Consider growing these 35 plants and flowers that love full sun and heat.
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Marigold
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Marigolds (Tagetes spp.
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Their fragrance is described as bright, green, spicy and warm.
More than50 easy-care speciesare available and perform reliably in USDA zones 2 to 9.
Plant these heat-loving flowers in average soil in full sun.
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They thrive in hot weather so grow them in a spot that gets full sun.
They aren’t picky about soil as long as it drains well.
They grow in USDA zones 2 to 11.
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Cosmos is low maintenance, growing even in poor soil and a wide range of temperatures and humidity.
It blooms all summer until the first frost and freely self-seeds to come back next year.
Yellow and orangish flowers have a dark center button and grow 2 to 3 feet tall.
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Of the 25 species, most are perennial flowers that self-seed readily.
Black-eyed Susans have a light, spicy fragrance and are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
They aren’t fussy about soil as long as it drains well.
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Coreopsis
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All 80 varieties of Coreopsis,(Coreopsis spp.
), grow naturally in North, South and Mid-America in USDA zones 2 to 11.
Foliage differs by jot down and may be ferny or lobed with an anise-like fragrance.
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Coreopsis may be annual or perennial depending on variety.
Coneflower
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Coneflowers,(Echinacea spp.
The hybrid ‘Fragrant Angel’ features white flowers with a sweet scent.
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Some varieties are fragrant in a potpourri of scents including licorice, bubblegum, and lilac.
Plant in full sun in USDA zones 3 to 10.
Each variety has its own unique features including color, flower form, and number of ray-like petals.
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Daisies won’t tolerate soggy soil but otherwise adapt to soil punch in.
They are drought and deer resistant and most insect pests leave them alone.
They have a subtle herb-like scent that attracts butterflies.
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Vines adapt to soil throw in but do require pruning to keep them neat.
It can be an aggressive spreader but is less so in zones with cooler summer temperatures.
More than 1,000 varieties are identified with the common morning glory most often found in gardens and landscapes.
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Light fragrance features different perfume notes including rose, citrus, and moss.
Morning glories thrive in poor soils and reseed readily.
Some varieties can be perennial in climates with year-round temperatures above 45F.
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Plants range from 12 to 36 inches tall and feature fern-like foliage with a pleasing fragrance.
Hardy perennials in USDA zones 5 to 9, they require soil that drains well.
Cut them back to ground level in autumn and mulch over winter in colder climates.
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Only white cultivars are lightly fragrant.
It grows best in well-draining loam and blooms continuously from April through November when spent flowers are removed.
Fragrance depends on the cultivar grown but is generally displeasing to deer and rabbits.
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Stems grow to 5 feet and can spread aggressively through the rhizome.
The native species has no scent however several cultivars are lightly fragrant.
Portulaca prefers rocky, sandy soil and good drainage is a must.
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Several cultivars are available, some of which emit the fragrance of old roses.
Aster
Late-season bloomers, asters, (Symphyotrichumspp.
), rank right up there with mums for autumn displays in the garden.
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Some varieties have an unappealing scent that deters animal and insect pests.
There are, though, over 200 species and many more cultivars of hibiscus, (Hibiscusspp.
), found all across the globe growing as annuals, perennials, shrubs, and even small trees.
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Hibiscus are moisture-loving plants thriving in full sun in moist, well-draining loam.
Depending on variety hibiscus can bloom starting in June until first frost.
Plant it in full sun in well-draining soil.
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Milkweed
Milkweeds, (Asclepias spp.
), are the sole food source for monarch butterflies.
With a few exceptions, milkweeds are hardy perennials in USDA zones 3 to 9.
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They are drought-tolerant and grow in poor soil.
Grow it in full sun (8 hours daily) in fertile, well-draining soil.
Sedums thrive in full sun in dry, arid climates and make good choices for rock gardens.
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They are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 11.
Lantana thrives in full sun and warm temperatures in hanging baskets, containers, and as a bedding plant.
Flowers emit a fragrance often described as off-putting though some gardeners find it unoffensive.
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Plant in moist soil that drains well and maintain a regular watering schedule for potted plants.
Speedwell is drought tolerant once mature and does not tolerate soggy soil.
Good fertility and drainage keep these plants healthy and blooming.
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Hardy plumbago grows in poor soils but does not tolerate standing water.
Tiny flowers are star-shaped and may be purple, pink or white.
Fresh flowers are unscented but dried blossoms may have a light vanilla fragrance.
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Plants tolerate short periods of drought but aim to keep the soil moderately moist.
Plant heliotrope in fertile, well-draining loam and keep soil evenly moist.
Considered shrubs, varieties include dwarf types and those that don’t spread aggressively.
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Grow them in average, well-drained soil in full sun and keep the soil moderately moist.
Hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9, many flowers from mid to late summer into autumn.
Plant crepe myrtle in a full sun location in average soil that drains well.
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Water regularly at the root level and prune in spring.
Some varieties are fragrant with a sweet, floral scent.
Lavender
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Lavender, (Lavendula spp.
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Grow these small shrubs at home in patio pots or close to walkways to enjoy the refreshing aroma.
Lavenders prefer alkaline soil and it must drain well.
This plant is drought tolerant once established and should be kept slightly on the dry side.
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Adaptable to soil jot down, they bloom best in fertile, well-drained soil.
Once established, seasonal rainfall usually supplies sufficient water.
Petunias
With dozens of varieties and colors, Petunias, (Petuniaspp.
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), have a place in every garden.
Some older varieties are fragrant with a light, sweet aroma.
Water regularly to keep plants moderately moist in lieu of annual rainfall.
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These annuals come in solid shades of green and purple as well as variegations with pink and cream.
They are drought tolerant but keep them looking good all summer long into autumn with slightly moist soil.
They may flower, occasionally but are grown for their colorful leaves.
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