By the time June arrives in Oxford, the gentle charm of spring has usually been replaced by the heavy, familiar blanket of Mississippi humidity. Those delicate pansies and snapdragons that looked so vibrant in April are likely starting to “sizzle out,” bowing their heads to the relentless afternoon sun. For many homeowners, this is the moment they worry their curb appeal has hit its peak, but at Laurel Tree Garden Center, we know the party is just getting started.
June is the month of the “Tropical Transition.” It is the time to lean into the heat and embrace the high-performance plants that don’t just survive our 90-degree days, they thrive in them. By incorporating tropical and sub-tropical varieties into your landscape, you can transform your backyard into a lush, resort-style oasis that looks better as the mercury rises.
Here is how to navigate the transition to a high-heat, high-color summer.
1. The “Big Three” for Oxford Patios
If you want a plant that can stand up to the sun on a West-facing Oxford porch, you need the “heavy hitters.” These three are our top recommendations for June installations because of their sheer resilience.
- Mandevilla: These vining beauties are the undisputed queens of the summer patio. Whether you choose the classic trumpet-shaped pink blooms or the bold crimson varieties, Mandevilla loves the humidity. They are perfect for climbing a trellis or spilling out of a large decorative urn.
- Hibiscus: Nothing says “summer” like the giant, dinner-plate blooms of a Tropical Hibiscus. They crave full sun and consistent watering. At Laurel Tree, we love seeing these used as “statement pieces” flanking a front door or framing a swimming pool.
- Dipladenia: Often mistaken for Mandevilla, Dipladenia is its bushier, more compact cousin. If you want the glossy leaves and constant blooms without the climbing vines, this is your go-to choice for hanging baskets and window boxes.
2. Lush Textures: The “Cooling” Effect of Greenery
Color isn’t just about flowers; it’s about the feeling of the space. When the Oxford sun is glaring, deep emerald greens provide a visual “cooling” effect.
- Kimberly Queen Ferns: Unlike the finicky Boston Fern, the Kimberly Queen is upright, architectural, and, most importantly, sun-tolerant. They can handle the morning sun and the afternoon heat much better than their shadier relatives, making them ideal for large porch pots.
- Canna Lilies: For a dramatic, structural look, Canna Lilies offer bold, paddle-shaped leaves in shades of green, bronze, or variegated stripes. Their bright orange or yellow flowers are just a bonus to the incredible tropical texture they add to the back of a flower bed.
3. Thrillers for the “Hot Spots”
Every yard has that one “hot spot”, the concrete pool deck or the driveway-adjacent bed, where nothing seems to grow. June is the time to deploy the succulents and heat-hardy annuals.
- Lantana: If you want a “plant it and forget it” option, Lantana is the answer. It is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and a magnet for Oxford’s butterflies. It creates a carpet of color that stays vibrant until the first frost.
- Portulaca (Moss Rose): This low-growing succulent produces jewel-toned flowers that open in the sun and close at night. It thrives in the poorest soils and can handle the radiating heat of a stone walkway with ease.
4. Feeding the Engines
Tropical plants are “heavy feeders.” Because they grow so rapidly and bloom so prolifically in the June heat, they burn through nutrients quickly.
- The Master Plan: We recommend a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks for your tropical containers. Think of it as the fuel they need to keep those big blooms coming through July and August. At Laurel Tree, we can help you pick the right “bloom booster” for your specific collection.
5. Water Wisely
While these plants love the heat, they aren’t desert cacti. A Tropical Hibiscus in a pot on a July afternoon in Oxford is going to be thirsty.
- The Strategy: Check your containers daily. If the soil feels dry an inch below the surface, give them a deep soak. Water early in the morning so the plants are hydrated and ready to face the peak temperatures of the afternoon.
Is your landscape ready for the “Big Heat”? Don’t let the rising temperatures dull your garden’s shine. At Laurel Tree Garden Center, our greenhouses are packed with the boldest, toughest tropicals that are acclimated and ready for your Oxford home. Come walk through our “jungle” this week and let’s find the perfect pieces to keep your summer vibrant!
To learn more about Laurel Tree, call (662) 362-7332 or visit their store at 2500 University Ave, Oxford, MS 38655.
