Just about every yard has a spot of two that becomes an inferno during the height of summer. That’s why some of the best landscape designs include gardens that can withstand hot, sunny days.
Is It Earth Friendly?
As with any garden situation, the first step is to give your plants a head start with good soil. Amazingly, some plants don’t mind clay, but when transplanting, it is still important to take time to amend it. Max a third of the clay you dig out of the hole with 2/3 compost. This will help clay-loving plants establish themselves before the roots begin traveling into the soil. Depending on what environments your plants thrive in, you may want to consider leaving out the clay altogether.
Keep in mind that the main goal is not fertilization: most sturdy plants don’t like rich soil, and overfeeding causes the plants to put its energy into too-rapid growth, incurring unnecessary stress. The goal for amending the soil is to make it as easy as possible for water to reach the roots, for the roots to grow as needed, and also to stay as cool as possible.
Keeping Plants Cool
There are tough, hardy plants that will not only stand up to harsh summer conditions but actually thrive in them. With the right selections, you can transform those little Saharan stretches of the yard into a beautiful oasis. But remember, just because a flower enjoys sunlight, does not mean it can withstand a grueling summer. Plan out your best landscape design, keeping those areas that have direct sunlight in mind, and place some hardy plants there.
Here are seven that can thrive in sunny spots;
1. Achillea. Yarrow is highly adaptable to existing soil and water conditions. Lemon yellow blooms dance all summer on silver foliage.
2. Anacetum. Tansy produces small yellow-eyed daisy flowers that blanket gray cut lead foliage, and it even thrives in clay soil.
3. Caryopteris. Blue mist spirea only needs average soil and infrequent watering. It has gray-green foliage and dark blue flower spikes in late summer.
4. Hemerocallis. Daylilly is very drought tolerant, thriving in a wide range of climates. It grows in sun or shade, tolerates any type of soil and is naturally resistant to pests.
5. Salvia. The perennial form has spikes of purple blooms from mid-spring to early fall, shrugging off heat, humidity, and drought conditions.
6. Oenothera. Known as evening primrose, this native wildflower produces large yellow or pink flowers all summer and is tolerant of drought conditions.
7. Santolina. Also called cotton lavender, thrives in poor soil and loves the hot sun. It’s aromatic and has silver foliage that looks great during the colder season.
Even if your entire yard is not set right in the sun, look for ways to incorporate these heat-tolerant plants into your landscape. The varieties are colorful and don’t require a lot of care, which is cost-efficient and saves time.
