Perennials are a favorite among gardeners. These plants return to bloom year after year with proper care. Get the most out of your investment by choosing those perennial flowers that thrive in your climate. If you live in a hot climate, choose perennial flowers that are tolerant of the heat and do not have delicate, easily scorched leaves and petals. In addition, the perennials you choose should be drought tolerant as well.
Powis Castle Wormwood
Powis Castle is a variety of wormwood (Artemesia arborascens) that will thrive even in very high heat. The perennial can also withstand humid temperatures. This wormwood is prized for its delicate, fern-like silver foliage. It grows up to 2 feet tall and thrives in almost every type of soil. Artemesia arborascens should be planted in USDA growing zones 5 to 10.
Hyssop (Agastache aurantiaca) is a flowering perennial that is drought and heat tolerant. There are many varieties of hyssop, which range in height from 2 to 5 feet. Hyssop, which is also known for its fragrant leaves, thrives in USDA growing zones 4 to 8 and can easily withstand the hot summers of the southwestern desert landscapes in the United States. This perennial, with its tall stalks of tiny flowers, blooms all summer long and attracts butterflies.
The butterfly weed (Asclepias) is nicknamed for the fact that it is a favorite plant for Monarch butterflies, both in terms of nectar and larvae food. The predominantly orange flowers of the plant mimic the colors of the butterfly, although some varieties have flowers that are red or yellow. Asclepias can grow up to 2 feet tall and thrive in hot, dry soil. The perennial is hardy in USDA growing zones 4 to 9.
Color Guard Yucca
"Color Guard" yucca (Yucca filamentosa) is a small, mounding perennial that has beautiful, variegated leaves. Hardy in USDA growing zones 4 to 9, this plant features golden foliage with green and cream stripes. In the winter, the leaves develop pink colors. The plant, which will only reach a maximum height of 20 inches, tolerates heat very well and prefers well-draining soil.
The shasta daisy (Leucanthemum X superbum) is a very well-known perennial flower. This spring and early summer-blooming plant features masses of white, many-petaled flowers with bright yellow centers. The plant spreads rapidly and prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The shasta daisy is hardy in USDA growing zones 4 to 9 and can grow up to 3 feet tall.