Summer Planters That Beat the Heat

By Joanne K., Pitt County EMGV
Eastern NC is definitely in the dog days of summer now, with the heat index soaring above 100 and rain coming sporadically. Containers plants are particularly vulnerable to this twin whammy of hot, dry conditions, as the containers tend to dry out quickly.

Pitt County Master Gardeners were asked to share photos of some of their favorite container gardens that have held up well this summer despite unfavorable growing weather. Below are their containers, along with the plants that have beat the heat!

Photo 1: by Cindy C., Pitt County EMGV
Coleus scutellarioides, Coleus;
Ipomoea batatas Sweet Potato Vine;
Lantana camara, Common Lantana;
Crossandra infundibuliformis, Firecracker Flower

Photo 2: Dell E., Pitt County EMGV
Caladium Caladiums;
Coleus scutellarioides, Coleus

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Photo 3: Judy P., Pitt County EMGV
Suntory Catharanthus Vinca

Photo 4: Joanne K., Pitt County EMGV
Euphorbia x martini 'Ascot Rainbow' Spurge;
Surdiva® Scaevola Hybrid White Improved

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Photo 5: Bob C., Pitt County EMGV
Colocasia Elephant Ears;
Caladiums Caladiums;
Canna  Cannas

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Photo 6: Teresa S., Pitt County EMGV
Left: Sedum reflexum 'Blue Spruce'
Middle/Bottom (lighter green): Sedum rupestre 'Angelina'
Right (fleshier): Sedum rubrotinctum 'Pork & Beans'

Photo 7: Blythe T., Pitt County EMGV
Catharanthus Vinca;
Lysimachia aurea Creeping Jenny