Not all plants wilt under the sun’s relentless rays. Some thrive in scorching temperatures, turning up the heat without breaking a sweat. If your garden bakes in full sun, these tough, drought-tolerant plants will keep your landscape lush and vibrant. Get ready to fill your yard with color and greenery, no shade required.
1. Lantana Brings the Heat and the Butterflies
Lantana laughs in the face of blazing heat, producing vibrant clusters of flowers in red, orange, yellow, and pink. It thrives in poor soil, requires minimal watering, and attracts butterflies like a magnet. I planted lantana in my sunniest corner, expecting it to struggle, and it ended up taking over like it owned the place.
2. Russian Sage Thrives in Tough Conditions
Russian sage is the garden’s cool customer, sporting silvery-green leaves and delicate lavender-colored flowers. It handles heat and drought like a pro, making it perfect for sun-soaked landscapes. It also repels deer, which is a bonus if your neighborhood has uninvited four-legged guests with an appetite for destruction.
3. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) Offers Endless Color
This tough wildflower is a sun-worshipper that blooms all summer long, showing off bright red, orange, and yellow petals. Gaillardia is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and doesn’t flinch in a heatwave. I once forgot to water mine for weeks, and instead of sulking, it just kept blooming like nothing happened.
4. Sedum (Stonecrop) Stands Up to the Heat
Sedum is a heat-defying succulent that thrives where other plants throw in the towel. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, making it perfect for drought-prone gardens. Plus, it adds texture and interest, whether planted in flower beds or spilling over a rock garden. If you want zero effort with maximum impact, sedum is your best friend.
5. Rosemary Pulls Double Duty
This heat-loving herb is both a culinary superstar and a decorative garden plant. It thrives in full sun and dry soil while filling the air with its aromatic scent. I love clipping fresh rosemary for cooking, and honestly, having a built-in herb garden that survives the summer heat feels like a win-win situation.
6. Zinnias Bring Bright, Fast-Growing Blooms
Zinnias grow fast, bloom nonstop, and thrive in intense sunlight, making them one of the easiest flowers to plant. Their colorful petals attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. I once tossed a handful of zinnia seeds into a flower bed and was rewarded with a rainbow explosion in just a few weeks.
7. Oleander: The Sun-Loving Shrub
Oleander is a tough, heat-tolerant shrub with showy pink, red, or white flowers that bloom for months. It is perfect for creating hedges or adding structure to a sun-drenched yard. Just be mindful—it is toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach if curious pets or children like to taste-test your plants.
8. Lavender Smells as Good as It Looks
Lavender is a Mediterranean classic that thrives in hot, dry conditions while filling the air with its relaxing scent. It is great for borders, containers, or even as a companion plant to repel mosquitoes. My lavender plants are some of the few things in my garden that actually appreciate my tendency to forget watering days.
9. Agave: The Ultimate Drought Warrior
Agave plants practically laugh at harsh sunlight and dry soil. These striking succulents store water in their thick leaves and require almost no maintenance. They also add an architectural, desert-inspired vibe to any garden. If you want a plant that survives on pure stubbornness, agave is a solid choice.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.