Nevada heat isn’t slowing these plants down one bit—they’re still blooming like champs. While everything else starts to fade, these tough beauties keep the show going.
I spotted a few on a walk this week, and they were absolutely glowing in the sun. If your garden’s feeling tired, these are the plants that’ll perk it right back up.
Trust me, they’re built for this heat—and they’re not done yet.
1. Lantana
Tough as nails with a rainbow of colors, these butterfly magnets thrive when Nevada temperatures soar. They barely need water once established, making them perfect for busy gardeners.
Plant them in full sun areas where other flowers have given up. Their clusters of tiny blooms create a carpet of color that keeps going strong right through September.
2. Desert Marigold
Native to Nevada’s harsh landscape, these sunny yellow blooms stand up to scorching heat without complaint. Their silvery foliage reflects sunlight, acting as natural sun protection.
You’ll spot these resilient wildflowers along Nevada highways and trails. They’re drought-tolerant champions that keep flowering when other plants have long since called it quits.
3. Red Yucca
Despite its name, red yucca isn’t actually a yucca at all. The coral-pink flower stalks rise dramatically above grasslike foliage, creating living sculptures in Nevada gardens.
Hummingbirds can’t resist these tubular blooms that appear all summer long. Incredibly drought-resistant, they’re perfect for Nevada’s water-conscious landscaping and need almost no maintenance.
4. Bougainvillea
Nothing says summer like bougainvillea’s brilliant paper-like bracts in hot pink, purple, or orange. Many Nevada homeowners train them as climbing vines or allow them to cascade over walls.
The secret to their success in Silver State gardens? Deep roots that seek out water far below the surface. Once established, they’ll reward you with non-stop color through the hottest months.
5. Verbena
Low-growing and eager to spread, verbena creates waves of purple, pink or white across Nevada landscapes. The delicate-looking flowers are surprisingly tough, bouncing back even after the most brutal heat waves.
Many Nevada gardeners use them as ground cover in difficult spots. Their ability to attract butterflies while deterring deer makes them doubly valuable in areas where wildlife visits from the surrounding desert.
6. Russian Sage
With silvery-gray foliage and lavender-blue flower spikes, Russian sage brings cool colors to hot Nevada gardens. The aromatic leaves deter pests naturally, making it virtually maintenance-free.
Even in Nevada’s driest regions, this perennial performer keeps its composure. The airy texture adds movement to desert landscapes, creating a beautiful contrast against rugged rocks and sandy soil.
7. Blanket Flower
Cheerful daisy-like blooms in fiery sunset colors make blanket flowers stand out in Nevada gardens. Their fuzzy centers attract beneficial pollinators even during the hottest parts of summer.
Nevada’s native bees absolutely love these drought-tolerant perennials. The plants keep producing new flowers right through fall, providing reliable color when the mercury refuses to drop below 90°F.
8. Texas Sage
Also called cenizo, this shrub erupts with purple blooms after summer rainstorms in Nevada. The silvery foliage looks attractive even when it’s not flowering, adding year-round structure to desert gardens.
Nevada landscapers often use it as a natural alternative to boxwood hedges. Unlike thirstier plants, Texas sage actually performs better with neglect—perfect for Nevada’s challenging growing conditions.
9. Coreopsis
Sunny yellow blooms dance on slender stems above feathery foliage, bringing cheerful energy to Nevada gardens. They self-seed readily, creating natural drifts that expand year after year.
Even in Nevada’s harshest growing zones, coreopsis keeps its cool. The drought-tolerant nature makes it perfect for water-wise landscapes, while its extended blooming period ensures months of golden color.
10. Autumn Sage
Despite its name, Autumn Sage blooms enthusiastically all summer long in Nevada gardens. The tubular flowers in red, pink, or purple are hummingbird magnets, bringing delightful visitors during hot afternoons.
Native to desert regions, it’s perfectly adapted to Nevada’s challenging climate. The aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits, making it an excellent choice for unfenced areas near Nevada’s open spaces.
11. Globe Mallow
Nevada’s native globe mallow produces cup-shaped blooms in shades from apricot to orange. The gray-green foliage has a velvety texture that helps the plant conserve water during intense heat.
You’ll often spot these growing wild alongside Nevada highways. Their deep taproots allow them to access moisture far below the surface, explaining why they keep blooming when everything else has dried up.
12. Lavender
Surprisingly tough in Nevada’s climate, lavender’s silvery foliage and purple flower spikes bring Mediterranean charm to desert gardens. The fragrant blooms attract bees while naturally repelling mosquitoes and flies.
Nevada gardeners particularly love Spanish lavender varieties for their heat tolerance. Plant them where you can brush against them when walking by—the released scent creates an instant sensory experience even on the hottest days.