Atlanta summers are nothing if not intense—long days of blazing sun, high humidity, and the occasional heavy rain. It’s a season made for iced drinks, shaded patios, and vibrant gardens… if you choose the right plants.

At Outdoor Makeover, we design luxury landscapes that are built to thrive in Atlanta’s climate—not fight against it. That means selecting heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and low-maintenance plants that look beautiful even during the hottest months of the year.

Whether you’re refreshing your beds or planning a full landscape transformation, here are the top plants that can stand up to the heat—and look amazing while doing it.

1. Lantana

This Southern staple is practically unbeatable for summer performance. Lantana thrives in full sun, tolerates drought, and blooms continuously from late spring through fall with bold clusters of red, orange, pink, yellow, or purple.

Why we love it:

Attracts butterflies and pollinators
Very low maintenance
Works well in borders, beds, or containers
Heat and humidity don’t faze it

Use lantana to add a pop of vibrant color in high-heat areas, especially near walkways or patios.

2. Coneflower (Echinacea)

A garden favorite for its tough nature and charming, daisy-like blooms, coneflower is both stylish and sturdy. It tolerates drought, poor soil, and high sun—and it returns year after year.

Benefits include:

Long bloom time (June through September)
Attracts bees and butterflies
Pairs beautifully with grasses and shrubs
Available in pink, purple, white, orange, and more

We often plant coneflowers in groupings for big impact and a natural, pollinator-friendly vibe.

3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Golden yellow petals with dark centers make black-eyed Susans an instant mood-lifter in the summer garden. Like coneflowers, they’re native to the Southeast and thrive in our heat and humidity.

Why it works in Atlanta:

Blooms mid-to-late summer
Tolerates poor soil and dry spells
Creates bold, bright borders
Resistant to deer and most pests

These sunny perennials are perfect for informal beds or layered plantings along walkways.

4. Crape Myrtle

This flowering tree is a Southern icon—and for good reason. Crape myrtles bloom profusely in summer with vibrant clusters of red, pink, white, or purple flowers. Even better? They’re drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and available in sizes from compact shrubs to full-scale trees.

Ideal for:

Framing entryways or patios
Creating privacy hedges or ornamental borders
Adding height and year-round structure

We often use crape myrtles in multi-season designs, pairing their flowers with winter-interest bark and fall foliage.

5. Ornamental Grasses (Muhly, Fountain Grass, Little Bluestem)

Grasses provide movement, texture, and durability during hot months. They’re incredibly tough and require little attention once established—perfect for a refined, low-maintenance look.

Top picks for Atlanta heat:

Pink muhly grass – wispy plumes that glow in the late summer sun
Fountain grass – soft, arching leaves with summer plumes
Little bluestem – native, with beautiful fall color

We love grasses for softening hardscapes, filling awkward spaces, or adding sculptural interest without bulk.

6. Salvia

A favorite of designers and pollinators alike, salvia offers tall spikes of color in shades of purple, blue, red, and white. It thrives in full sun and hot conditions—and once planted, it asks for very little in return.

Salvia benefits:

Long bloom time (especially with deadheading)
Excellent drought tolerance
Strong vertical presence in garden beds
Attractive to hummingbirds and bees

Use it to add height and contrast in sunny beds or containers.

7. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum is the go-to for ultra-low-maintenance, heat-loving groundcover. This succulent-style perennial holds moisture in its leaves, making it ideal for areas with poor soil or high heat.

Great uses include:

Border edges or rock gardens
Retaining wall accents
Container gardens
Drought-prone zones

With its chunky leaves and clusters of late-summer flowers, sedum adds texture and surprise to refined landscapes.

8. Zinnias

Looking for big color with little effort? Zinnias deliver. These fast-growing annuals thrive in full sun and tolerate heat and humidity like pros.

Why we plant them:

Bright colors that pop in summer
Great for cutting gardens
Pollinator-friendly
Quick bloom from seed or starter

Zinnias are especially fun for family gardens and summer events—they create instant joy and easy bouquets.

9. Agastache (Hyssop)

If you love a plant that looks elegant and performs like a champion, Agastache is a must. It’s drought-tolerant, upright, and long-blooming, with fragrant foliage and spires of pink, purple, or coral flowers.

It’s perfect for:

Formal beds or modern landscapes
Mixed perennial gardens
Drawing in bees and hummingbirds
Areas with reflected heat or limited irrigation

Agastache blends beautifully with ornamental grasses, coneflowers, and salvias for layered, high-performance design.

10. Hardy Hibiscus (Rose Mallow)

For a dramatic, tropical look that handles heat, hardy hibiscus delivers huge, show-stopping blooms that make any summer garden feel like a resort.

Why we love them:

Giant flowers (8″ or more) in red, pink, or white
Bloom mid-to-late summer
Native varieties available for better adaptability
Thrives in sunny, moist locations

It’s a bold statement plant—great for anchoring beds or adding flair near patios and pools.

Design Tips for Summer Success

To make the most of your heat-tolerant plants, we recommend:

Groupings of 3–5 for visual impact and fullness
Mulching to retain soil moisture and reduce temperature swings
Drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to roots
Mixing textures and bloom times for depth and season-long color
Pairing with smart lighting for dramatic night views and added curb appeal

Our team ensures every planting plan is not only beautiful but designed to perform in Atlanta’s climate—day after hot, sunny day.

Let Outdoor Makeover Design Your Heat-Resilient Garden

Whether you’re planning a colorful refresh or building a full outdoor retreat, our expert team can help you choose the best plants for beauty, durability, and long-term success.

We combine horticultural expertise with award-winning design to deliver landscapes that thrive in all seasons—especially the ones that test your garden the most.

📞 Call us at 404-301-8340 or contact us online to schedule your personalized design consultation.

Let’s build a summer-ready landscape that stays vibrant—even when the temperature soars.

Best Plants for Hot Atlanta Summers (That Won’t Wither Away)