Landscape plants that are heat-beaters are difficult to find. Some are just too prim to withstand the really hot summers of late. What equation should we use in determining the best for the situation? Check your garden after an especially long, hot summer to see what not only survived, but also have potential to be the backbone of your sizzling summer landscape.
I scouted my garden, after 100 plus degree heat, looking for these workhorses that plug away, even under the most trying conditions. There are shrubs that survive the heat, year after year. Let’s review what those hearty plants are, and why they are so important to the hot-weather garden.
Evergreen shrubs are quick to provide screening and a beautiful backdrop for any garden. Consider planting a selection of evergreen shrubs in your garden. The following are several of my favorites:
Blue Viburnum. Little maintenance is required. These shrubs are dwarf; approximately 12 to 18 inches high. They are kind of a cross between viburnum and fern. They areVictorian in style, as they have variegated leaves. The leaves change to bright green in the fall.
Burnet’s Snow Bush. This shrub will provide you with a gentle trailing effect. The bush is also used for topiary, espaliering and for pruning. One of my favorites is:
Butterfly Bush. This shrub is not only wonderful to look at, but wonderful to live next to as well! They are non-spreading, perennials. Other plants that butterfly bush will grow next to includeHollyhock,Syringa,Tom breezewhich is a favorite of mine.
Lantana. Lantana is a great plant for hot sunny spots as well. The more sun the better! I have both growing in the front of my house. A trailing variety is my preferred style, but they are also available as a bushy multi-stem. I prefer the trailing one for its more delicate feel.
Shasta Daisy. If you want something easy to grow, this is your. They are in a class of their own. They are usually started from seed and grown right into flowering plants. They are very hardy and will come up each year, often within two weeks. If you or your child want something easy to grow, this is the answer.
Little Gem. Next to zinnias, this one is also easy to grow, but as the name implies, less fuss. These are leafy and wonderful for window boxes and flower beds. Additionally, they are drought tolerant and happy with full sun or partial shade.
Moonlight Frost. I had one of these for several years. The flowers were good, but the plant didn’t seem to enjoy the full sun exposure that it once did. This was due partially because it was shaded by trees and vines. However, I finally dug deep into the privacy of my garden and dug up the plant. The velvety green leaves complimented the dark purple flowers of my old plant. This is a great plant for hot, sunny spots.
P bias is my next garden plant idea. It’s a little known fact that lavender grows best in hot, dry, sunny spots. Of course, it will do well in the shade too, but in the sun it will be more fragrant and require less water. I’ve grown it successfully in those conditions. I like to plant in large groups, fifteen to twenty feet, mostly in the shade, and cut the plants back almost to the ground in the fall.
Full sun is how I like most of America to garden. I’ve dwarfed some trees to grow in those conditions. They’ll survive. I’ll often put a smaller hosta in the hole to signify the mini-growth.
Hostas, in my experience, will grow and bloom for at least three seasons. That’s a lot of plants. Some people will tell you that you should sow the seeds in the early spring. They’re right. However, I’ve been known to pulloltidinnemimums From the ground after the flowers fade!
Seeds should be soaked in hot water before planting. Make sure you plant in a sunny spot. The seeds will also need the full support of the plant to germinate. I use hosta gravel. You could use pretty much any healthy landscaping topsoil or even sawdust would work. Cover the newly planted seeds with approximately ¼ inch of soil. Water the new seedling thoroughly.
