Container gardening is a great way to bring life and color to a space without a lot of effort. If you live in a hot climate, however, your options can be more limited.
There are a number of plants that do well in hot sun, giving you a variety of choices to add to your container garden. Succulents and cacti are great for dry conditions, while Mediterranean herbs and heat-loving annuals offer flavor as well as color. You can also consider adding tropical plants or even vines for a lush look. With the right selection of plants, your container garden will thrive in any hot climate.
Benefits of Container Gardening
Container Gardening can be a great way to brighten up your outdoor space. It’s a great way to add color, texture, and depth to your yard or patio.
This type of gardening also allows you to be creative, as you can choose plants to emulate the look and feel of a formal garden or a wild, natural setting. With container gardening, the possibilities are endless! It’s a great way to save money as you don’t need to invest in a large plot of land or expensive equipment.
When selecting plants for your container garden, it’s important to consider the amount of sun and heat your plants will receive.
Some plants, such as succulents and cacti, are very drought tolerant and can handle hot sun. Mediterranean herbs, such as oregano, basil, and rosemary, can also handle lots of heat. You can also plant heat-loving annuals like geraniums, petunias, and marigolds.
If you have a bit of shade, you can add some beautiful vines such as ivy, clematis and wisteria. For those with a tropical climate and lots of space, there are a wide variety of tropical plants that thrive in the sun.
Succulents & Cacti
Succulents and cacti are a great choice for hot sun container gardens. They are easy to take care of and require very little water, making them a great option for those with busy schedules.
Succulents come in a variety of colors and shapes, making them the perfect addition to any container garden. They can handle the heat without wilting or dying.
Cacti are also a great choice for container gardening in hot sun. They are resilient, require very little water, and can handle the intense sun without any problems. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a great choice for any garden.
Mediterranean Herbs
Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil are great choices for hot sun containers. They’re drought tolerant, need minimal maintenance, and thrive in hot temperatures. Plant herbs close together for maximum coverage and for a more appealing look.
For maximum coverage, you can also plant them in a trailing fashion.
Planting in a pot with lots of drainage is key for the herbs’ long-term health, and to help keep the soil from becoming soggy. It’s important to also keep in mind that these herbs don’t require a lot of water and don’t mind a bit of neglect.
Remember to water regularly and apply fertilizer during the growing season. When the leaves turn brown, it’s time to prune the herbs back. The pruned leaves can be used in cooking, so you don’t need to worry about waste either! With a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh herbs right at your fingertips.
Heat Loving Annuals
Heat loving annuals are perfect for those with a garden that gets direct hot sun for most of the day. For these situations, plants like zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds are an excellent choice. These plants thrive in full sun and produce beautiful blooms that add a lot of color to any container.
They require minimal maintenance and once they have established their roots, they will require very little water to sustain them.
They are not overly sensitive to any kind of soil and can easily be moved or replaced if needed. Another great choice for hot sun is verbena.
This plant is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it a great choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to their garden. It produces a mass of brightly colored flowers, making it a great choice for any kind of container. It can easily be cut back to maintain a neat and tidy shape. All in all, verbena is an ideal choice for those looking for container plants that can survive in hot sun conditions.
Vines
Vines are perfect for hanging baskets and trellises. They give height to your container garden and can take up limited space.
Choose heat loving varieties, such as sweet potato vine, moonflower, or clematis, to give your garden a lush look. If you’re looking for a low maintenance vine, try English ivy, which can tolerate hot sun and dry conditions. If you’re looking for something with more color, try passionflower or jasmine, both of which have fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds. Keep in mind that some vines will need to be trimmed or supported in order to thrive.
Tropical Plants
Tropical plants are perfect for hot sun. They grow in humid climates and can handle the heat.
Look for varieties that have colorful foliage, like Caladiums and Begonia. If you have a partially shaded area, you can also add plants like Spathiphyllum or Anthurium. These plants will thrive in the humidity and can tolerate the temperatures. They have beautiful blossoms that will add a pop of color to any garden.