Hot, sunny gardens don't have to mean struggling plants. If you're looking for flowers and foliage that can handle blazing summer temperatures with minimal watering, succulents are hard to beat. Many varieties produce colorful blooms, thrive in dry conditions, and ask for very little maintenance once established. Here are five heat-loving succulents worth planting this season.
Hens and Chicks
This hardy, old-fashioned perennial is known as hens and chicks because of the baby plants, or “chicks,” that pop up around the mother plant. Tiny, starry blooms appear in midsummer. Interestingly, the plants are monocarpic, which means once they flower, they die. But it’s all part of the natural process, and the baby chicks will go on to bloom in a year or two. They need full sun and very well-drained soil.
Sedum
There are many different types of sedums, from upright varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’ to low-growing options. This perennial comes in various shades of pink. Once established, sedum is remarkably low-maintenance and may only need dividing every few years if it outgrows its space. Make sure sedums are grown in full sun and have well-draining, sandy soil. Avoid piling moisture-retaining organic mulch around the crown, as overly wet conditions can encourage rot.
Ice Plant (Delosperma)
Delosperma, also known as ice plant, is a perennial ground cover that tolerates heat and drought once established. It’s great for erosion control because it spreads quickly. Give it full sun and make sure it’s planted in well-draining soil. It hates to be soggy.
Don't confuse Delosperma with Carpobrotus (often called highway ice plant), which is considered invasive in parts of the United States, particularly along the California Coast.
Portulaca
Portulaca, also called moss rose, is a low-growing annual that’s absolutely covered in blooms for weeks and weeks. It's easy to grow from seed, and the delicate flowers come in the most amazing, saturated shades ranging from hot pink to deep coral. Portulaca loves heat, must have full sun, and must be planted in sandy, well-draining soil. Too much moisture can lead to root rot.
Agave
Agave is a stunning plant with varieties that can grow quite huge, as well as smaller, perfect-for-a-pot options. Agave is an extremely drought-tolerant succulent that stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves and is overall very easy to take care of. Provide full sun and well-draining, sandy soil. Many agaves are also monocarpic, producing one dramatic flower spike before the main rosette dies, though offsets often remain.
Most succulents have one thing in common: They hate sitting in wet soil. No matter which variety you choose, plant them in a sunny location with excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. If you are worried about water or the quality of your soil, plant them in a pot so you have more control. Once established, these tough plants require far less maintenance than many traditional flowering plants.
