Colorado's summer climate can be challenging for many plants, with its intense heat, dry air, and often unpredictable weather patterns. However, there are numerous heat-tolerant plants that not only survive but thrive in these conditions, adding vibrant color and lush greenery to your flower gardens and landscapes. Here’s a guide to some of the best heat tolerant plants to consider planting in your Colorado garden this summer.
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is a hardy perennial that loves the sun and thrives in well-drained soil, making it perfect for Colorado’s dry climate. Its fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage add beauty and aroma to any garden. Lavender is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for summer planting.
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 5
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 12"
Width: 10"
Bloom Time: Fall, Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Hummingbirds, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Easy Care, Rabbit Resistant, Fragrant, Xeric
2. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage is known for its tall, airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage. It is incredibly drought-resistant and can withstand the hot, dry conditions typical of a Colorado summer. This plant also attracts pollinators, making it a great addition to any garden.
Plant Type: Shrub
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 3' - 4'
Width: 18" - 30"
Bloom Time: Fall, Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Hummingbirds, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hedge, Rabbit Resistant, Fragrant, Xeric
3. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers are not only beautiful with their bright, daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white, but they are also extremely resilient. They thrive in full sun and are highly drought-tolerant once established. Coneflowers attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding both color and life to your garden.
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 24" - 28"
Width: 16" - 22"
Bloom Time: Fall, Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Birds, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Easy Care, Fragrant, Xeric
4. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)
Blanket Flowers are known for their bright, cheerful blooms in red, orange, and yellow. These perennials are heat-tolerant and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are also drought-resistant and can add a splash of color to your garden throughout the summer.
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 10" - 16"
Width: 12" - 24"
Bloom Time: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Easy Care, Rabbit Resistant, Staff Favorite, Xeric
5. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a succulent plant that thrives in hot, dry conditions. With its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers in colors ranging from white and pink to red and yellow, sedum adds texture and interest to your garden. It’s a great choice for rock gardens or as ground cover.
Plant Type: Groundcover, Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 4
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 4" - 8"
Width: 10" - 12"
Bloom Time: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Easy Care, Fast Growing, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Xeric
6. Agastache (Agastache spp.)
Agastache, commonly known as hyssop or hummingbird mint, is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, orange, and blue. It’s highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, adding both color and wildlife to your garden.
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 16" - 18"
Width: 12" - 16"
Bloom Time: Fall, Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Hummingbirds, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Easy Care, Rabbit Resistant, Staff Favorite, Fragrant, Xeric
7. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a hardy perennial with bright yellow or red flowers. It thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for hot summer gardens. Coreopsis blooms throughout the summer, providing continuous vibrancy and color.
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 4
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 18"
Width: 18"
Bloom Time: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Easy Care
8. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a tough perennial that produces clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red. It’s heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and attracts beneficial insects to your garden. Yarrow’s fern-like foliage adds an interesting texture to garden beds.
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirements: Sun
Height: 18" - 24"
Width: 18" - 24"
Bloom Time: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Easy Care, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Fragrant, Xeric
9. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies are known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors. They are incredibly adaptable and can tolerate heat and drought conditions. Daylilies are also easy to care for and can thrive in various soil types.
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 16" - 20"
Width: 18" - 24"
Bloom Time: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Hummingbirds, Cut Flower, Easy Care, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Staff Favorite, Fragrant
10. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon, or beardtongue, is a native wildflower that thrives in dry, rocky soils and full sun. It produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and blue, attracting hummingbirds and bees. Penstemon is both heat and drought-tolerant, making it a perfect choice for Colorado gardens.
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 14" - 18"
Width: 12" - 14"
Bloom Time: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Hummingbirds, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Easy Care, Rabbit Resistant, Xeric
Planting Heat Tolerant Plants in Colorado
If you are looking for heat tolerant plants to add to your flower gardens and landscapes, look no further than Bath Garden Center & Nursery! We have one of the largest selections of sun-loving, xeric, heat tolerant perennials just waiting to be added to your space. Shop trees, shrubs, and perennials online, discover different heat tolerant varieties using our Plant Finder tool, or shop with us in-store today!