Flowers for Heat

Lantana

• More than 150 species of lantana shrubs and herbaceous perennials exist, with new dwarf varieties that are ideal for bedding plants. Lantana grows in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, with profuse, colorful flowers in yellow, pink, red, orange, magenta or purple when grown in full sun. The plant is adaptable to a variety of soils, and thrives in hot weather, both humid and arid. The clusters of small colorful flowers become increasingly attractive as the outer, older flowers deepen in color while the newer, center flowers bloom the lighter, original color. Newer varieties have been created that eliminate the berries that form after flowering on older varieties, making the newer varieties much more appealing with a long bloom time.

Mexican Petunia

• Mexican petunias resemble common garden petunias in blossom, but are much more vigorous in hot weather. The plant grows 3 feet high, is fast growing and spreads easily, making it somewhat invasive. From spring until the first frost, the plant will be in continuous bloom of either shades of purple-blue or pink flowers. Each flower lasts only one day, but will be replaced with the next blossom. Mexican petunia is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, and, with winter protection, can be grown in zone 7. The plant will thrive in full sun, giving you more flowers than if grown in partial shade.

Blanket Flower

• Blanket flowers can grow in every state and is often considered a wildflower because they thrive in almost any condition. Easy to grow and maintain, blanket flowers thrive in full sun with little water, though occasional watering will prolong blooming. Blanket flowers are classified as a perennial and will re-seed themselves if the flowers are allowed to naturally dry on the stem. Not only does the blanket flower bloom profusely in full sun and hot weather, but the flower makes an excellent cut flower, lasting six to 10 days.

Cosmos

• Native to Central America and Mexico, cosmo plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall, blooming delicate flowers in colors of yellow, white, orange, red, shades of pink and lavender. Then can be single or double blooming. Newer varieties include a shorter dwarf cosmo, appearing as the larger variety, but only reaching a height of 1-3 feet. Classified as an annual, cosmos readily re-seed themselves. The plant grows in a variety of conditions and soils, tolerating drought and hot weather.