SHREVEPORT, La. - As summer temperatures climb across Louisiana, some plants are better equipped than others to handle the heat.
Jennifer McGimsey with Akin's Nursery highlighted several perennials and annuals that can withstand intense summer temperatures while continuing to add color to gardens.
Among the top choices are coneflowers, also known as echinacea, which are reliable perennials that can tolerate the heat. Rudbeckia and sunflowers are also well-suited for sunny, hot conditions.
McGimsey also recommended Luna hibiscus, which produces eye-catching blooms and thrives during the summer months.
Lantana is another reliable option, with varieties available in a range of colors, including orange, red, and white. McGimsey highlighted the New Gold variety, as well as trailing lavender lantana, as dependable choices for summer gardens.
Other heat-tolerant plants include zinnias and Shasta daisies, both of which can thrive in warm weather.
For annuals, McGimsey recommended vinca, which comes in both upright varieties for flower beds and cascading varieties that can spill over the edges of pots and containers. Vinca can tolerate both heat and dry conditions.
While the summer heat can make gardening more challenging, McGimsey encouraged people not to give up on their outdoor spaces.
"Don’t give up on the outdoors even though it’s a little bit hot," she said. "Get out and plant something that you enjoy to see blooming."
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