🌞 Heat-Tolerant Plants for Southern Yards

Summers in the south bring intense heat, high humidity, and the occasional tropical downpour. With the right plant choices, you can have a lush, low-maintenance landscape that thrives all summer long.

Coontie Palm (Zamia integrifolia)

• Why it thrives: A Florida native that’s well-suited for Southern heat and drought.

• Perks: Evergreen, low-maintenance, and great for subtropical landscapes.

• Look: Palm-like appearance with fern-like foliage; compact and tidy.

Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Meyeri’)

• Why it thrives: Loves heat, humidity, and can handle some drought once established.

• Perks: Evergreen, low-maintenance, and adds striking texture to beds or containers.

• Look: Fluffy, upright plumes that resemble foxtails; vibrant green year-round.

Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’)

• Why it thrives: Native to the Gulf South and extremely drought- and heat-tolerant.

• Perks: Evergreen, compact, and great as a hedge or border.

• Look: Dense, small-leafed green shrub with neat form.

Gulf Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

• Why it thrives: Native ornamental grass that thrives in heat and poor soil.

• Perks: Beautiful fall plumes, low-maintenance.

• Look: Graceful, wispy texture with pinkish-purple flowers.

Lantana (Lantana camara)

• Why it thrives: Thrives in hot, dry areas and blooms all season long.

• Perks: Attracts pollinators; minimal watering needed.

• Look: Bright clusters of red, yellow, orange, or pink blooms.

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)

• Why it thrives: Tough evergreen that handles heat, drought, and even salty soil.

• Perks: Produces red berries in winter; supports birds and bees.

• Look: Glossy green leaves with bright red berries.

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

• Why it thrives: A Louisiana native that’s extremely heat- and pest-resistant.

• Perks: Vibrant berries that attract birds in late summer.

• Look: Shrubby growth with vivid purple berries.

Salvia (Salvia spp.)

• Why it thrives: Handles heat, humidity, and poor soil with ease.

• Perks: Long-blooming, low water needs, and pollinator-friendly.

• Look: Tall flower spikes in rich reds, blues, or purples.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

• Why it thrives: A Southern staple that loves sun and is drought-tolerant once established.

• Perks: Showy flowers and stunning bark for winter interest.

• Look: Tree or shrub form with blooms from pink to white.

Louisiana Iris (Iris giganticaerulea)

• Why it thrives: Thrives in wet or boggy conditions, perfect for rain gardens.

• Perks: Native plant with bold color and size.

• Look: Sword-like green foliage and large violet-blue flowers.

🌿 Final Tips for Planting in the NOLA Heat

• Use mulch to lock in moisture and cool the soil.

• Group plants by water needs to simplify care.

• Consider native and evergreen plants for year-round structure and color.