10 Plants That Thrive in a UK Heatwave
It seems as though UK summer heatwaves are here to stay, as they’ve become more frequent and intense over the last few years. But not every plant can cope with such conditions, as many gardeners are finding out, as they’re left with wilting flowers, scorched leaves and thirsty looking borders.
The good news is that there are some plants that actually flourish when temperatures rise, and our resident flower expert David Denyer has picked the top 10 that will thrive during a heatwave.
1. Olive Trees (Olea Europaea)
The silver-green foliage of an olive tree will take you straight back to the Mediterranean. They bring a welcome southern European feel to any space, that’s why they are one of the most popular feature plants for sunny gardens.
Olive trees cope extremely well in hot and dry conditions, becoming even more resilient as they mature. You’ll get the best from them if kept in a sunny but sheltered position and are best suited to being kept in well-draining soil or large containers that prevent their roots from sitting in water. Very little maintenance is required once established and they’ll tolerate long periods without rainfall. Perfect for those intense heatwave periods.
2. Lavender
Another Mediterranean native, lavender is the perfect low-maintenance summer garden pick. They are a great choice for surviving a summer heatwave, preferring drier conditions over constantly damp soil.
The fragrant purple flowers that bloom throughout summer also attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. They’ll brighten up any pathways when placed in borders or planted in containers.
3. Geraniums
For a colourful patio display that won't struggle in a heatwave, look no further than geraniums.
They are perfectly suited to really hot conditions as they prefer soil that has dried out. Even during really hot spells they’ll continue to produce reliable colour. With so many shades available (soft pinks, vivid reds and oranges), they will look great in hanging baskets, window boxes or in decorative containers.
4. Salvia
Salvias come in a range of colours, from deep purples to bright reds and rich blues; they thrive in full sunshine and cope exceptionally well with dry conditions. Perfect for our UK heatwaves. Bees and butterflies will flock to them and their striking flower spikes, which will provide colour throughout the growing season, especially if spent blooms are regularly removed.
5. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums have a neat little trick that allows them to withstand extended periods of dry weather and heatwaves. They store water within their fleshy leaves.
The heads that bloom in late summer will be the perfect solution to keeping your garden in colour as other plants begin to fade, while their architectural foliage will also add texture throughout the year. To get the best from your sedums, try placing them in gravel gardens, rockeries or on sunny borders where there is plenty of drainage.
6. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
If you’re after a plant that will produce daisy-like flowers that bloom late into summer whilst still being extremely drought and heatwave tolerant (not requiring much watering once established), then coneflowers are the perfect choice.
Bees, butterflies and seed-eating birds are all attracted by their large central cones, so they’re a great option for supporting local wildlife while adding height and structure to borders.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary is a great addition to any garden, releasing a distinctive fragrance when brushed past, being a great food source for pollinators as well as being a delightful culinary herb. It thrives in hot, sunny conditions, making it perfect to withstand a summer heatwave.
Rosemary is one of the easiest herbs to grow in the UK, but be sure to place it in free-draining soil.
8. Verbena Bonariensis
Don’t let the delicate appearance of verbena’s fool you, they are a tough plant that flourishes in full sun and is extremely tolerant to dry soil. No wonder it’s become a favourite among garden designers, its airy stems and clusters of delicate purple flowers will continue well into autumn, making a great addition to any garden.
Their tall, transparent structure also allows them to weave naturally through borders without overwhelming neighbouring plants.
9. Agapanthus
If you want a plant that is resistant to a heatwave and can add some dramatic colour, then agapanthus is your go-to, with its spectacular globe-shaped flower heads.
Originating from South Africa, hot conditions are no issue for them, and they perform well when placed in containers in direct sun. Your established agapanthus will not need a lot of watering but will reward you with displays of blue, violet or white blooms each summer.
10. Yucca
Yuccas are one of the toughest plants you can introduce into your garden.
They will thrive in full sun and in heatwave-type conditions, while also providing a bold, architectural statement to your outdoor space.
They are dramatic with their sword-shaped leaves, whilst every now and then, mature plants will produce towering spikes of creamy white flowers during summer.
A Garden Built for Heatwaves
Heatwaves are here to stay it seems, but that doesn't mean your garden has to suffer as a result. If you select the right plants that thrive in such conditions, you can create borders and containers that remain colourful, healthy and full of life throughout the hottest of waves.
With thoughtful plant choices and a few simple maintenance techniques, your outdoor space can continue to flourish no matter how high the temperatures climb.
Frequently Asked Questions: Plants and UK Heatwaves
Some of the best plants for hot weather in the UK include lavender, geraniums, salvias, sedums, coneflowers, rosemary, verbena, agapanthus, yucca and olive trees. Many of these plants originate from warmer climates or are naturally drought tolerant, meaning established plants can cope with periods of high temperatures and less frequent rainfall.
Lavender, rosemary, salvia, sedum and agapanthus are all good choices for sunny UK gardens. These heat-tolerant plants generally prefer plenty of sunshine and free-draining soil, making them well suited to borders, pots and containers that receive direct sunlight. Remember that even sun-loving plants may need additional water while they're becoming established.
Lavender, sedum, rosemary, verbena and yucca are among the best drought-tolerant plants for UK gardens. Once established, they're generally able to cope with drier soil and require less frequent watering than thirstier garden plants. Choosing drought-resistant plants can help keep your garden looking colourful during prolonged spells of warm, dry weather.
During a heatwave, it's usually better to water garden plants thoroughly and less frequently rather than giving them a small amount of water several times a day. Aim to water early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler and less water will be lost through evaporation. Newly planted flowers and container plants may need more frequent attention, so check the soil regularly.
Not necessarily. How often plants need watering during hot weather depends on the plant, its location and whether it's growing in the ground or a container. Established drought-tolerant plants may cope well without daily watering, while pots, hanging baskets and newly planted flowers can dry out much more quickly. Check the soil before watering rather than relying on a fixed schedule.
Water plants during the cooler parts of the day, add mulch around borders to help the soil retain moisture and move vulnerable container plants away from intense afternoon sunshine where possible. Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged roots can still damage plants during hot weather. Choosing heat and drought-tolerant plants can also make your garden more resilient to future periods of extreme heat.
Lavender, coneflowers, salvias, geraniums and verbena are colourful flowering plants that can cope particularly well with hot, dry conditions once established. As well as bringing plenty of summer colour to the garden, several of these flowers are popular with bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Yes, but plants in pots and containers often need more attention during a heatwave because their compost can dry out faster than soil in garden borders. Check containers regularly, water thoroughly when needed and make sure pots have good drainage. Choosing heat-tolerant plants such as geraniums, lavender, rosemary or agapanthus can also help create a more resilient summer container display.