Heat & Sun Tolerant Perennials

by Sara Ipatenco
    Many flowers and plants thrive in full sun.

    Many flowers and plants thrive in full sun.

    If you live in a warm climate and have a yard that receives full sun for much of the day, you may worry that the plants in your garden will just wither and die. Multitudes of perennials can withstand full sun and hot temperatures, however, and still thrive to produce vibrantly colored flowers and plants. Choose drought-tolerant varieties that don't require a lot of water for the most success.


    Dianthus, or pinks, are hardy plants that produce tiny pink blooms that range in hues from pale to bright. The flowers have a scent that is similar to cloves. The plant has silvery-blue foliage with spiky leaves. Dianthus plants produce blooms in early summer and will continue to bloom until late summer or early fall. Deadhead the plants to encourage even more blossoms. Dianthus thrives in most areas of your yard, including sunny slopes, containers, borders, rock gardens or any area that receives direct sunlight for much of the day.


    There are more than 2,000 species of euphorbia and many of them are perennials that tolerate hot weather and sunny locations. Euphorbias bloom from early spring and throughout the summer, producing vivid color and green foliage, though they don't flower in the traditional sense. Instead, fused bracts surround a tiny flower, forming a cup around the bloom, giving it an interesting shape that will add flair to your sunny garden. Eurphorbia grows to heights between 12 and 18 inches. Plant it anywhere that receives several hours of direct sunlight during the day. Use caution planting euphorbia, however, if you have pets or children who play outside. The sap from the plants is poisonous if ingested and will also irritate skin and eyes.

    Blanket Flower

    Blanket flower, or Gaillardia x grandiflora, doesn't wilt when the temperatures begin to rise, but instead thrives to produce vivid yellow and red blooms that are similar in shape to daisies. The flowers reach heights between 12 and 36 inches. The perennials require little maintenance, but produce more flowers if you pinch off dead blooms. Don't fertilize blanket flowers because it will cause them to rot. Plant blanket flowers in a sunny spot that has well-draining soil.

    Additional Perennials

    Additional flowering perennials that grow well in sunny and hot locations include the California poppy, which reaches heights between 6 and 12 inches. Globe thistles thrive in full sun and can tolerate hot weather. They produce spiky purple balls that add interest to your flower garden. Purple coneflower, perennial foxglove, coral bells and scented geraniums are all flowering options that thrive in sunny and hot conditions as well. Perennial herbs such as sage, cat mint and oregano also thrive in hot, sunny spots.

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