In the Garden: Plants that beat the heat

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Extreme weather events, like the heat dome we experienced last June, are causing many of us to reflect on the types of plants we choose for our summer gardens. Water restrictions are also prompting us to look for plants that are more tolerant of heat and drought.

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There are some great options available, but even these plants need better moisture-retaining soil to grow. Both garden beds and container plantings need rich organic compost and manure in the soil to help retain moisture and allow roots to grow deeper and become more self-supporting.

Focal points, or so-called “thrillers,” are the most important plants because they set the tone for surrounding plantings. The many new dracaena palms, especially the burgundy red star and torbay, a yellow and green bicolor, as well as the many new phormium (New Zealand flax) are prime examples of great focal points that thrive in the heat.

The new colorful canna lilies and tropical colocasias, with their large leaves that come in a variety of colors, especially the black varieties, are dramatic thrillers.

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Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum), with its beautiful, rich burgundy leaves and charming flower heads that dance in the slightest breeze, remains a star plant.

Contrasting foliage makes a big impact in any planting combination, and the “queens of the heat” are ornamental sweet potato vines, which now come in a variety of rich colors, from hot lime and jet black to burgundy red and attractive rust hues. . They work overtime in the color and heat tolerance departments.

Silver foliage is the new magical accent, and the luscious Angel Wings senecio is a real standout. Adds an incredible punch to any group of plants. The lacy silvery foliage of Parfum d’Ethiopia artemisia offers a touch of class, as well as a pleasant fragrance. The long, hanging silvery foliage of Silver Falls dichondra is also an absolutely “must-have” accent. Even during the hottest summers, it always delivers stellar performance.

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Trailing Dragon Wings fibrous begonias, both pink and red, have remarkable hardiness, even in the most challenging summer heat. Long, hanging cascade and mini-cascade geraniums, the pride of Switzerland, have a single blooming habit of large, soft lavender-pink, red and white flowers that won’t stop no matter how hot the temperature.

Although they close their flowers at night, the new Cupcake portulacas are also up to even the worst heat and sun exposure. I like to pair them with the vibrant purple foliage of the crinkles for an extra pop.

Traditional heat lovers are also seeing some new additions to their ranks, like Easy Wave Petunias, Endurance Marigolds, New Day Gazanias, Lucky Star Pentas, Mega Bloom Vinca Majors, Proven Winners Rockin’ Salvias and Salvias Big Blue from Ball Seeds.

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These varieties are some of the best of the best, both for garden performance and for tolerance to the worst heat and drought that summer can bring. However, keep in mind that all plants need time to adjust to the heat and become established before they can deliver on their promise of yield. Sometimes there will be minor wilting in the hottest sun, even though the soil is moist. In this situation, do not water, just let the plants recover in the cooler temperatures of the afternoon.

Even during the intense summer weather, we can enjoy a large garden and the color of the patio. It’s just a matter of choosing new plants. Fortunately, there is a wonderful selection of beautiful, hardy, heat-loving plants.