Welcome back to Dirt Therapy, all you fabulous garden gurus!
Ever feel like you spend more time untangling your hose than actually enjoying your garden? Tired of the daily watering shuffle? What if I told you there are flowers that actually prefer being ignored? Yep—some plants thrive on sunshine, dry soil, and a little tough love.
This week, we’re diving into the world of heat-loving, low-maintenance bloomers—the ones that laugh in the face of drought and still show up looking fabulous. So, grab your iced tea and let’s get into it..
Welcome to the Heat Lovers Edition!
Which heat tolerant plants grow best in Kentucky?
Vinca (aka Periwinkle) is the ultimate “set it and forget it” flower for sunny summer beds.
With glossy green leaves and vibrant blooms in shades of pink, white, lavender, orange, and red, Vinca brings nonstop color without the need for constant babysitting. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and actually prefers when you skip a watering or two—perfect for gardeners who’d rather relax than wrestle a hose.
Expect to water vinca about 1-2 times a week, feel about 2 inches into the soil and only water when it feels completely dry. Vinca thrives in partial shade to full sun—aim for about 4 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best blooms. Plus, no deadheading needed! Just plant, give it a sunny spot, and let this heat-loving powerhouse do its thing from early summer straight through to frost.
This beauty is an annual, so it won’t return next year—but it sure knows how to make the most of its one season!
Lantana is basically the life of the garden party—loud, colorful, and totally unbothered by the heat.
These vibrant bloomers love to bask in full sun (we’re talking 6–8 hours of direct sunshine) and actually bloom better the more sun they get.
Watering? Not a big deal. Lantana is fairly drought-tolerant and only needs a good drink about once a week. As for deadheading, you can do it to keep things tidy, but it’s not required—this plant is a self-cleaning overachiever.
And the best part? It blooms like crazy from late spring all the way until frost, filling your beds or containers with bold pops of color and plenty of pollinator traffic. Here for a good time, not a long time—this annual blooms its heart out all summer long.
Dragon Wing Begonias are the garden equivalent of low-drama, high-glam.
With bold wing-shaped leaves and nonstop blooms in rich reds, pinks, or white these beauties thrive in partial shade to full sun (4-8 hours daily). As for watering, they like to stay evenly moist—but not soggy—so think “sip, don’t soak.” Prepare to water about every 2-4 days. Always check the top inch of soil—if it feels dry, it’s time for a drink! Just don’t let them sit in standing water or get bone dry; they’re a bit picky about extremes.
The best part? No deadheading needed! These self-cleaning stunners bloom all summer long without asking for much in return. Just keep in mind: they’re annuals, so they won’t return next year—but they definitely know how to make their one season unforgettable.
Red-leafed begonias bring the drama—in the best way possible.
With their deep bronze to burgundy foliage and delicate clusters of pink, red, or white blooms, they’re basically garden royalty with a low-maintenance attitude.
These plants love part shade to bright, indirect light—they’ll tolerate a little morning sun, but keep them out of the harsh afternoon spotlight or their leaves might throw a fit. They like their soil moist but not soggy, so check them every few days and water when the top inch feels dry.
As far as deadheading, it tidies up after itself like a very polite guest! They bloom steadily all summer long without you having to fuss. Just remember: they’re annuals, so they’ll strut their stuff this season, then bow out gracefully when the frost rolls in.
Portulaca, also known as Moss Rose, is basically the succulent of the flower world—low effort, high reward, and always dressed in vibrant colors.
These cheerful little bloomers love full sun and absolutely thrive in heat and dry conditions. In fact, the hotter and sunnier it gets, the more they bloom—so don’t even think about planting them in the shade unless you want a pouty plant. Their fleshy, drought-tolerant leaves mean you’ll only need to water them every 5–7 days, or even less if it rains.
Deadheading? Totally optional. They’ll keep popping out blooms on their own. Just note: Portulaca is an annual, so it’ll live fast and fabulous for one season, then make room for something new next spring.
Purslane is the laid-back cousin of Portulaca—easygoing, sun-loving, and surprisingly stylish.
Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or sunny borders where it can show off its thick, succulent leaves and cheerful blooms.
This plant is a heatwave hero—it thrives in full sun and barely bats an eye during dry spells. Thanks to its water-storing leaves, you’ll only need to water it every 5–7 days, maybe even less in rainy weeks.
And good news: it blooms without much supervision. Deadheading is optional, not required. Just like its cousin, Purslane is an annual, so it lives for one season—but it brings vibrant color and effortless charm the whole time.
In conclusion.
Whether you’re a busy gardener, a hose-hater, or just someone who loves bold color without the constant upkeep, heat-loving plants are your new best friends. From sun-soaking Vincas to drought-defying Portulaca, these blooms prove you don’t have to water daily to have a gorgeous garden.
So the next time the Kentucky sun is blazing and your watering can is collecting dust—smile, sip your lemonade, and let these summer stunners do the heavy lifting.
Until next time, stay cool and HAPPY PLANTING EVERYBODY!!!
Recent Comments