Reflected Heat

Reflected heat is the extra heat that bounces off block walls, stucco, driveways, rock and pool decks. South and west walls get the worst of it, and those spots stay hot into the evening.

The plants here are known to handle that heat. Texas Sage, Yellow Bells, Orange Jubilee, Red Bird of Paradise, Lantana and bougainvillea are common picks for hot walls.

Plant most of them in fall so roots grow before summer. Frost tender ones, like bougainvillea and lantana, usually go in during spring after the frost. Even heat lovers need regular water through their first summer.

What to look for

• Which wall is it? West and south walls are the hottest spots in most yards.
• How close to the wall? Leave room for the full width so air can move around the plant.
• Do you want flowers? Bougainvillea, Orange Jubilee and Yellow Bells bloom best in full sun.
• How cold does your yard get? Bougainvillea and lantana are frost tender. A hard frost can burn them back, and they regrow in spring.