Posted on July 11, 2025 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

July in Pittsburg, Kansas, brings intense heat and unpredictable rainfall, but that doesn’t mean your garden has to take a summer break. With the right choices, you can keep your landscape vibrant and productive by selecting heat-tolerant plants for July. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned gardener, these resilient options will help you enjoy a colorful, low-maintenance garden all summer long.

Why Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants for July?

The Kansas climate in July is hot and often dry, posing a challenge to many traditional garden favorites. However, heat-tolerant plants for July are not deterred by these conditions.

They are specially adapted to withstand high temperatures and require less water, making them ideal for local conditions in Pittsburg, Kansas. These plants often feature deep root systems or waxy leaves to conserve moisture and thrive where others wilt, giving you the confidence that your garden will remain vibrant even in the harshest of summers.

Top Annual Flowers That Beat the Heat

Annuals are a popular choice for instant color and continuous blooms. Some of the best heat-tolerant plants for July include:

• Vinca (Catharanthus roseus), commonly known as Madagascar Periwinkle: Flourishes in full sun, tolerates drought, and resists disease.
• Zinnia: Offers vivid color, withstands high heat and humidity, and attracts pollinators.
• Celosia: Thrives in hot, sunny spots with minimal care, providing bold texture and color.
• Mexican Zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia): Compact, mildew-resistant, and blooms all summer.
• Ornamental Onions (Allium spp.): Showy and resilient, with large, dramatic blooms.

Edible Options: Vegetables and Herbs

Don’t let the heat stop your vegetable garden! Many edibles are excellent heat-tolerant plants for July:

• Tomatoes (select heat-adapted varieties)
• Peppers (bell, chili, jalapeno)
• Okra and eggplant
• Basil and other warm-weather herbs
• Malabar spinach for leafy greens in the heat

These choices ensure a productive harvest even as temperatures rise.

Ornamental Grasses and Perennials

For structure and year-round interest, consider these tough performers:

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): Native prairie grass, drought-resistant, and attractive.
• Purple fountain grass: Striking burgundy grass with showy purple plumes that commonly bloom from June through the first frost.
• Sedum ‘Autumn Fire’ and ‘Autumn Joy’: Succulent perennials that thrive in full sun and dry conditions.

Tips for Success with Heat-Tolerant Plants for July

To get the most from your heat-tolerant plants for July, keep these best practices in mind:

• Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep roots.
• Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce heat stress.
• Choose well-drained soil and amend with organic matter if needed.
• Group plants with similar water and sun needs together.
• Visit Van Becelaere Greenhouse for regionally adapted selections and expert advice.

Visit Van Becelaere Greenhouse for Your Summer Garden

By incorporating heat-tolerant plants for July, you’ll create a lush, colorful oasis that stands up to the Kansas summer. Van Becelaere Greenhouse, with its curated selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and grasses explicitly chosen for our local climate, is here to support you.

Stop by for personalized recommendations and everything you need to keep your garden thriving, no matter how high the mercury climbs. With our expert advice, you can be confident in your gardening choices.