Thrive During Our Lodi Summers | 5 Plants That Do!
- Alyce Peterson
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
August can be especially hot in Lodi, CA. While the climate of warm days and cooler nights is great for winegrape growing, it can be tough on some garden favorites.
Here are five plants that not only survive, they thrive in these challenging conditions, rewarding gardeners with vibrant color and low maintenance.
1. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Why It Thrives:Lantana is a heat-loving superstar. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives in the blazing sun. The clusters of flowers come in vivid oranges, yellows, reds, and purples, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds all summer.
Tips for Success:
Plant in full sun for the best blooms.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Trim back lightly to encourage fresh flowers.
2. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Why It Thrives:Daylilies are tough perennials that handle heat and humidity with ease. Their trumpet-shaped flowers bloom for just one day each, but the plants produce many buds, giving weeks of color.
Tips for Success:
Plant in a sunny to lightly shaded spot.
Remove spent flowers to keep the plant tidy.
Divide every few years to keep clumps healthy and blooming.
3. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Why It Thrives:A classic summer annual, zinnias thrive in Lodi’s hot climate and reward you with bold color all season. They love heat, are resistant to drought once established, and come in a rainbow of hues.
Tips for Success:
Direct sow seeds in late spring after the soil warms.
Water at the base to prevent powdery mildew.
Cut flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.
Salvia | photo credit: Adobe.com
4. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Why It Thrives:Salvias, including popular varieties like ‘Hot Lips’ and mealycup sage, are drought-tolerant perennials that bloom profusely in the heat. Their tubular flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and pollinators.
Tips for Success:
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
Deadhead spent blooms to keep flowers coming.
Many salvias are semi-evergreen in Zone 9, so enjoy year-round interest.
5. Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
Why It Thrives:Also known as Cape Leadwort, this sprawling shrub produces clouds of soft blue flowers that can handle the hottest summer days. It’s a favorite in Mediterranean-style gardens and can be trained on a trellis or used as a low hedge.
Tips for Success:
Provide full sun for best flowering.
Prune after blooming to maintain shape.
Give moderate water, but it’s fairly drought-tolerant once established.
Lodi Summer Gardening Tips
Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong roots.
Mulch around plants to keep soil cool and reduce evaporation.
Choose the right plants—heat- and humidity-tolerant species will save you time and effort.
These five plants will keep your garden looking vibrant, even during the dog days of summer. By choosing the right plants for your climate, you can enjoy a garden that thrives instead of struggles.
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