BY MARTHA STEWART .com Photos credit: Getty Images
1. DAYLILIES
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are extremely easy to grow, and “can find a perfect spot in any garden,” says Walz. These flowers have thick, fleshy roots that retain moisture very well, so they can handle heat and drought. Howland notes that she particularly loves the reblooming varieties, like Stella D’oro.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Mature size: 24 to 48 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full to partial sun, well-drained soil
2. ECHINACEA – AKA CONEFLOWERS
Echinacea—in particular, Echinacea purpurea, or purple coneflower—is a favorite of Walz’s. “Every summer garden needs some echinacea!” she says. “Not only do I love their flowers, but the pollinators love them too!” Once established, echinacea is drought-tolerant, allowing it to survive even during the warmer summer days.
- Zone: 3 to 8
- Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 10 to 18 inches wide
- Care requirements: Sun or part shade; dry, sandy soil
3. YARROW
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) can attract many beneficial insects to your yard, and it’s a larval host plant for several species of butterflies. “It’s exceptionally resilient, drought-tolerant, and heat-tolerant,” says Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy at the National Wildlife Federation. She recommends applying an ample amount of mulch during the warmer months, which will help the yarrow retain its moisture and cool the soil.
- Zone: 3 to 9
- Size: 6 to 36 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; dry soil
4. LAVENDER
Warm soil and dry conditions are beneficial for lavender (Lavandula), says Howland–it can help the plant establish strong roots and reduce the risk of root rot. “Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, and prune back one-third of its growth after flowering to encourage healthy new growth,” she adds.
- Zone: 5 to 9
- Size: 24 to 26 inches tall x 24 to 48 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; dry soil
5. BLACK-EYED SUSANS
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida) have a “fast-growing root system, so they’re quick to get settled in once established,” says Walz. They’re also heat and drought-tolerant, so they make sense for July planting. They’ll bloom from late summer through the fall, adding a beautiful yellow color to your yard.
- Zone: 3 to 9
- Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
- Growing conditions: Full sun; moist, organically rich soils
