Summers in North Texas are known for their scorching temperatures, high humidity, and occasional drought conditions. These factors can make gardening a challenge, especially for those new to the region. However, by choosing the right plants, your garden can stay colorful and vibrant all season long. The key is selecting summer flowers that are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and well-suited to North Texas soil and climate. Below are some of the best summer flowers to grow in this area, each offering beauty, resilience, and seasonal charm.
Zinnias
Zinnias are among the most popular summer flowers in North Texas—and for good reason. These bright, daisy-like blooms come in a stunning variety of colors including red, orange, pink, yellow, and white. They thrive in full sun and can handle the region’s intense heat with ease.
Zinnias bloom continuously from late spring through the first frost. They’re also incredibly easy to grow from seed and require minimal care once established. As a bonus, zinnias attract butterflies and make excellent cut flowers, bringing their vivid colors indoors as well.
Lantana
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance flower that loves the heat, lantana is a perfect choice. Known for its clusters of small, colorful blooms, lantana comes in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, containers, or as ground cover.
Lantana is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and beloved by butterflies and bees. Once established, it requires very little water and will bloom profusely throughout the summer.
Periwinkle (Vinca)
Periwinkle, also known as vinca, is a summer favorite for North Texas gardens. These tough, sun-loving flowers can withstand extreme heat and humidity while still producing a steady stream of blooms in colors like white, pink, lavender, and red.
Vinca thrives in full sun to partial shade and performs well in both flower beds and containers. It’s also resistant to many common garden pests and diseases, making it an easy and reliable choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
Marigolds
Marigolds are classic summer flowers that offer more than just cheerful color. Their golden orange and sunny yellow blooms are known to deter garden pests such as aphids and nematodes, making them excellent companion plants for vegetables and herbs.
These hardy annuals thrive in the full sun and tolerate dry conditions well. With a little deadheading, marigolds will bloom non-stop throughout the summer, adding a pop of color to borders, flower beds, or pots.
Moss Rose (Portulaca)
Moss rose, or portulaca, is a drought-tolerant succulent that loves hot, sunny locations. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it perfect for borders, rock gardens, or hanging baskets. The flowers resemble miniature roses and come in vibrant shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white.
Moss rose thrives with very little water and blooms best in full sun. Its fleshy foliage retains moisture, making it one of the most heat-resilient flowers for North Texas summers.
Tips for Success
To make the most of your summer garden in North Texas:
- Choose full sun locations. Most summer flowers need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
- Use mulch. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool.
- Water deeply and infrequently. This encourages deep root growth and better drought resistance.
- Deadhead spent blooms. Removing old flowers encourages more blooms and keeps plants looking tidy.
Final Thoughts
Despite the summer heat, North Texas gardeners have a wide selection of beautiful, durable flowers to choose from. By selecting heat-tolerant and drought-resistant varieties like zinnias, lantana, periwinkles, and moss rose, you can create a colorful and thriving garden that stands up to the summer sun. With the right care and a little planning, your landscape can be a bright and welcoming oasis all season long.
