When we think of a harsh environment, winter and freezing temps come to mind. But in our area, wind, hail, and HEAT takes its toll on all but the very hardiest of plants.
Here's a list of flowering heat-tolerant plants to freshen your protected (from deer) pots or fenced-in areas. During our hottest months, this season serves up its own version of harsh and not all of the potted plants you got in the spring do well now.
List of flower heat-tolerant plants
Scaevola - an annual where we live and needs watering only when the soil feels dry.
Sunpatiens - unlike impatiens, which bloom in shade, sunpatiens do well in heat and sun due to their thicker petals and tough foliage. Less prone to disease too. How to grow guide here.
Coleus - most of us think that coleus only likes shade - but there are varieties that like sun too, and their colors become even more bright and saturated with sun exposure. Two of my favorite coleus varieties are 'Wasabi', and 'Redhead', because they are stunning when planted in the same container and they flourish in the sun. Best in protected areas (from deer).
Geranium - grow best in containers including windowboxes; bloom for months. Note: keep soil evenly moist (not wet), feed every other week (ideally) and cut off spent blooms to encourage more bloom. They're reward you in spades with their flowering and stature.
Apache Plume - this is a hardworking shrub that, when given the chance to grow and bloom, will reward you with lovely delicate fluffy blooms. They look awesome in cut flower bouquets. Winter doesn't phase this native shrub and very deer resistant. Mine took four years of steady growing to come into their full glory. Worth the wait.
Russian Sage - the warmer the better for this hardy perennial plant. Gets big (4 x 4 ft) with tall soft purple flowers reminiscent of the bloom of lavender. Stunning when grouped. Xeric, and likes heat. Water regularly when small, then three times a week when fully established (4 - 5 years).
