Diary of a Gardener Gearing up for summer
Gearing Up for Summer
As much as I love this time of year, I’m already thinking about our summer gardens. The heat wreaks havoc on so many of our beautiful flowers and plants. Right now, bougainvillea and hibiscus are blooming beautifully, but during the peak of summer, their blooms tend to slow down. Many of our beloved annuals, like geraniums and impatiens, simply can’t handle the intense summer heat. But don’t despair—there are plenty of plants that can!
Education is a huge part of my job—teaching people what grows here, what doesn’t, and when to plant. Sorry, but NO hostas will thrive this far south. Yes, you can have your snapdragons, but only until late May when our temps soar to 90 degrees. Over the years, I’ve experimented with flowers that add color and texture to our landscapes, testing which ones can sustain our brutal summers and which ones give up. These are the plants that provide pops of color, define borders, and add dimension to an existing landscape.
If you visit a big-box store, you’ll find every eye-catching plant imaginable—it’s like a kid in a candy store! You want one of everything, only to plant them and watch them wither in no time. The first lesson I can teach you? Don’t buy annuals past the end of March. Second? Ignore plant labels. Those little plastic info sticks in the pots don’t always apply to our climate. This goes for veggies and herbs, too—buying starter plants too late will result in nada! The exceptions? Rosemary, mint, oregano, some basils, and peppers—they can usually withstand our intense summers.
My Go-To Plants for Summer Color in South Florida:
Angelonia – Grows 8-13 inches tall with blooms in white, purple, or pink.
Vinca 'Suntory' – A small mounding annual that thrives year-round here. It comes in purple, pink, and white and does not seed out.
Caladiums – No flowers, but stunning foliage! Each leaf is unique, with intricate markings and stripes. Once considered shade plants, newer varieties now tolerate full sun. Plant bulbs in early May, and they’ll emerge within weeks, flourishing through late fall. No need to remove the bulbs—they’ll stay cozy in the ground, ready to return in spring.
Pentas – Great for less sunny areas. These pollinator-friendly flowers bloom most of the year but need extra water when the heat turns up unless planted in partial shade.
Coreopsis (for native plant lovers!) – My go-to for a low-maintenance, bright yellow bloomer that reseeds itself. Plant once, and it keeps coming back!
Summer can be tough on our gardens, but by choosing heat- and humidity-tolerant varieties, we can maintain vibrant, thriving landscapes that stand out from the rest.
If you need help selecting the right plants for your garden, book a consultation or check out my high-touch horticulture services.
And as always, keep growing!
