gaillardia handles poor soil and intense heat.
6. Pentas. Named for their five-pointed star-shaped flowers, pentas are a favorite for hummingbird enthusiasts. They hold up beautifully in dry heat.
7. Salvia. Specifically, look for Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage) or Salvia farinacea (Victoria Blue). These resilient plants offer tall spikes of blue, red or white, providing much-needed vertical interest in a garden.
8. Coneflower. Its deep taproot allows it to find water even when surface soil is parched.
9. Cosmos. Their airy, fern-like foliage and daisy-like flowers sway in the summer breeze. They prefer “lean” soil; if you fertilize them too much, you’ll get plenty of green but fewer flowers.
10. Angelonia. Often called the Summer Snapdragon, Angelonia produces spires of flowers in shades of purple, pink and white. It keeps blooming through the hottest weeks of July and August.