Smart Summer Gardening
Gardening Success: How to Choose Plants That Withstand Hot, Dry Summers
As summers grow hotter and drier, garden columnist Jessica Damiano of The Associated Press says the smartest move is to stop fighting the weather and start planting with it. By swapping out thirsty ornamentals for heat-tough flowers, gardeners can save water, save money, and still have a colorful yard all season long.
The USDA updated its Plant Hardiness Zone Map in 2023 for the first time in 11 years. About half of the United States shifted into a warmer zone. That means many plants once considered reliable are now struggling — and gardeners need to rethink what they grow.
Coneflowers and Black-Eyed Susans Lead the Heat Survivors
Damiano's top picks are plants with deep roots and prairie toughness. Coneflowers, known by their scientific name Echinacea, are hardy in zones 3 through 9. That covers nearly 90% of the continental United States, according to Daily News. Their deep taproots reach moisture far underground that shallower plants simply cannot access.
Black-eyed Susans, or Rudbeckia, are another strong choice. Both plants are what experts call "pollinator powerhouses." They attract native bees and butterflies that are also struggling with rising heat. Moss rose rounds out the short list — a low-growing annual that thrives in dry, sandy soil with very little water.
Even Tough Plants Need Help Getting Started
"Drought-tolerant" does not mean "plant it and forget it." Damiano warns that even the hardiest flowers need regular water and nutrients during their first one to two years. That establishment period is when roots are still shallow. Skip watering then, and the plant dies before it ever gets tough.
Horticulturalists at the Missouri Botanical Garden echo that point. Once established, these plants can largely fend for themselves. But gardeners must put in the work early. Think of it like building a foundation — the structure only holds if the base is solid first.
A Billion-Dollar Industry Shifts Toward Climate-Ready Plants
Americans spent $47.8 billion on lawn and garden products in 2023, according to the National Gardening Association. A growing share of that money is moving toward hardy perennials. Nurseries are discounting traditional high-water plants and charging a premium for "drought-wise" varieties. The market is following the weather.
Cities are also getting involved. Many municipalities now require heat-tolerant species in public landscaping. The goal is to lower water use during peak summer months and reduce the "urban heat island" effect — the way paved cities trap heat and stay hotter than surrounding rural areas.
Native Plants vs. Hybrids: A Growing Debate Among Gardeners
Not everyone agrees on which drought-tough plants to choose. Groups like the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center say gardeners should stick to straight-species native plants. These have had thousands of years to adapt to local conditions. Cultivars — plants bred for specific colors or sizes — may look great but could be less resilient, they argue.
Landscape designers push back. They say gardens need to be beautiful to stay popular. Hybrids like the "Cheyenne Spirit" coneflower offer a range of colors while keeping the drought-toughness of the original prairie plant. Switching to drought-tolerant beds — of any kind — can cut residential water use by 15 to 20%, making the choice an easy one for most homeowners.
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