Even though we have been absolutely drenched with rain and cooler temperatures lately, I KNOW that summer heat is right around the corner. Southern summers are no joke for flowerbeds. Scorching temps, high humidity, and long days mean only the toughest plants survive. But with the right mix of annuals and perennials, your flower beds can stay full of vibrant color all season long.

Here’s a list of my heat-loving favorites that are proven performers in the summer garden, plus a few tips to keep everything looking lush!

Plants That Power Through the Heat

Plant these once and enjoy their summer color for seasons to come. Many are also pollinator magnets.

Mystic Spires Salvia

Tall spikes of deep indigo that attract bees and butterflies. Great in mass or as a focal plant.

Cadet Verbena

Compact and long-blooming, this low-growing perennial is perfect for borders or mixed with annuals.

Blue Daze (Evolvulus)

This trailing groundcover features sky-blue flowers that open in the sun and thrive in hot, dry spots.

Breathless Euphorbia

Clouds of delicate white blooms float above the foliage. Surprisingly tough, and great for texture contrast.

Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)

Globe-shaped blooms hold up beautifully in the heat—and even better as cut or dried flowers.

Coreopsis

Bright yellow daisy-like flowers on a compact plant that loves poor soil and full sun.

Here are five annuals that you need to plant in your garden beds that will look absolutely spectacular, even through the hottest months.

Heat-Tolerant Annuals That Bloom All Summer

These annuals don’t just survive the heat—they love it. Perfect for front-of-bed color, containers, and mass plantings.

SunPatiens

These sun-loving impatiens offer bold color and can handle full sun and humidity. They're low-maintenance, and fill in quickly. Just keep in mind they LOVE water, so don’t let them get too thirsty. If you’re in a really hot area like Texas, you might want to plant them where they can get afternoon shade for best results.

Geraniums

These are a garden classic for a reason. Geraniums offer bright, bold blooms and are remarkably drought-tolerant once established. They are perfect for hanging baskets, containers and even those hard-to-plant spots in your yard.

Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)

Spiky, upright blooms in purple, white, or pink that attract pollinators and love the heat.

Calibrachoa (Million Bells)

Great for edging or spilling over containers. These mini petunia-like blooms thrive in the sun with good drainage.

Wave or Supertunia Petunias

Vigorous growers with non-stop flowers. They love sun and respond well to regular feeding and deadheading.

Quick Tips for Summer Flower Bed Success

Mulch Matters: Add a 2- to 3-inch layer to lock in moisture and cool the soil.
Water Smart: Early morning watering is best—avoid soaking plants at the hottest part of the day.
Feed Regularly: Especially for annuals. Use a balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer every couple of weeks. I always recommend ColorStar fertilizer because it WORKS.
Deadhead Often: Removing spent blooms encourages more flowering and tidier beds.

With the right plant choices, your summer beds can be full of color, texture, and life—even in the thick of Southern summer heat. Whether you're refreshing a tired container or reworking an entire bed, these tough performers won’t let you down.