10 Beautiful Plants That Thrive in Extreme Heat, According to Gardening Experts

Angelonia

Angelonia is native to areas with warm climates, like Central America and the Caribbean: "So you can trust this plant will make it through heatwaves of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more," says Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms.

This flower produces lovely purple, pink, and white blooms and is also very drought-tolerant. "Err slightly on the dryer side," says Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at Louisiana State University. "Overwatering can diminish the flower's aesthetics." He recommends drip irrigation, in particular, as a good watering method.

• Zones: 9 to 11
• Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 8 to 12 inches wide
• Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-draining soil

Evolvulus

Evolvulus is often grown as a ground cover, and has beautiful blue foliage that can really bring a summer garden to life. "It might look delicate, but it's wonderfully resistant," adds Hancock, "holding up to the heat, and being drought resistant once established."

Abdi also notes that it can be grown in containers so it cascades over the edge of the pot. "You don't have to plant this too close together either," he notes. "They will quickly grow into each other and fill up space in no time."

• Zones: 9 to 11
• Size: 4 to 6 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil
  

Tropical Hibiscus

"The name says it all—you’d expect a tropical hibiscus to hold up to hot, steamy weather, and this plant delivers," says Hancock.

However, it's worth noting that this plant does need to be kept moist and isn't very drought-tolerant. So long as these conditions are met, though, it can tolerate temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

"The flowers [also] attract pollinators, so they're great for adding biodiversity to your garden," Hancock adds.

• Zones: 9 to 11
• Size: 6 to 8 feet tall x 4 to 8 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil

Cigar Plant

These flowers have tubular blooms with red or orange tips that resemble a burning cigar. They're especially attractive to pollinators and butterflies, says Abdi. "The plant performs well all summer up until the first frost, [and] can act as a showy centerpiece," he adds.

• Zones: 9 to 11
• Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil

Passion Flower

Passion flowers come in beautiful colors like lavender, white, and even pink. They fare well in hot temperatures and can tolerate up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. "It climbs and vines and makes excellent borders!" says horticultural chef Mariah Henry. "I love it because it grows like a weed in warmer climates and temperatures."

Pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds love this plant; it can even be dried and used in teas and cocktails.

• Zones: 7 to 10
• Size: 10 to 30 feet tall x 3 to 6 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil

Mandevilla

Native to Central and South America, mandevilla can easily survive temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. "It's attractive to hummingbirds and has good drought tolerance, making it a good pick for beginners," Hancock adds.

Mandevilla has colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers, and there are a few different types that you can grow. Some are more bushy, while others are more like climbing vines.

• Zones: 5 to 11
• Size: 3 to 8 feet tall x up to 20 feet wide
• Care requirements: full sun; rich, sandy, well-draining soil

Thai Basil

Not all herbs can endure hot temperatures—but Thai basil can. This plant has deep purple flowers, and is a staple in many Asian dishes. "I grew Thai basil with other basil varieties and it outshone most [of them] with its sturdy stems, flowers, and anise-like aroma and flavor," says Henry.

• Zones: 10 to 11
• Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

Prickly Pear Cactus

 Of course, cacti fare well in warm temperatures. Henry loves the prickly pear cactus in particular, noting that "the real star of the show is the fruit it bears."

These plants can tolerate temperatures of over 100 degrees, however, they can be tricky to harvest. Henry notes that prickly pear cactus have tiny, invisible thorns called glochids, which need to be removed before the fruit can be enjoyed. "I torch the fruit to burn [them] off," she says. "I then juice the prickly pear and use it for juice and mimosas!"

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-drained soil

Penta

Pentas are tropical plants, so they do well in high temperatures. These star-shaped flowers provide beautiful color during the summer—and pollinators love them. "The flower clusters look great in landscape beds, but also serve as a prominent feature in container arrangements," says Abdi.

• Zones: 2 to 11
• Size: 4 feet tall x 4 feet wide
• Care requirements: full sun; well-draining soil

Echinacea

Coneflower, or echinacea, can withstand temperatures up to 95 degrees, says Henry. "I love this floewr because it's low maintenance and resistant to common challenges like deer, drought, poor soil, and humidity," she adds.

It's also easy to grow from seed, and can be used in teas to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

• Zones: 3 to 8
• Size: 2 to 5 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
• Care Requirements: Partial shade to full sun