What Plants Survive the Heat?

Texas Summers can Fry Your Plants, What Plants can Beat the Heat?

Another Saturday…another day at Lowes in the plant department! Let’s talk Texas heat and plants that can survive the summer. The heat is very hard on plants and plant owners when the heat I so excessive. Here are some helpful hints at what might work!

1. Cacti: Cacti are renowned for their ability to thrive in hot and dry environments. They have adapted to conserve water and often have spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss through transpiration.
2. Succulents: Succulents, such as Aloe vera and Jade plants, store water in their fleshy leaves and stems. This adaptation enables them to survive in arid regions with high temperatures.
3. Agave: Agave plants are succulents that can withstand extreme heat and drought conditions. They have thick, fleshy leaves that store water, and many varieties are well-suited to hot climates.
4. Desert Marigold: Also known as Baileya multiradiata, the desert marigold is a native plant found in desert regions. It has silver-gray leaves that reflect sunlight and reduce water loss. It produces bright yellow flowers and can tolerate high temperatures.
5. Lavender: Lavender is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in hot and sunny conditions. It is known for its aromatic fragrance and beautiful purple flowers. Lavender is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil.
6. Bougainvillea: Bougainvillea is a colorful flowering plant that can handle intense heat and sun exposure. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and adds vibrant splashes of pink, purple, red, or orange to the landscape.
7. Texas Sage: Also known as Leucophyllum frutescens, Texas sage is a shrub native to arid regions. It has silvery-gray leaves and produces purple or pink flowers after rainfall. Texas sage is highly adapted to desert environments and can survive high temperatures.
8. Yucca: Yucca plants are hardy, evergreen perennials that can tolerate heat and drought conditions. They have sword-shaped leaves and often produce tall flower spikes. Yuccas are native to arid regions and are well-suited for hot climates.
9. Lantana: Lantana is a colorful flowering plant that thrives in heat and full sun. It is known for its clusters of vibrant flowers in various colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and purple. Lantana is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
10. Oleander: Oleander is a resilient shrub with dark green, leathery leaves and showy clusters of pink, red, white, or yellow flowers. It can withstand high temperatures, drought, and poor soil conditions. However, it’s worth noting that oleander is toxic if ingested, so care should be taken when planting it in areas frequented by children or pets.

These plants have varying degrees of heat tolerance, but they are generally known for their ability to thrive in hot and arid environments. It’s important to consider other factors like soil conditions, water availability, and local climate when selecting plants for your specific location.

Alana Long and Debbie Hunn

The Urban Group at Williams Trew

Alana.long@williamstrew.com

Debbie@williamstrew.com