Live in a climate where there is intense heat? There are some perennial plants that can work well in these types of climates and won’t curl up and wither. Planting perennials that aren’t heat tolerant in areas of extreme heat is a lesson in failure, as they will never grow and achieve maturity. These selections are all dubbed “heat tolerant”, meaning they will continue to do well despite the thermometer. The Native Plant Information Network list these perennial native plants as tolerant of high heat conditions and are fine selections to try in your own landscape.
Scarlet Clematis (Clematis texensis)
Also known as scarlet leatherflower or Texas clematis, this native is from the buttercup family of plants. It is a perennial vine with a growth of nine feet. It has deciduous leaves and bell-like flowers in clusters. Flowers are red, leathery, and have thick petals. The vine is slightly woody. Scarlet clematis grows in partial shade and moist soil. It is heat, drought, and cold tolerant. Propagate by softwood cuttings or by seed. It is also moderately deer resistant.
Texas Sotol (Dasylirion texanum)
Also known as just sotol, this native is from the lily family of plant. It is a perennial grass-like plant that grows nine to 15 feet high. Flowers are yellow or white and on a flower stalk. Leaves are dark blue-green and on a basal cluster. It is usually mistaken as a yucca plant. Texas sotol prefers to grow in full sun with a dry soil. It is cold and heat tolerant. Propagate by seed. It has a high deer resistance.
Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana)
Also known as black persimmon, Mexican persimmon, or Chapote, this native is a member of the ebony family of plants. It is a perennial tree that grows typically 10 to 15 feet high but may get as large as 35 feet high. It has light gray or white bark with firm leaves and urn-shaped flowers. Blooms are whitish and in clusters, appearing March through April. Fleshy fruits follow the blooms. The Texas persimmon prefers full sun to partial shade conditions and a dry alkaline soil that is well-drained. Propagate by seeds. It has a moderate deer resistance.
Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum)
Also known as the rock daisy or Plains blackfoot, this native is a member of the aster family of plants. It grows six to 12 inches tall with narrow leaves and white ray flowers that look like daisies. It is a bushy plant. Flowers are fragrant, smelling like honey, and are solitary on the stems. They have yellow central disks. Blackfoot daisy prefers full sun or partial shade conditions with a dry acidic soil. Propagate by seed. It has a high deer resistance.
Related Content:
Drought Tolerant Native Trees for Xeriscaping
Fast Growing Trees That Are Drought Tolerant
Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Your Garden
Sources:
NPIN: Scarlet Clematis
NPIN: Texas Sotol
NPIN: Texas Persimmon
NPIN: Blackfoot Daisy