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Hot and dry conditions are tough on plants, especially those in pots and hanging baskets, which dry out faster than those in beds. This challenge is greater for west-facing locations, where the afternoon sun is relentless. But there are many full-sun plants that thrive in these conditions, enduring high temperatures and minimal watering – once established – while maintaining their good looks. Here are our top plants for full sun that can handle the heat.
An attractive, compact low-growing shrub with narrow leaves and large gold-bronze flower spikes in autumn and winter. Grow in a native potting mix and deadhead to keep it tidy.
These native grasses grow into dense clumps of strappy green foliage and vary in height from 30cm to 1.2m, depending on the variety. Tolerant of coastal conditions, they can be trimmed back if becoming unruly.
Large velvety silvery-white leaves make this heat-tolerant succulent a standout feature. Contrast with purple or green foliage for an eye-catching display. Ensure soil is free-draining or use a cacti and succulent potting mix.
This succulent has slender fleshy leaves covered with a prolific display of red to pink flowers and white daisy-like blooms from spring to summer. It will quickly fill a pot and trail over the sides.
A sprawling groundcover plant with small green foliage and a profusion of white or purple flowers in spring and summer. This full sun plant looks superb cascading out of pots and hanging baskets, over rockeries or on flat ground.
A fast-growing native groundcover with masses of vibrant blooms in white, yellow, and shades of pink, red and orange with golden centres. Plant out in pots or hanging baskets in a native-specific potting mix.
Apply a naturally derived mulch, like pine bark or pea straw, to pots to help insulate the potting mix. Water during cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or evening. This will reduce water loss through evaporation. If a heat event is expected, shade leafy greens and vulnerable plants with a large umbrella to diffuse the heat and stop soil drying out.
If you’re a forgetful gardener or will be away for a couple of weeks, horticulturist Melissa King of Scotts Osmocote advises using self-watering containers, which have a built-in reservoir. “As long as there is ample water in the reservoir, plants can access water as they need it, so there’s no need to constantly monitor their watering needs,” says Melissa. Note smaller pots and baskets need at least twice weekly watering in hot weather, as smaller pots hold less potting mix.
Learn how to protect your garden from heat stress this summer.
Photo credit: GAP Photos/Friedrich Strauss and Getty Images
