Last updated on May 12th, 2026 at 06:29 am
Plants that bloom all summer long throughout the hot summer months. In the Southwest, it can get brutally hot; it is not unusual to see temperatures soar into the double digits from June until late August. Most plants stop growing, and blooms are nonexistent. Except for some, here in this article is a list of plants that will bloom all summer long.
Red Bird of Paradise plants
Caesalpinia pulcherrima. This plant loves the hot sun, and the blooms are bright red and orange. They are considered desert landscape plants, so placing them in a rock garden or in a hot corner is no problem for them. It goes by many names: the Peacock flower, the Mexican bird of paradise, and the Pride of Barbados. After the plant becomes well-established, water it every other day it keeps blooming all summer long. There are some things you need to know about the Red Bird of Paradise plant.
Yellow Bells Plant
A great flowering plant that will bloom its bright yellow trumpet-like bloom from late spring until early fall. Also called the Esperanza plant. It does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Dark green leaves, beautiful yellow-like Blooms in spring into mid-summer. Fast-growing in the desert southwest. It can grow up to 5-6 ft. tall and 5 ft. wide. It will produce seed pods that will need pruning throughout the growing seasons. Learn more about the Yellow Bells Plant.
Bougainvillea Plants
The Bougainvillea plants are beautiful plants that love the hot southwest sun. They will bloom from late spring until mid-fall. Sometimes the stems and foliage will stop growing and look somewhat bare, but pruning the stems a little, about 4-6 inches back, generates new growth and new flowers towards the end of the stems. They come in numerous colors, from dark purple to light yellow. Read more about Bougainvillea plants here.
Check out Monrovia.com’s list of Bougainvilleas. Boungainvillea.
Plants that bloom all summer in Las Cruces
Lantana Plants
Lantanas are heat-loving plants and thrive in desert and rock gardens. They like lots of water during the first 2-3 weeks after initial planting, but become moderately watered plants after they are well established. They will produce lots of flowers from late spring until mid-fall. Most independent nurseries will carry them, and many colors and types of Lantanas exist. The most common are the Dallas red and Yellow gold types. Learn about Lantana plants.
Furthermore, lantana plants are incredibly easy to care for. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for those hot summer months. Whether you have a green thumb or not, you can enjoy the beauty of lantana plants with minimal effort. Provide them with well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and occasional watering, and they will reward you with their stunning blooms.
Trumpet Vines or Creepers
Trumpet vines will bloom long, trumpet-like flowers from late spring until late summer. They attract all types of birds, especially hummingbirds, as they like to poke their beaks into the flowers looking for nectar. The most common one is the Campsis radicans, also called the Trumpet Creeper. More information about Southwest vines for landscaping.
Ageratum Plants
A beautiful low-growing plant that will bloom with round-like flowers from mid-spring until mid-fall. Great low-growing flowers that will bloom most of the summer. Use them in the foreground with taller perennials/annuals in the rear. Learn more about the Ageratum Plant here.
Flowering Vinca Plants
Also known as Madagascar Periwinkle Catharanthus roseus, Vinca is one of the best flowering plants for hot summer climates. These heat-loving plants will produce an endless display of blooms from mid-spring all the way into late fall, often continuing until the first frost. One of the biggest advantages of Vinca is that there is no deadheading required. The old flowers naturally drop off on their own, allowing the plant to continue blooming without much maintenance.
At first glance, Vinca plants may appear somewhat delicate when you see them at garden centers, but do not let their soft appearance fool you. Once established, they are extremely tough and dependable plants that thrive in intense summer heat and full sun. In Southwest climates such as Las Cruces and El Paso, they can handle temperatures well over 100 degrees when watered properly.
The key to keeping Vinca healthy and blooming heavily throughout summer is consistent watering. During the hottest months, especially in containers or raised beds, they may need watering almost daily. Plants growing directly in the ground usually require less frequent watering once established, but they still appreciate regular moisture during extended heat waves. Be sure the soil drains well, as overly soggy soil can lead to root problems.
Vinca plants are available in a wide range of beautiful colors, including bright white, soft pink, lavender, peach, rose, and deep dark red. Many newer varieties also feature contrasting centers or bicolored blooms, making them excellent for flower beds, borders, hanging baskets, and patio containers. Their nonstop color and low maintenance needs make them one of the easiest annual flowers to grow in the Southwest.
Learn more about Vinca Plant Care.
These plants will flower all summer long; some will need more water than others. Phosphorus is what will make flowers bloom more often. It’s the middle number on all fertilizer products. You can also use bone meal as an organic substitute. It also contains calcium, which is an essential ingredient for growing vegetables.
Find out about common insects and diseases on plants.
Southwest Gardening Made Simple
Want more help choosing the right plants for our hot, dry Southwest climate? Check out my Southwest Gardening Made Simple eBook.
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