Heat-Proof Your Garden: Plants That Thrive in Summer Sun

These plants are proven champions in high heat and strong sun—many are available at Redwood Nursery and feature trusted names like Proven Winners and American Beauties Native Plants:

Perennials

Coneflowers (Echinacea) – Native, pollinator-attracting, and drought-tolerant.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – Vibrant golds that blaze through the season.
Yarrow (Achillea) – Flat-topped flowers that handle dry heat with ease.
Russian Sage (Perovskia) – Silvery foliage and long lavender blooms.

Annuals

Supertunias (Proven Winners) – Continuous bloomers that don’t quit in heat.
Lantana – Tough and colorful with butterfly appeal.
Zinnias – Fast-growing, bright blooms that love the sun.

Shrubs

Hydrangea ‘Limelight’ (Proven Winners) – Thrives in sun with showstopping blooms.
Little Henry® Itea (American Beauties) – Compact, sun-loving, and pollinator-friendly.
Spirea – Drought-tolerant, reliable, and beautifully textured.

💦 Watering Hacks to Beat the Heat

Proper watering can make or break your garden in summer. Use these tips to keep roots hydrated and stress low:

Water Early or Late: Water in the morning or early evening to reduce evaporation.
Deep Soaks, Less Often: A thorough watering 2–3 times a week beats daily shallow sprinkles.
Drip Irrigation or Soaker Hoses: Deliver water directly to the roots with minimal waste.
Group Plants by Water Needs: Keep thirsty plants together to maximize efficiency.

🌱 Pro tip: Use Espoma Organic Soil Conditioner to help retain moisture around root zones—available now at Redwood Nursery.

🍂 Mulch Tips to Keep Roots Cool

Mulch is your summer garden’s best defense against heat:

Use Organic Mulch: Shredded bark, compost, or Coast of Maine mulch products regulate soil temps and conserve moisture.
2–3 Inches Is Ideal: Enough to block the sun, but not smother your plants.
Keep It Off the Stems: Pull mulch slightly away from plant bases to prevent rot.

Look for Coast of Maine mulches in store—great for both organic gardens and decorative beds.

🐝 Bonus: Support Pollinators While You Beat the Heat

Redwood Nursery is part of the Grow Campaign and our Plant a Pollinator Promotion. Many of the perennials listed above (like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and native itea) support local pollinators—planting them helps bees, butterflies, and birds thrive even in summer’s toughest conditions.

Ask about our in-store signage and special pricing on pollinator packs!

📱 Tap Into Summer Savings & Ideas

Stay connected with us through the Redwood Nursery App — your gateway to:

Exclusive deals and loyalty rewards
Redwood Direct shopping (get plants shipped or prepped for pick-up!)
Quick access to care guides, garden tips, and push alerts

👉 Download the app here

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