Heat-tolerant annuals that will stand up to summer heat  

Planting a pretty container or landscape bed is easy enough in spring. But we’ve seen gorgeous plantings fizzle at the first signs of summer heat. That’s why it’s important to check the plant care tag before you buy your heat-tolerant annuals and be sure they’ll thrive in hot weather.

Luckily there are annuals especially for the sun and heat of summer. In fact, they need sun to flower well and many like their soil on the dry side. Here are 5 of our favorites, picks we made thanks to their heat-tolerance, generous bloom time and low-maintenance requirements:

1. Lantana

That scorched spot with relentless afternoon sun? Just add Lantana. Known for being low-maintenance, requiring little moisture and blooming all season long. Comes in many colors.

2. Angelonia

Sometimes called summer snapdragon for its upright, flower spires in deep violet purple, pink and white. Excellent and sweetly fragrant container plants that bloom best in full to part sun.

3. Whopper Begonias

Yes, you guessed it, they’re big, bold vigorous growers so give them room to spill over containers or spread low to the ground in landscape borders. Part sun and regular watering for robust colors and glossy foliage.

4. Petunias

Known as a foolproof favorite cascading from containers or spreading out in full waves of groundcover. Prolific bloomers in virtually any color, Petunias do well in full or part sun.

5. Zinnias

Another sun worshipper that thrives in high heat and strong sun. Bright vibrant colors come in a variety of shapes and sizes that attract birds and butterflies.

For the best, freshest summer annuals, stop in the garden center and see what we’re planting. You can pot yours up at The Potting Bar or use this guide for creating your containers at home. Our Guide to Planting & Care will take you through some of the basics of planting, watering and fertilizing, but always check your plant tags or ask a garden center expert for more specific instructions.