In the peak of summer, when it’s too hot to garden, you’ll want to keep your flowers and foliage looking fresh with worry-free, easy-going plants. These are the kinds of plants that can handle a bit of neglect during the dog days of summer, when the heat and humidity take their toll. These worry-free plants won’t even mind when you take a vacation. So go ahead, plant them in the garden and in window boxes, pots, and hanging baskets, and enjoy the rest of your summer.
Begonia
Types and Varieties: Wax begonias, tuberous begonias, angel wing begonias, dragon wing begonias, Rex begonias. Care Tips: Prefer shade but tolerate full sun, require well-draining soil. Growing Conditions: Use quality potting mix or garden soil amended with organic compost. Benefits: Available in shades of red, white, and pink; can be trimmed back for a last flush of color.
Coleus
Foliage Varieties: Brilliant shades of burgundy, salmon pink, lime green. Growing Tips: Grows happily in sun or shade; pinch back stalks to keep the plant bushy. Propagation: Pinch back stems and root cuttings for more plants. Benefits: Low maintenance, adaptable to various light conditions.
Dipladenia
Characteristics: Non-stop bloomers, built-in water storage in tubers. Care: Requires little watering, thrives in four-plus hours of sun daily. Planting Ideas: Suitable for planters, garden beds, hanging baskets; no deadheading needed. Benefits: Blooms all summer, can be overwintered indoors.
Gaura
Benefits for Pollinators: Attracts bees and butterflies. Maintenance: Snip spent blooms for new waves of flowers or let them wave naturally. Growth Conditions: Drought and heat-tolerant, hardy in zones 6 to 10. Benefits: Provides continuous blooms, easy to grow.
Geranium
Ease of Care: Requires minimal fuss, attracts butterflies. Pest Resistance: Resistant to most pests, deer, and rabbits. Watering Tips: Let soil dry out between watering to avoid root rot. Planting Ideas: Suitable for planters and garden beds.
Hosta
Shade-Loving Qualities: Thrives in shaded areas, grows back yearly. Planting Tips: Plant close to the house or use deer repellent sprays. Dividing for Propagation: Can be divided every few years for additional plants. Benefits: Low maintenance, reliable growth.
Lantana
Attracting Butterflies: Profuse flowers attract butterflies. Growth Habits: Works as low hedge, topiary, or in mixed containers. Hardiness Zones: Perennial in zones 8 and sometimes 7. Benefits: Heat and sun-loving, continuous blooms.
Lavender
Fragrance: Highly fragrant with gray-green foliage and purple blooms. Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-draining soil, good air circulation. Uses: Aromatherapy, culinary, decorative. Benefits: Hardy perennial, attractive in gardens.
Marigold
Planting from Seeds: Easy to grow from seed, thrives in heat. Resilience: Can handle missed watering, attracts beneficial insects. Benefits for Pollinators: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Planting Ideas: Suitable for garden beds and containers.
Ornamental Grass
Varieties: Includes purple fountain grass, Muhly grass. Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant, low maintenance. Aesthetic Benefits: Adds texture and movement to the garden. Benefits: Feathery and light appearance all season.
Rosemary
Herb Qualities: Fragrant, bushy plant. Growing Tips: Needs well-drained soil, ample space to grow. Uses: Culinary, ornamental, aromatic. Benefits: Robust and easy to grow.
Sedum
Succulent Properties: Needs little care or attention. Planting Ideas: Use as groundcover or in planters with heat-loving flowers. Low-Maintenance Benefits: Bright accent in containers, winter hardy to zone 7. Benefits: Easy to grow, versatile in garden design.
Conclusion
Stick with easygoing, low-maintenance plants if you’re looking to cut down on the amount of garden chores in the heat of summer. First, build in low-maintenance perennials, then extend your bloom time without increasing your workload by adding varieties that flower from spring until frost. That way, you’ll have more time to enjoy your garden from the patio set.
