Lantana (Lantana camara) – A heat- and drought-tolerant perennial in the Southeast, growing 2–4 feet tall, thriving in full sun with clusters of multicolored blooms that attract butterflies.

Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) – This sun-loving perennial grows 1–2 feet tall, producing bright yellow flowers all summer in hot, dry conditions.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella) – Reaching 1–2 feet tall, it loves full sun and blooms with red-and-yellow daisy-like flowers even in poor soils.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) – Fast-growing annuals reaching 1–3 feet tall, they thrive in full sun and bloom continuously through the Southeast’s long growing season.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) – Tough perennials growing 1–4 feet tall, they handle heat well and bloom with trumpet-shaped flowers in many colors.

Azalea (Rhododendron spp.) – A Southeast favorite, growing 3–6 feet tall, it thrives in partial shade and produces stunning spring blooms in pink, red, or white.

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) – This evergreen shrub reaches 3–8 feet tall, loves full sun to partial shade, and is prized for its fragrant white summer flowers.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) – Growing 3–6 feet tall, it does best in partial shade and produces large clusters of pink, blue, or white summer blooms.

Camellia (Camellia japonica) – A glossy-leaved evergreen reaching 6–12 feet tall, it thrives in partial shade with vibrant flowers from late winter to spring.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) – This fast-growing shrub grows 5–10 feet tall, loves full sun, and produces fragrant flower spikes that attract butterflies all summer.

Southeast gardens face hot summers, high humidity, and heavy rainfall, so choosing heat- and moisture-tolerant plants is key. Water early in the morning to reduce disease risk, use mulch to conserve soil moisture, and improve drainage to prevent root rot. Regular pruning and fertilizing help plants thrive through the region’s long growing season.