A summer heat wave can make for a great day at the beach or pool, but might leave your garden struggling. If you tend to have very hot summers where you live, choose heat-tolerant shrubs. They are naturally adapted to hot, dry conditions and continue looking attractive even when temperatures soar.
The best low-maintenance shrubs are those that are native to your region, but there are other plants from other warm regions of the world that work well, too. A heat wave doesn’t have to leave your garden looking wilted and sorry for itself, even if that’s how it leaves you. Check out the heat-tolerant shrubs on this list that thrive in hot conditions without ever losing their sparkle.
The options below are great choices for summer heat. But you can also check with your local extension office to learn more about other shrubs that will support local wildlife and thrive in your garden with little effort – no matter the weather.
Heat-Proof Your Garden
Keep your garden well-hydrated during a heatwave with this simple drip irrigation kit.
Stop worrying about plants while you’re on vacation. Just set this timer to keep them watered.
Help soil retain moisture and keep roots cool with a layer of organic mulch.
1. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)
Appropriate for zones 8 through 11, Texas sage is an evergreen native to the south central and southwestern US. Its silvery-gray leaves help it reflect light and conserve moisture during droughts. It grows 5 to 8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) high and wide and flowers after periods of rain or humidity.
Texas sage thrives even in poor soil and intense sun without showing any signs of heat stress. The silvery foliage will remain attractive throughout even the hottest, driest summer. Just be sure you give it a spot with well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Get a stunning Texas sage bush from Fast Growing Trees online.
2. Rockrose (Cistus spp.)
Rockrose is a Mediterranean shrub that’s well-adapted to dry, hot summers. It is hardy in zones 7 through 10 and grows 2 to 5 feet (0.6-1.5 m) tall. Rockrose has gray-green leaves and papery flowers that bloom in summer in pink, white, purple, or yellow. As a bonus, the leaves that won’t wilt in the summer give off a pleasant smell.
Give rockrose shrubs a spot in full sun. Avoid rich soil that doesn’t drain. This shrub actually thrives in poor, rocky soil that drains fast. There is no need to fertilize this shrub.
Get a 2-pack of white rockrose shrubs from the Home Depot.
3. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
For a taller option, consider wax myrtle, which is hardy in zones 7 through 10. Wax myrtle quickly grows up to 15 feet (4.6 m) tall and is evergreen, so if you need a heat-tolerant shrub for privacy, this is a great option. Wax myrtle has dense green foliage that won’t wilt in summer and small berries that attract birds.
Wax myrtle can grow in full sun or partial shade. Water deeply and regularly as the roots establish and this shrub will reward you with low-maintenance growth that tolerates summer heat and drought. Wax myrtle takes well to pruning and shaping, but you can also let it grow naturally.
This wax myrtle shrub from Fast Growing Trees makes a perfect living privacy fence.
4. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander can be grown as a large shrub – up to 18 feet (5.4 m) tall – or a small tree if pruned with a leading stem. Hardy in zones 8 through 11, it has long, leathery foliage that is evergreen. Beautiful flowers appear in spring and summer in shades of white, pink, yellow, or red. Oleander tolerates heat and drought very well and will even continue to flower through intense summer weather.
Oleander grows best in full sun. You should water it regularly as it gets established, so the shrub can develop strong, deep roots. Please be aware that all parts of oleander are highly toxic to humans and animals. Avoid using this shrub if you have pets or small children.
This pink oleander shrub from Home Depot adds instant tropical color to your landscape.
5. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
Bottlebrush is a large shrub or small tree native to Australia and hardy in zones 8 through 11. It has evergreen foliage and is known for its unique, brush-like flowers in shades of red or pink. Although not native to the US, these attractive flowers attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Bottlebrush is highly tolerant of heat and drought, especially if you water it regularly as it gets established. It needs a full sun position and very good drainage in the soil. You’ll get plenty of flowers even in the hottest weather.
Get a bottlebrush shrub from the Southern Living Plant Collection at Walmart.
6. Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
For cooler climates – zones 3 through 7 – that can still get some hot and dry spells in summer, a panicle hydrangea is a great option. Other types of hydrangeas need a lot of water, but the panicle types are more drought-tolerant. These heat-tolerant hydrangeas will reward you with large, cone-shaped flower clusters that transition from light green to white to pink and burgundy.
It takes a pretty serious heat wave and drought to cause panicle hydrangea to wilt. However, it is not as tolerant as some of these other options. When faced with an extreme dry spell, it will appreciate a deep soaking. You can also add mulch at the base to keep moisture in the soil.
Explore dozens of gorgeous panicle hydrangeas from Wayside Gardens.
