Summers in North Carolina can be hot and humid, but that doesn’t necessarily mean more moisture for plants. Summers tend to be dry, which doesn’t make it the best environment for all types of flowering plants. If you want to make sure your garden has plenty of color this summer, here are some plants that will do well in the hot and dry conditions.
Leopard Flower
This colorful perennial flower is a part of the iris family and starts as a bulb. They will bloom during summer and provide rich, green foliage along with reddish-orange flowers with distinctive spots that helped them earn their name. The plants will grow 2-3 feet in height and once the flowers are done blooming, they will be replaced by black seed pods.
Catmint
Catmint is actually considered an herb and its lavender flowers emit a pleasant aroma. It is characterized by tall spikes covered in flowers. They are aggressive growers, so be sure to give them plenty of space and thin them as necessary. It is also a good idea to place some edging around the catmint to prevent it from spreading too far.
Purple Coneflower
The purple coneflower is native to the region and can withstand just about anything. If you don’t necessarily have a green thumb, this flower could be a good place to start. It can tolerate heat, drought, and poor solid conditions. You also don’t have to worry about placement too much because it will grow in full sun or part shade.
Portulaca Grandiflora
This is a fun option because you can find single plants that will grow a variety of different colored flowers. It is more of a mounding plant and doesn’t grow very tall, making it perfect for planting right next to your edging and in front of taller plants. You can enjoy flowers and beautiful foliage all summer long.
For more ideas about ways to plant a drought-resistant garden and enjoy a lush landscape throughout the summer months, contact the experts at JT’s Landscaping and Lawncare. We work with homeowners throughout the Triangle.
