Hot Summer-Resistant Ground Vegetation: Plants Capable of Enduring Intense Heat Waves
In the heart of summer, maintaining a vibrant and resilient garden can be a challenge, especially in hot climates. However, a selection of ground cover plants, known for their heat tolerance and adaptability, can transform your landscape into a lush oasis with minimal effort.
Tonya Barnett, a seasoned gardener with 13 years of experience, shares her insights in an article edited by Laura Walters. Barnett, who has transformed her backyard into a cut flower garden, highlights several ground cover plants that thrive in hot weather conditions.
One such plant is the Creeping Juniper, an evergreen with blue-green foliage that is highly drought-tolerant. Ideal for erosion control on slopes, this hardy plant thrives in full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Its low water needs make it an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance alternative.
Another popular choice is Bugleweed, a semi-evergreen ground cover with deep, glossy leaves. This plant produces bright blue-purple flower spikes each spring and grows best in lightly shaded areas. However, it is essential to monitor Bugleweed to prevent invasiveness in your region.
Creeping Thyme, a fragrant, low-growing plant with tiny purple flowers, is often planted near paths and around garden stepping stones. It can serve as an alternative to turfgrass, with Eden Brothers creeping thyme seeds or perennial wild thyme seeds available for purchase.
Liriope, also known as monkey grass, is a low-maintenance evergreen that looks great as an edging for paths, under trees, and in formal ornamental garden borders. It reaches about 12 inches (30 cm) high at maturity and produces a profusion of grass-like foliage.
Stonecrop, a heat-loving type of sedum, functions as a great ground cover, with succulent foliage making it an interesting addition to the landscape. It prefers full sun and thrives in poor, well-drained soil, requiring minimal care.
Other options worth considering include Pink Muhly Grass, Frogfruit, Golden Ragwort, and Corsican Mint. Each of these plants offers unique benefits, such as vibrant foliage, flowers, and fragrance, as well as functional roles like erosion control and weed suppression.
When choosing ground cover plants, it is crucial to consider the specific growing zone conditions in your area. Research each plant to ensure it is not invasive in your region and is suitable for your climate. With the right selection, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that thrives in hot weather.
These plants, favored for their heat tolerance, adaptability to different sunlight conditions (full sun to light shade), and generally low maintenance needs, can bring a touch of beauty and practicality to your garden. Embrace the summer heat with these resilient ground cover plants!
[1] Barnett, T. (2022). Top Ground Cover Plants for Hot Climates. Retrieved from [our platform Shop](https://www.ourplatform.com/shop/ground-cover-plants-for-hot-climates) [2] Gardening Know How. (2021). Pink Muhly Grass: Care and Growing Guide. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/grass/miscellaneous/pink-muhly-grass-care-and-growing-guide.htm [3] The Spruce. (2021). Frogfruit: Care and Growing Guide. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/frogfruit-care-and-growing-guide-1467733 [4] Monrovia. (2021). Corsican Mint. Retrieved from https://www.monrovia.com/plant-library/corsican-mint/29777/
In the article edited by Laura Walters, Tonya Barnett, a experienced gardener, recommends the Creeping Thyme and Liriope as ground cover plants that can bring a touch of beauty and practicality to a hot climate garden. Creeping Thyme, with tiny purple flowers, functions as a low-maintenance alternative to turfgrass, while Liriope, or monkey grass, is a low-maintenance evergreen that works well as an edging for paths and in garden borders.
