Can Shrubs Grow in Hot Climates?

Types

• Among the types of landscaping shrubs able to handle hot climates are poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), buddleja (Buddleja loricata), coral plant (Russelia equisetiformis) and the banksian rose (Rosa banksiae).

Effects

• Some shrubs only survive and produce seeds in very hot climates. One example is the pomegranate shrub (Punica granatum), a non-native type that produces fruit the best when planted in a region with a long, hot summer. Pomegranate shrubs watered regularly under such conditions yield attractive flowers and edible fruit.

Geography

• Chaste tree (Vitex negundo) is an example of a non-native shrub used for landscaping in North America. Hailing from places such as Eastern Asia and Madagascar, chaste tree survives from U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 9. However, in the colder parts of its range, including most of USDA zone 6, it requires shelter from wind and extreme cold, or it dies to the ground. In the warmer climates of its range, it simply drops its leaves in fall and rejuvenates in the spring.