Michigan’s four distinct seasons bring a wide range of weather conditions, including hot and humid summers. Not all flowers can withstand the extreme heat and moisture, but there are many native and non-native perennials that thrive in Michigan’s summer climate.

Native Perennials for Michigan Summers

Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them a great choice for low-maintenance landscaping. Here are a few native perennials that are especially well-suited to Michigan’s hot summers:

• Wild lupine: This striking plant grows up to 3 feet tall and produces beautiful blue flower spikes. It prefers dry, sandy soil and is the only host plant for the Karner blue butterfly, a threatened native species.

• Milkweed: Milkweed is an important host plant for monarch butterflies. It produces tall stalks of cream-to-pink flowers in the summer, and its seed pods are attractive in the fall.

• Purple coneflower: Also known as echinacea, this tall, showy flower is a favorite of goldfinches and other birds. It is heat-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

• Blue false indigo: This plant grows up to 4 feet tall and produces mounds of pretty purple flowers. It is rabbit-resistant and prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Four o’clock: This native wildflower blooms on hot summer afternoons. It has clusters of small pink or purple flowers and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

• Rough blazing star: This unique plant blooms from the top down, producing purple spikes of flowers. It prefers dry, sandy soil and full sun.

• Solomon’s seal: This is a great option for shady areas of the garden. It produces drooping, bell-shaped flowers on tall stalks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Non-Native Perennials for Michigan Summers

Some non-native perennials also perform well in Michigan’s summer heat. These plants are typically native to hotter climates, so they are well-adapted to withstand high temperatures and drought conditions.

• Sedum: Sedum is a succulent plant that is drought-tolerant and heat-loving. It produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in a variety of colors.

• Yarrow: Yarrow is a heat-tolerant perennial that produces clusters of yellow or white flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

• Barrenwort: Barrenwort is a shade-tolerant perennial that produces heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in the spring. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.

• Hydrangea: Hydrangeas are heat-tolerant shrubs that produce large, showy flower heads in a variety of colors. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.

Best Annual Flowers for Hot Summers in Michigan

While native wildflowers may be the best choice for Michigan summers, there are also many beautiful annual flowers that can thrive in the heat. These plants are typically not winter-hardy in Michigan, but they can provide a burst of color and beauty all summer long.

• Wax begonia: Wax begonias are heat-tolerant annuals that produce waxy leaves and clusters of small flowers in a variety of colors. They prefer shade or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

• Impatiens: Impatiens are another heat-tolerant annual that thrives in shady or partially shady areas. They produce clusters of colorful flowers in a variety of colors. Impatiens do require regular watering, as they do not tolerate drought well.

• Nasturtium: Nasturtium is a trailing annual that produces cheerful orange, yellow, and red flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Nasturtium is also drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for hot, dry locations.

• Verbena: Verbena is a heat-tolerant annual that produces clusters of small flowers in a wide range of colors. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Verbena is a long-blooming plant that will produce flowers from spring through fall.

• Madagascar periwinkle: Madagascar periwinkle is a heat- and drought-tolerant annual that produces delicate flowers and glossy leaves. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. Madagascar periwinkle is a trailing plant that makes a great groundcover.

Tips for Choosing and Growing Heat-Tolerant Plants in Michigan

When choosing heat-tolerant plants for your Michigan garden, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Sunlight: Most heat-tolerant plants prefer full sun to partial shade. However, there are some shade-tolerant varieties available, such as barrenwort and impatiens.

• Soil: Heat-tolerant plants typically prefer well-drained soil. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal.

• Water: While heat-tolerant plants are drought-tolerant, they still need regular watering, especially during hot, dry spells.

• Mulch: Mulching around heat-tolerant plants helps to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

By following these tips, you can choose and grow beautiful heat-tolerant plants that will thrive in Michigan’s summer climate.