7 Plants to Spruce Up Your Summer Garden

Say goodbye to spring and hello to the first official day of summer! Texas weather is notorious for being unpredictable, but one thing’s for sure – summertime is a very hot time. High temperatures and periods of little to no rain can pose some challenges for your summer garden, but choosing the right plants will ease the growing process. Here are seven plants that can withstand the warmest season of the year.

1. Columbine

This red or golden flower is a great addition to brighten up any summer garden. The Texas native does require proper, regular watering but still does well in heat and humidity. Columbines are often grown in partially shaded areas but can also tolerate plenty of direct sunlight. They require well-drained soil and often attract hummingbirds.*

2. Bottlebrush

This Australian native gets its name from the spiky, red blooms at the ends of its stems and is a popular choice for bees. Bottlebrush grow best with full sun and organically enriched soil. These flowering shrubs normally reach a height of 10 to 15 feet and are both pest and disease-resistant.*

3. Yucca

The Yucca plant is a widely grown succulent that only requires about an inch of watering per week. It is resistant to drought as a result of thick, waxy leaves and thrives in soil that drains properly. Yuccas can be left in full sun, can survive in many different climates, and require minimal maintenance.*

4. Sage

Sage is always quite abundant and can easily withstand the warmer months. They are very durable and do not require much care. Supplemental watering during the hottest days can accelerate growth, but over-watering can kill the plant. Most species of the sage plant are pest-free and prefer growing in full sun.*

5. Rosemary

Rosemary are relatively simple to grow and are shrubs with small, pale blue flowers and needle-like leaves. Like most herbs, Rosemary can handle drought, need at least six hours of sun each day, and grow best in slightly acidic soil with good drainage. It can spread to serve as ground cover and is another common site for bees. By adding Pellet 3-IA, your rosemary can look fuller like the one on the left below.

6. Lantana

The Lantana comes in a variety of shades and is the perfect pop of color for any outdoor area. It thrives in 100-degree heat and needs little water, making it very easy to take care of throughout the summer. The flowers bloom in tight clusters and frequently attract butterflies. Here’s an example where the lantanas have been treated with Pellet 3-IA and are doing noticeably better than the untreated counterparts.*

7. Coleus

Coleus can provide color without flowers since the vibrancy is all in the foliage. It is a tough, tropical plant that can survive temperatures of more than 100°F and can tolerate both low and high-humidity areas. To grow properly, Coleus needs good ventilation, decent soil, and regular water.*

By turning to heat-tolerant plants such as the ones listed above, growing in the summer doesn’t always have to be such a hassle. To further help with the growth process, Pellet 3-IA can be used to increase root mass by 30% in most plants and up to 50% in hardwoods. Stimulating larger and deeper root masses makes it easier for plants to reach any available sources of water.