Atlanta’s hot, humid summers can make gardening challenging, with high temperatures and occasional drought stressing many plants. Metro Atlanta is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b/8a. Hardiness zones refer to minimum temperatures, and indicate the heat; as we like to say in the South, “it’s hot, y’all!” Atlanta is also considered “subtropical” so even though it’s hot, it’s also humid and we have our share of rain. Local Southerners know this, but what does this mean for our gardens? At Oasis Landscapes and Irrigation, we specialize in designing gardens that stay beautiful year-round. In this guide, we will cover our favorite heat tolerant plants, including several heat tolerant perennial plants, that thrive in Atlanta’s subtropical climate.
The Benefits of Heat Tolerant Plants in Our Southern Climate
Atlanta plants face summer challenges – intense heat, occasional water restrictions, and may have poor drainage and full sunlight exposure. Selecting full-sun heat-tolerant plants provides these benefits:
- Less Watering: Drought-tolerant plants can reduce garden water use by up to 50% (University of Georgia Extension, 2025).
- Lower Maintenance: These plants require less care, saving time and effort.
- Healthier Plants: They resist pests and diseases common in humid climates.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Healthier pants are attractive plants. Many of our selections also have vibrant blooms and textures enhance your garden’s beauty.
These benefits make heat-tolerant plants ideal for eco-friendly, cost-effective landscaping in Atlanta’s climate.
Top 15 Picks for Heat Tolerant Plants in the Atlanta Area
All our top picks can handle the heat. They thrive in full sun, though a few can handle partial shade as well. Once established, they require infrequent watering and minimal care.
1. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a long-time hardy favorite, with vibrant clusters of yellow, orange, pink, or purple flowers. It is a favorite for its butterfly-drawing charm. Its tough, drought-tolerant nature thrives in Atlanta’s heat, keeping yards colorful all summer. As an added bonus, the strong-scented foliage naturally repels deer.
- Type: Perennial shrub
- Native: No, from tropical Central/South America.
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Spring to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Care Tips: Plant in a sunny spot with good drainage to keep lantana thriving. Water sparingly once established, as it’s super drought-tolerant. A light trim in spring promotes bushy growth and more vibrant flowers.
2. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia’s bold spiky blooms in blue, purple, red, or white bring vibrant color, loved for their bee-friendly appeal. Its aromatic foliage repels deer and rabbits, perfect for Atlanta’s humid summers. This easy-care plant adds elegance with minimal effort. For those who are wondering, sage, the culinary and medicinal herb we know and love, is a type of salvia.
- Type: Perennial or annual flower (e.g., Salvia greggii perennial, Salvia splendens annual)
- Native: Some species native to North America (e.g., Salvia lyrata in Georgia).
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Care Tips: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil to avoid soggy roots. Water occasionally once established, as salvia loves dry conditions. Trim lightly after blooming to keep it neat and encourage more flowers.
3. Ornamental Grasses (Muhlenbergia, Pennisetum, Panicum spp.)
Ornamental grasses, like the feathery Switchgrass, add texture to Atlanta gardens with their long blades and airy plumes. Their fall colors, especially muhly grass’s pink clouds, are a showstopper loved by gardeners. These grasses are low-maintenance and keep landscapes with visual interest year-round.
- Type: Perennial grass
- Native: Some species native to North America (e.g., Panicum virgatum in Georgia).
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Fall (e.g., muhly grass with pink plumes).
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts birds by providing food via seed heads, especially native varieties such as Switchgrass and Little Bluestem.
- Care Tips: Plant in sunny, well-drained spots with room to spread. Water sparingly after establishment, as they’re drought-tough. Cut back in late winter to refresh for a vibrant spring display.
4. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Coneflowers dazzle with daisy-like blooms in purples, pinks, or whites, a hit for their prairie charm. Native to Georgia, they’re adored for attracting birds with their seed heads in fall. These tough beauties thrive in Atlanta’s heat, adding natural vibrancy.
- Type: Perennial flower
- Native: Yes, North America (common in Georgia).
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun (6–8 hours).
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Care Tips: Place in full sun with well-drained soil for the best blooms. Water minimally once settled, as they handle drought well. Deadhead spent flowers to stretch the blooming season into fall.
5. Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.)
Tickseed’s sunny yellow or pink blooms dance on airy foliage, brightening Atlanta gardens with Southern charm. Native to the Southeast, they’re loved for their long-lasting cheer in tough conditions.
- Type: Perennial flower
- Native: Yes, Southern U.S. (e.g., Coreopsis lanceolata in Georgia).
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Early summer to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Care Tips: Plant in a sunny spot with good drainage for a dazzling flower show. Water sparingly, as tickseed loves dry conditions. Shear back after the first bloom to spark a second wave of flowers.
6. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susan’s golden-yellow blooms with dark centers are a Southern classic, radiating warmth. Another native to Georgia, they’re a gardener’s go-to for their bold look and pollinator appeal.
- Type: Annual or short-lived perennial flower
- Native: Yes, North America (widespread in Georgia).
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Summer to early fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Care Tips: Plant in groups in sunny, well-drained spots for a stunning display. Water occasionally once established, as they’re drought-tolerant. Deadhead regularly to keep those sunny blooms coming through fall.
7. Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
While many know of the aforementioned flowers, you may not be aware of the Black-eyed Susan vine, which can add vertical appeal. This vine climbs with bright yellow or orange flowers and dark centers, offering a tropical flair. From East Africa, it’s loved for its lush, twining growth on trellises. It thrives in Atlanta’s warm summers, adding vibrant vertical charm.
- Type: Annual vine (semi-perennial in warm Atlanta areas)
- Native: No, subtropical East Africa.
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Care Tips: Set it in a sunny or lightly shaded spot with a trellis for climbing. Water regularly until established, then ease off as it handles dry spells well. Trim after blooming to keep it tidy and vibrant.
8. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are a popular local favorite, bursting with bold red, pink, yellow, or white blooms. From Central America, they’re adored for their vivid colors and heat-loving nature.
- Type: Annual flower
- Native: No, Central/South America.
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun with good drainage for the brightest blooms. Water at the base to avoid leaf issues, and deadhead regularly to keep flowers coming. Sow seeds in spring for a quick, colorful start.
9. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Often associated with fall, marigolds glow with sunny yellow or orange blooms, their zesty scent repelling deer and pests. From Central America, they’re prized for adding bold color to Atlanta gardens with minimal effort. These tough flowers thrive in summer heat and bloom into the fall.
- Type: Annual flower
- Native: No, Central/South America.
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Care Tips: Plant in spring in a sunny, well-drained spot for vibrant flowers. Water moderately until established, then reduce as they’re drought-tolerant. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
10. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies flaunt trumpet-shaped blooms in a rainbow of colors, from soft pastels to fiery reds. From Asia, they’re loved for their reliable beauty, with each flower lasting a day but new appearing daily as well.
- Type: Perennial flower
- Native: No, Asia.
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
- Bloom Season: Summer.
- Care Tips: Plant in sun or light shade with well-drained soil for best results. Water regularly in the first season, then sparingly. Mulch in winter and divide every 3–5 years to keep them blooming strong.
11. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)
Blanket flowers dazzle with red, yellow, or bicolor blooms. Native to North America, they’re a hit for their bold look and pollinator appeal. These tough natives thrive in summer heat with ease.
- Type: Perennial flower
- Native: Yes, North America (e.g., Gaillardia pulchella in Southern U.S.).
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil to avoid root rot. Water sparingly once established, as they’re drought-tolerant. Deadhead regularly to extend those colorful blooms into fall.
12. Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Taking their name from their 5-petaled shape, pentas are star-shaped flowers coming in shades of pink, red, or white, and are a hummingbird’s favorite. Originating from East Africa, their lush clusters add a tropical touch, thriving in summer heat. Gardeners love their nonstop blooms and pollinator power.
- Type: Subtropical woody perennial flower (semi-perennial in colder Atlanta areas)
- Native: No, East Africa.
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Care Tips: Plant in a sunny spot with good drainage for endless blooms. Water regularly but don’t overdo it, as pentas handle heat like pros. Pinch back stems to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.
13. Verbena (Verbena SPP.)
Verbena’s clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers spread in vibrant waves, drawing butterflies to Atlanta yards. From South America, its lush, carpet-like growth is loved for its long-lasting color, and its aromatic foliage repels deer. This subtropical gem thrives in summer heat.
- Type: Subtropical perennial flower (semi-perennial in colder Atlanta areas)
- Native: No, South America.
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Late spring to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Care Tips: Pick a sunny, well-drained spot for the best flower display. Water sparingly once established, as verbena thrives in dry conditions. Deadhead and mulch in winter to keep it blooming vibrantly.
14. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
With a name like “butterfly bush,” we know what this plant attracts! Butterfly bush boasts long, cone-shaped purple or pink blooms, drawing flocks of butterflies to Atlanta gardens. From Asia, its graceful, arching branches add drama, loved for their pollinator power. It’s a summer standout that thrives in heat.
- Type: Perennial shrub
- Native: No, Asia.
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun with good drainage for maximum blooms. Water moderately and prune heavily in spring to boost growth. Remove spent flowers to keep the plant looking fresh and vibrant.
15 Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
Dianthus blooms with fragrant pink, red, or white flowers, filling Atlanta gardens with a sweet, spicy scent. From Europe and Asia, their frilly petals add charming beauty, loved by gardeners for their classic look. They shine in spring with minimal care.
- Type: Perennial flower
- Native: No, Europe/Asia.
- Soil/Sun: Well-drained soil, full sun.
- Bloom Season: Spring to summer.
- Pollinators/Birds: Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Care Tips: Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil to prevent soggy roots. Water sparingly and shear back after blooming to encourage more flowers. Avoid heavy clay soils to keep dianthus thriving and fragrant.
Conclusion
These heat tolerant plants are perfect for Atlanta’s hot, humid summers They offer vibrant colors, low maintenance, and resistance to drought and pests. These plants reduce water needs, attract pollinators, and keep your garden thriving with minimal effort.
Oasis Landscapes & Irrigation can help you create a beautiful garden with these hardy plants. Contact us today to design a low-maintenance landscape that looks great all summer long!
