Beat the heat by filling your containers with these colorful plants that thrive as temperatures rise.
Most are from warm places around the world, so are oftengrown as annuals in colder areas.
Here are some of the best drought-tolerant container plants for full sun and heat.
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Angel’s Trumpet
In full bloom, a good-sizeangel’s trumpetwill stop you in your tracks.
The hanging flowers are indeed trumpet-shaped and can reach more than 1 foot long, depending on variety.
The blooms also release a pleasant, sweet fragrance after sunset.
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There are striped and solid varieties of agave in different shades of green and blue.
Some varieties ofangeloniahave larger blooms, while dwarf varieties are the perfect size for container gardens.
It makes a perfect, fast-growing screen for privacy.
Credit: David McDonald
you might also overwinter cannas indoors, then bring them outside the next spring.
Certain varieties have blooms that create an ombre effect, lightening or darkening from the outside in.
It’s a fast-growing climber that blooms profusely with clusters of flowers along the vine.
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confirm they have a sturdy lattice or atrellis to climb.
This is another butterfly favorite.
Pentas
Pentas produces clusters of beautiful starry red, white, or pink flowers.
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No matter how hot it gets, theflowers keep on coming all summer long.
(And so do the butterflies that love them!)
Their growth habit is neat and compact.
Credit: Erica George Dines Photography
Plumbago
The beautiful,sky-blue flowersofplumbagoare known for attracting butterflies.
This shrubby vine is a quick grower and flowers prolifically all summer long.
While it can take the heat, it’s also cold-hardy and can be used as a beautifulflowering groundcover.
Credit: David McDonald
Zones:5-9
Blue Salvia
A wonderful,heat-and-drought-tolerant plantwith purple-blue flowers, bluesalviaalso attracts pollinators.
It’s a favorite of butterflies; adults drink the nectar and some species will eat the foliage.
This easy-growing plant is often sold on a standard form, meaning trained as a patio tree.
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you might use this shrub as a living screenfor backyard privacy.
Also, be careful when handling this plant, because the milky sap can irritate skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common error is selecting the wrong container size.
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Light-colored, plastic pots will retain moisture while keeping the soil cool since they will reflect sunlight.
However, metal planters should be avoided since they will heat up quickly and can dry up plant roots.
Also, keep in mind, since terra-cotta absorbs water, it can crack in fluctuating temperatures.
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Brugmansia (Angels trumpet, tree daturas).North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
Blue Potato Bush: Planting, Care & Overwintering.Plantura.
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