Diary of a Gardener Flowers to Withstand the Heat
Here in southwest FL, it stays hot and by hot, I mean 90+ degrees through September and sometimes into October. By October we usually start to see our nighttime temperatures decrease some, but a true fall does not happen here. By September 1st, I am longing for pumpkin spiced everything, fall colors and for the temperature to cool off. I very much dislike wintry weather, but if the temperatures came down to a respectable 80 degrees that would feel nice after 4 full months of horrid heat. I am tired of being hot.
Our gardens are tired of the heat too. So many of our native plants and Florida Friendly plants can withstand the heat, but perennials and border plants are starting to suffer. It is too much rain, not enough rain, bad timing of the rain, bad timing of your irrigation, heat, and humidity. They are tired. This summer I experimented with several plants in my front gardens that receive sun all day long. The house faces north so the sun is not as scathing as a south facing house, but none-the-less they get beaten all day with sun rays.
Here is a list of plants I used as border plants to add pops of color and fill in the gaps:
Angelonia - this plant surprised me. I always thought it would die back in June suffering from the heat, but these small plants have taken the summer heat wonderfully. They do get irrigated every other day, but all of them have survived. These come in pink, purple and white. You can get a liner (2-inch plugs) for twenty at Home Depot for $20. It is a great deal.
Soiree Vinca - another plant that has given me hope. These small flowers clustered given the chance will slightly spread creating a mounding affect. Unlike its cousin (Vinca) most people are aware of, it is not invasive and does not seed out. It also does not get leggy and unattractive. I had a few die, but they were either too far away from the sprinkler or right in its line and received a water beating each morning. These come in pink, hot pink, white and purple. The jury is out on how long they will last into fall/winter, but they have lasted all summer.
Caladiums - once thought to be shade plants, many new varieties are bread to withstand sun. Again, full disclaimer, these were watered every other day, but they have lasted all summer. Some leaves are wilting, but I see new shoots emerging from the soil. I expect by November these will die back.
Dipladenia - both petite and bush were planted and although they did not bloom always, they have taken mother nature’s abuse all summer long. These come in white, red, and pink.
Gaura - These small whirling butterfly plants can withstand anything, except transplanting. They would prefer not to get too wet but have beautifully performed this summer.
The one question I get asked over and over is “what can I plant as a border or ground cover.” I have not found one plant that is the answer to everyone’s request, but the above plants have been showstoppers for me since June.
If you are in a hot weather environment and have trouble with keeping your summer garden looking fresh and colorful, reach out to schedule a consultation. I can help you find plants that will enhance your curb appeal.
Remember to always keep growing!
