Bougainvillea (Photo: WanderFleur/ Unsplash)
Cover Bougainvillea (Photo: WanderFleur/ Unsplash)

Here are the prettiest, low-water plant options that won't die on you even in this crazy heat

As Southeast Asia continues to sweat in the grip of a blistering heat wave, those with gardens will worry about their beloved plants used to less extreme heat.

But as temperatures soar and water becomes scarce, some botanical survivors exhibit remarkable endurance and beauty. Here, we present a selection of seven plants that not only tolerate little water but thrive under the scorching sun.

From the vibrant hues of the Bougainvillea to the delicate allure of the Vinca, these hardy specimens offer a symphony of colours and textures while requiring minimal care. 

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1. Canna Lily

Tatler Asia
Canna Lily (Photo: iStock)
Above Canna lily (Photo: iStock)

Canna lilies are a great choice for gardens in dry and hot weather due to their ability to withstand arid conditions. These resilient flowers have thick rhizomes that store water, enabling them to endure drought and thrive with minimal irrigation.

Their broad leaves provide shade, reducing soil evaporation and conserving moisture. Canna lilies prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location, but they can tolerate some dryness.

They require regular watering but their built-in water reserves allow them to withstand limited water availability. These low-maintenance plants rarely fall victim to pests or diseases. Deadheading spent blooms promote continuous flowering, and occasional fertilisation enhances their vitality. 

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2. Vinca

Tatler Asia
Vinca (Photo: iStock)
Above Vinca (Photo: iStock)

Vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a flowering plant with impressive drought and heat tolerance. Its thick leaves reduce moisture loss, enabling it to thrive with limited water availability. 

The diverse range of colours available in Vinca is another attractive feature. From traditional periwinkle blue to pink, white, and more, there is a Vinca variety to suit any garden or landscape.

Trailing Vinca varieties rather than upright ones are particularly suited for intensely hot and water-poor conditions, as trailing vinca spreads and creates a dense ground cover that acts as natural mulch, shading the soil and reducing evaporation. This promotes moisture retention and shields the plant's roots from excessive heat.

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3. Plumbago

Tatler Asia
Plumbago (Photo: Gwyn/ Unsplash)
Above Plumbago (Photo: Gwyn/ Unsplash)

Plumbago is a perfect plant for hot weather, full sun, and limited water conditions. With its leathery leaves, it can withstand direct sunlight without wilting.

This adaptable plant has a deep root system that allows it to access moisture from lower soil layers, making it drought-tolerant. While it can survive with minimal watering once established, occasional watering promotes healthy growth.

Plumbago's delicate clusters of blue or white flowers add beauty to any garden, contrasting against its lush green foliage. With its resilience to heat, low water requirements, and charming blooms, plumbago is an excellent choice for gardens in hot climates with limited water availability.

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4. False Heather

Tatler Asia
False Heather (Photo: iStock)
Above False Heather (Photo: iStock)

False heather, scientifically known as Cuphea Hyssopifolia, is an exceptional plant that thrives even in extreme heat and water-scarce conditions. With its small, dense leaves, false heather conserves water and withstands intense heat and drought. 

This plant requires minimal maintenance, adding to its appeal. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location, although it can tolerate some shade. Pruning is optional but can help maintain a compact shape and promote bushier growth.

With its delicate foliage and profusion of small, colourful flowers, its petite size makes it suitable for borders, containers, or as ground cover.

5. Rosemary

Tatler Asia
Rosemary (Photo: Luca Volpe/ Unsplash)
Above Rosemary (Photo: Luca Volpe/ Unsplash)

Rosemary is a hardy plant that thrives in direct sunlight and with minimal water. Its needle-like leaves and woody stems help reduce water loss, enabling it to conserve moisture in arid environments.

Additionally, rosemary flourishes in direct sunlight, requiring at least six hours of sun exposure daily for optimal growth and flavour development.

Apart from its resilience, rosemary offers practical benefits. Its fragrant foliage adds a lovely aroma to the garden, and its leaves are widely used in culinary dishes to enhance flavour. 

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6. Lantana

Tatler Asia
Lantana (Photo: Riddhi Ranjan/ Unsplash)
Above Lantana (Photo: Riddhi Ranjan/ Unsplash)

Lantana is a plant species that thrives in full sun and arid conditions. With its vibrant clusters of flowers and attractive foliage, lantana adds colour even in challenging environments.

Lantana's ability to thrive in full sun can be attributed to its natural adaptation to high light intensity. Its leaves are small, thick, and waxy, which helps reduce water loss through transpiration and protects the plant from excessive heat. 

It has a deep root system that allows it to access moisture from deeper soil layers. Once established, Lantana can survive with minimal irrigation, making it a low-maintenance plant option for water-wise gardening.

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7. Bougainvillea

Tatler Asia
Bougainvillea (Photo: WanderFleur/ Unsplash)
Above Bougainvillea (Photo: WanderFleur/ Unsplash)

Bougainvillea, known for its vibrant and showy flowers, is a plant that thrives in hot climates as this plant prefers full sun and can endure dry conditions.

Bougainvillea's ability to flourish in hot environments is due to its natural adaptation to high temperatures. Its thick, leathery leaves and sturdy branches allow the plant to withstand the intense heat without sacrificing its vibrant blooms.

Additionally, Bougainvillaea is a drought-tolerant plant that requires little water once established. It has a deep root system that allows it to access water from deeper soil layers, making it more resilient during periods of water scarcity. However, it is important to note that while bougainvillaea can tolerate dry conditions, regular watering is still necessary to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

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