Style : GARDEN : SUMMER STOCK

In Southern California’s Mediterranean climate, most flowers bloom during the cool spring months, but there are some that wait until it’s really hot, blossoming in late summer. And while other plants look a little peaked after the heat of July and August, the flowers on this page are at their best during the nearly unbearable month of September.

Most of these warm-weather-lovers, which should be planted now, require regular watering but not excessive amounts. Consider concentrating them in one area for maximum impact or planting them in containers to brighten a patio or balcony. In pots, their water can be precisely measured. One Santa Barbara gardener managed to keep an entire patio of potted plants alive last summer with water collected while the shower was warming up.