How to keep your landscape vibrant when the heat is on.
Florida summers are no joke. Between the sweltering sun, intense humidity, and sudden downpours, gardening in Southwest Florida is a different kind of beast. But here’s the good news—your garden doesn’t have to suffer for it.
At Sanjuan Family Nursery, we specialize in helping both homeowners and professional landscapers create stunning, resilient landscapes that thrive in the heat. Whether you’re revamping a garden bed or just trying to keep your landscape looking alive through the summer, we’ve got you covered with the best heat-tolerant plant picks and expert advice to match.
Let’s dig in.
Why Heat-Tolerant Plants Matter in Southwest Florida
Summer here isn’t just hot—it’s hot and wet. That means plants need to do more than survive drought; they also need to handle waterlogged soil, high UV exposure, and poor air circulation due to humidity. Choosing plants that have adapted to these conditions helps reduce maintenance, save water, and prevent costly replacements when lesser plants give out mid-season.
Best Heat-Tolerant Plants for Southwest Florida Gardens
Here’s our shortlist of summer warriors—plants we trust, grow, and recommend at Sanjuan Family Nursery.
Ixora
With glossy green leaves and clusters of red, orange, yellow, or pink blooms, Ixora is a staple in South Florida landscaping.
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining
- Perks: Attracts pollinators, blooms year-round, loves heat
Plant it as a low hedge or bright focal point in your garden. Once established, it’s incredibly hardy and fuss-free.
Hibiscus
These iconic tropical beauties are made for Florida summers. Hibiscus adds drama and color, with bold flowers that bloom daily in shades from deep red to bright peach.
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Perks: Fast-growing, butterfly-friendly
Give them regular watering and watch them explode with blooms—even in the hottest months.
Areca Palms
If you want a low-maintenance privacy screen that’s also heat-tolerant, Areca Palms are a dream.
- Sun: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Loamy, well-draining
- Perks: Drought-tolerant, easy to care for, excellent backdrop
A great choice for those seeking a soft, tropical vibe without high water demands.
Vinca (Periwinkle)
Vinca laughs in the face of summer heat. These small but mighty flowers bloom non-stop in shades of white, pink, and purple.
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy, well-drained
- Perks: Disease-resistant, self-cleaning flowers
Perfect for borders and containers. Just don’t overwater—these plants like things dry.
Blue Daze
A low-spreading ground cover with pale blue flowers and silvery foliage. Blue Daze can take heat, salt, and poor soil—perfect for beachside gardens.
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy and well-draining
- Perks: Low maintenance, coastal-friendly
Plant it along walkways or under taller shrubs for a layered look.
Coontie Palm
A Florida native that’s as tough as it is beautiful. Coontie’s feathery foliage gives a soft texture to any landscape.
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Sandy or rocky
- Perks: Native, low water needs, drought- and pest-resistant
Bonus: It’s a host plant for the Atala butterfly.
Lantana
Few plants can match Lantana’s color range and resilience. It tolerates extreme heat, drought, and even neglect—plus, butterflies love it.
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Dry, well-drained
- Perks: Long blooming season, deer-resistant
Try planting it in sunny spots where nothing else seems to survive.
Copperleaf (Acalypha)
It’s not just about flowers—foliage can bring serious color too. Copperleaf shines in the heat with its fiery red, bronze, and pink tones.
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Rich and well-drained
- Perks: Year-round interest, tropical flair
Use it as a statement shrub or accent plant.
Panama Rose
Sweetly scented and full of nectar-rich blooms, Panama Rose is a butterfly magnet that thrives even in full summer sun.
- Sun: Full to part sun
- Soil: Moist, well-draining
- Perks: Fragrant, pollinator-friendly
It adds movement and texture to your garden beds with minimal effort.
Smart Strategies for Summer Gardening Success
Plant selection is just one part of the puzzle. Here’s how to make your summer garden really work.
1. Mulch for Moisture Control
Florida’s sun can fry exposed roots. Adding 2–3 inches of mulch helps insulate the soil, reduce evaporation, and suppress weeds. Sanjuan Family Nursery stocks top-quality mulch that holds color and doesn’t float away in rainstorms.
2. Watery Deeply, Not Daily
Frequent, shallow watering leads to weak roots. Instead, water deeply a few times per week—early in the morning—to build drought resilience. Learn more about water-wise gardening in our dedicated blog post here.
3. Feed with Care
Summer feeding is tricky. You don’t want to overstimulate growth when plants are already under stress. Use slow-release or organic fertilizers, and avoid chemical-heavy products during the rainy season (June–September).
Need the right blend? We carry Harrell’s fertilizer mixes tailored for Florida conditions.
4. Plant Early or Late in the Day
Avoid planting in the heat of the afternoon. Early morning or late evening installations help reduce transplant shock.
5. Install Shade Cloth if Needed
If you’re planting delicate species, temporary shade cloth can give them a head start. Just remove it once they’re established.
When to Plant Heat-Tolerant Plants
In Southwest Florida, the ideal window to install summer plants is between April and early June. This gives them time to root before peak heat. If planting during summer, choose well-established nursery plants and water consistently the first few weeks.
Why Shop Local?
Buying from a local nursery like Sanjuan Family Nursery means you’re getting plants that are already acclimated to the climate. No shock. No guesswork. Just healthy, Florida-grown greenery that’s ready to thrive.
Our team knows the region and its growing quirks inside and out. Whether you’re looking for help with layout, delivery, installation, or just picking the right plants—we’re here to help.
Final Thoughts: Build a Garden That Doesn’t Break a Sweat
With the right plants and proper care, your summer landscape can look amazing—without daily battles against wilting, browning, and pests. Choose plants that love Florida heat, use smart gardening strategies, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Sanjuan Family Nursery in Bonita Springs is your go-to destination for heat-tolerant plants, quality soil, mulch, and everything else your Florida garden needs.
Stop by, call us, or book an appointment online. Let’s build something beautiful together—even when it’s 95° in the shade.
