One of the hard realities of summer is seeing your plants struggle to survive the intense heat. This is truer than ever with the hotter summers we have been experiencing. Unlike humans, plants do not have the luxury of escaping the inferno outside. With higher-than-average temperatures, some plants that performed well in the past have difficulty adapting to the new reality. 

During the record-breaking highs of 2023, I observed what plants did well in my garden, my neighborhood, and those of my clients. Additionally, I heard from fellow landscape professionals about their observations. My goal? To find those plants that can handle the heat while still looking good. Thankfully, many did well despite difficult weather conditions.

• Bougainvillea
  (Bougainvillea spp.) 
• Hop Bush
  (Dodonaea viscosa)
• Blue Bells Emu
  (Eremophila hygrophana)
• Chuparosa
  (Justicia californica)
• Texas Sage
  (Leucophyllum spp.) 

• Baja Ruellia
  (Ruellia peninsularis)
• Feathery Cassia
  (Senna artemisioides)
• Jojoba
  (Simmondsia chinensis)
• Yellow Bells
  (Tecoma stans)

In my own landscape, I replaced several shrubs that struggled the most with more heat-tolerant ones. So far this summer, they have done very well. Here are some favorites that proved they can handle our hotter summers. All are suitable for areas with full sun.

These shrubs will add beauty and help you create a more resilient landscape. Most have colorful blooms and attract pollinators. You can find out more about these shrubs at amwua.org/plant-category/shrub. Wait until fall or winter to add new plants to give them time to grow before the heat returns next summer. Like all new shrubs, they will require more frequent watering during their first year to help them establish a healthy root system.