20 Best Plants for Full Sun and Heat – Heat-Tolerant Garden Ideas
Gardening under the blazing sun and in hot climates can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. The key lies in choosing plants that thrive in these conditions.
Whether you’re creating a vibrant flower bed, a lush landscape, or a functional food garden, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. This post shares 20 heat-loving plants that flourish under full sun, along with practical tips for ensuring their wellbeing.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which plants to choose and how to create a beautiful, resilient garden despite the heat!
What to Consider When Choosing Plants
Before you start planting, it’s essential to understand the conditions your plants will face. Heat-tolerant plants can handle intense sunlight and high temperatures, but there’s more to it than just picking the right species. Here are the factors you should consider:
Soil Type and Quality
Heat exposure can dry out soil quickly. Opt for well-draining soil enriched with organic matter like compost or mulch to retain moisture longer.
Testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels can also be beneficial.
Watering Needs
Not all heat-tolerant plants are drought-resistant. While some (like succulents) rarely need watering, others may require deep, consistent hydration during their growing seasons. Understand your chosen plants’ specific water requirements.
Maintenance Level
How much time are you willing to spend maintaining your garden? Some plants need regular pruning, fertilizing, or pest management, while others can thrive with minimal care.
Companion Planting
Certain plants work well together, helping to shade the soil and prevent evaporation. This technique can also deter pests or improve the overall health of your garden.
Now, with these considerations in mind, let’s look at some ideal plants that thrive in full sun and heat.
Top 20 Plants for Full Sun and Heat
Flowers
1. Sunflowers
Known for their large, cheerful golden blossoms that follow the sun, sunflowers are a classic favorite for gardeners of all skill levels.
They adore the sun and can thrive in almost any soil type, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Simply plant them in a sunny spot, water moderately, and watch them grow impressively tall—some varieties can even reach heights of over 10 feet! Their seeds also attract birds and can be harvested for snacks or cooking.
2. Zinnias
Zinnias are bold, vibrant flowers that thrive in hot conditions and are available in a stunning array of colors, from fiery oranges to soft pinks and purples.
These hardy blooms are incredibly low-maintenance, making them a favorite among gardeners. Zinnias grow quickly and bloom profusely, adding a burst of color to flower beds or borders.
Additionally, their long-lasting flowers make them perfect for cutting and creating cheerful bouquets.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are not only visually stunning with their bright yellow, orange, and red hues but are also functional additions to any garden.
These flowers are known for their ability to repel garden pests like aphids and nematodes, making them a natural pest control. Marigolds are highly heat-tolerant and can grow well in both pots and garden beds.
They also bloom continuously throughout the season, providing consistent splashes of color.
4. Lantana
Resilient and drought-tolerant, Lantana is one of the most reliable flowering plants for hot climates. Its clusters of small, vibrant flowers bloom continuously throughout the warm months, adding vivid reds, yellows, oranges, and purples to your garden.
Perfect for landscaping or hanging baskets, Lantana also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, bringing life and movement to your outdoor space. Plus, they’re incredibly tough and can handle periods of neglect.
5. Salvia
Salvia is a garden staple, prized for its tall, vibrant flower spikes in shades like blue, purple, pink, and red. These hardy plants attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, making them a wonderful choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Salvia is also highly drought-resistant, requiring little water once established, and thrives in full sunlight. With long-lasting blooms, they add height and texture to gardens and require minimal effort to maintain.
6. Bougainvillea
If you’re looking for a heat-tolerant climber to add a dramatic pop of color to your garden, Bougainvillea is a perfect choice. This tropical plant is famous for its showy, paper-like bracts in bold shades of pink, purple, orange, and white, which create an eye-catching display.
Plant it near a trellis, fence, or wall to encourage stunning vertical growth. Bougainvillea thrives in well-draining soil and full sun, requiring little water once established, making it a great option for low-maintenance gardeners. It’s particularly well-suited for warm, dry climates.
Succulents and Drought-Tolerant Plants
7. Aloe Vera
This medicinal succulent is a must-have for any garden or indoor space, thriving in hot, dry climates while requiring minimal care.
Known for its soothing gel, which is excellent for treating skin burns, cuts, and other minor irritations, Aloe Vera is a practical and attractive choice.
It prefers well-draining soil, indirect sunlight, and infrequent watering, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those in arid regions.
8. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums are incredibly hardy and versatile plants that thrive in full sun with minimal care. Their fleshy leaves store water, allowing them to endure drought conditions.
These low-maintenance beauties can be used as ground cover, adding vibrant green carpets to your garden, or incorporated into rock gardens for a more textured, layered look.
They even produce clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
9. Euphorbia
Euphorbias are heat-loving plants that bring an architectural edge to gardens with their unique shapes and striking foliage.
They are highly drought-tolerant and thrive in xeriscapes or water-wise landscapes. Euphorbias come in a wide variety of types, from spiky, cactus-like forms to softer, leafy varieties.
They’re incredibly resilient and can add a bold, modern flair to any outdoor space while requiring very little maintenance.
10. Cacti
Cactus plants are the ultimate champions of heat tolerance and drought resistance. From the iconic prickly pear with its edible pads and fruit to the striking golden barrel cactus with its symmetrical, spiky form, cacti are perfect for sunny, arid regions.
Their tough exteriors and ability to store water make them almost indestructible under harsh conditions. Plus, many cacti produce stunning flowers, adding unexpected pops of color to your landscape.
Shrubs
11. Lavender
Not only does it smell divine with its calming, floral scent, but lavender is also incredibly tolerant of heat, making it a go-to plant for hot climates.
For best results, plant it in well-draining sandy soil and give it plenty of sunlight. Its vibrant purple blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding beauty and life to any garden.
12. Crepe Myrtle
This small flowering tree is both decorative and resilient, thriving in hot, sunny conditions.
It produces clusters of colorful blooms all summer long, ranging from white and pink to deep red or purple.
Crepe myrtles also have attractive, peeling bark and beautiful fall foliage, making them a versatile addition to any landscape.
13. Rosemary
A fragrant herb that pulls double duty as a decorative evergreen shrub, rosemary not only adds flavor to your dishes but also enhances your garden with its needle-like leaves and small purple or blue flowers.
It thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal water and plenty of consistent sunlight, making it perfect for arid climates or low-maintenance gardeners.
14. Oleander
Oleander is a hardy, sun-loving plant that produces showy, fragrant blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow. Known for its ability to withstand extreme heat and drought, oleander is a favorite for sunny landscapes.
Its lush, evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, while its long-lasting flowers add vibrant color throughout the warmer months.
Just be mindful that all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested, so keep it away from pets and small children.
Edible Plants
15. Tomatoes
Tomatoes thrive in warm weather, making them a summer garden favorite.
To prevent cracking, they need consistent watering—especially during hot spells. They also benefit from nutrient-rich soil and plenty of sunlight.
For best results, consider sun-friendly varieties like ‘Big Boy’ for large, juicy fruits or cherry tomatoes for a bite-sized, sweet snack. Support plants with sturdy stakes or cages to keep them upright as they grow.
16. Peppers
Peppers, whether sweet bell varieties or spicy jalapeños, are heat-loving plants that flourish in sunny, well-drained soil.
They require regular watering, especially during dry periods, to prevent stress and encourage healthy growth.
Adding compost or fertilizer can enhance their production, ensuring you get vibrant, flavorful fruits throughout the growing season.
17. Basil
This aromatic, sun-loving herb is a must-have for any garden, adding a burst of fresh flavor to salads, sauces, and more.
Basil grows beautifully in both garden beds and pots, making it a versatile choice for any space.
Regularly pinching off the stems encourages fuller, bushier growth, and harvesting its leaves frequently ensures you’ll have a steady supply all season long.
18. Eggplants
Eggplants are warm-season vegetables that love high temperatures and produce glossy, delicious fruits in shades of deep purple, white, or even striped.
They need plenty of sunlight and consistent watering to maintain their growth, especially during peak summer days.
To grow strong, healthy plants, provide them with fertile soil and consider mulching to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Ornamental Grasses
19. Lemongrass
Lemongrass not only brings a tropical vibe to your outdoor space but also serves as a versatile culinary herb, often used in Asian-inspired dishes and teas.
This fragrant grass thrives in warm climates and can be grown in containers, making it a great option for patios or smaller gardens.
When planted directly in the ground, it can form a lush, aromatic border that’s both functional and beautiful.
20. Muhly Grass
Muhly grass is a showstopper in any garden with its airy, purple-pink plumes that create a stunning, ethereal effect when they catch the sunlight.
Perfect for adding texture and soft color to a sunny landscape, this ornamental grass is not only drought-tolerant but also incredibly low-maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners of all experience levels.
It works well as a border, in mass plantings, or as a focal point in a mixed garden bed.
Bonus Tips for Gardening in Full Sun and Heat
To ensure your garden thrives, follow these additional tips for managing heat and sunlight:
- Use Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch around your plants helps lock in moisture and keeps soil temperatures cooler.
- Water Efficiently: Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
- Invest in Drip Irrigation: A drip system delivers water directly to the roots, making it one of the most efficient ways to hydrate your plants.
- Create Shade: Use tall plants or temporary shade structures to protect delicate plants from the most intense sunlight.
Create a Heat-Resistant Garden You’ll Love
Gardening in full sun and heat doesn’t have to be daunting. With careful planning, the right plant choices, and proper care, you can create a vibrant garden that stands up to the toughest conditions.
From cheerful sunflowers to aromatic lavender, the 20 plants listed here are a great starting point for your sun-soaked gardening adventure.
Which of these plants will you add to your garden? Start planting today and enjoy a thriving, heat-resistant oasis!