Even though it's the hottest summer on record, and even though a great portion of the world is turning to desert before our eyes (okay maybe that's a little melodramatic but you know what I mean) - even though your hardy impatiens are withering and your trees are dying, there is hope for having a little color and life in your garden.

Here is just a short list of the plants that are thriving in my hotter-than-hell Dallas garden, even as others die. They don't require more than one watering session per day, and still stand up straight even through excruciatingly high temps.

Pretty, easy, green.

Love.

If your garden is dying no matter how much you water it, here are five plants that I've had luck with. They're colorful and can take high temps and scorching sun, and do well watered once a day. Click any of the images for a larger view.

Yarrow is a pretty, hardy flowering plant that can grow up to 14 inches tall. It can also be used as a tea, and is said to have medicinal properties aiding digestion and even skin wounds. It can grow in poor soil, which tends to be the norm when the sun is baking everything around.


Rose moss is one of the easiest things to grow. It is primarily used as ground cover or in baskets, and is a great way to brighten up your garden without excessive care. Rose moss loves dry soil and bright sun, and can actually go without being watered for several days.



Wandering Jew is native to South American and Mexican rain forests and is a popular houseplant. It survives quite well in the garden as well, becoming bright purple in full sun and taking on more green in the shade. If you do plant it in the garden, be aware that it will completely take over - some people regret doing this. If you're like me though, and have certain areas of garden that you don't really want to stress over, this is your plant.


Autumn sage plants are native to Texas and can withstand dry soil and direct sun. They blossom beautiful little flowers in shades of pink or red, and are sometimes called Lipstick Salvia. This plant can grow into a small bush and is a great addition to a heat plagued garden.


Rosemary - a much beloved, easy to grow herb that is a must for any garden. It is hardy and likes heat and sun, makes your garden smell great, and of course can be used in cooking. It's nice to cut a few sprigs occasionally just to smell up the house, too.

Happy gardening!

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