4 Perennial Families that love the Heat but aren’t Dayliles!
From top to bottom Gaura, Dinnerplate Hibiscus (left), Hot Pokers (right) and Ice Plant.
The Tri-Cities has plenty of sun and heat! Here are four families of heat and sun loving perennials that are different from Daylilies. Nothing against Daylilies but sometimes we crave something different.
Gaura-Gaura varieties flower in colors from white to shades of pinks. They can reach 12 to 48 inches tall and flowers in early summer into fall. Gauras enjoy well drained soils and drier spots. Great for pollinators and give a whimsy feel to the flower bed. This family compliments ornamental grasses, coneflowers or black eyed Susan.
Dinnerplate Hibiscus-Dinnerplate Hibiscus are large flowering plants that grow to 36 to 60 inches tall. Flower colors range from white, red, pink and purple. The Hibiscus start blooming in July with the summer heat and flowers keep going until the heat stops. They don’t like it too dry. In fact you can put them in a hot spot that where the soil never dries out and they will be happy. These play well with daylilies, lavenders, and many other that are short.
Hot Pokers-Hot pokers have bottle brush like flowers that rise above their grass like foliage. They enjoy well drained soils and prefer drier conditions. The flower colors range from red, orange to yellow or a combination of those colors. They get 24 to 48 inches tall and wide. Hot Pokers work well with catmint, yucca, lavender or yarrow.
Ice Plant-Ice plants are a groundcover for drier areas. They enjoy the same conditions as sedums and well drained soils. They flower in bold yellow, orange, or pink colors. They tend to get no taller than 4 to 5 inches tall but spread to about 2 feet wide. Works well with Yuccas, lavender or catmint.