Sizzling summer blooms: Heat tolerant flowers to fill your Island and surrounds garden

As we settle into the heart of another Queensland summer, gardens across Bribie Island and the surrounding Sunshine Coast region are ready for a fresh burst of colour. With long, hot days already upon us and the humidity cranking up, now is the ideal time to plant tough, vibrant flowers that thrive in our coastal conditions and turn sandy backyards into floral spectacles. Whether you’re in Bongaree, Bellara or just across the bridge in Caboolture or the Glass House area, these selections are perfectly suited to our salty breezes, quick-draining soils and relentless sunshine. 

What the rest of summer holds for local gardens 

Bribie Island enjoys a classic humid subtropical climate: January and February typically deliver daytime highs of 29–31°C, an overnight minimum around 22°C and the ever-present chance of intense afternoon storms dropping 150–200mm in a month. The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest outlook for the remainder of summer 2025-26 (through to the end of February) continues to point to above-average temperatures across southeast Queensland, with a high likelihood of extended hot spells and overnight warmth that doesn’t let the soil cool down. Rainfall remains uncertain - some models favour wetter than normal conditions along the coast, while others suggest periods of dry heat. Either way, gardeners should focus on heat and humidity tolerant plants, generous mulching and efficient watering practices to keep roots cool and moist on our sandy soils. 

Top heatproof performers to plant right now 

These reliable summer stars will establish quickly in the warmth and reward you with weeks (or months) of non-stop flowers. Plant into soil enriched with compost or aged manure, ensure sharp drainage and give a deep soak once or twice a week until roots take hold - then our summer rains usually do the rest. 

1. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) 

The undisputed champion of Queensland summers. Huge, vivid blooms in red, pink, orange, yellow or white appear daily on established plants right through until autumn. Loves full sun, handles salt spray and shrugs off humidity. Perfect for hedges, feature shrubs or large pots on the patio. 

2. Frangipani (Plumeria rubra)  

Gorgeous, fragrant flowers in whites, pinks and yellows are opening now and will continue for months. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and ideal for sandy coastal blocks. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot and enjoy that classic tropical perfume drifting through open windows. 

3. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)  

Explosions of papery bracts in magenta, purple, orange or red that simply laugh at 35°C days. Train over pergolas, fences or arches for vertical impact. The harder the conditions, the better they flower - just ease off the water and fertiliser. 

4. Canna Lily (Canna indica hybrids)  

Bold tropical foliage with towering spikes of red, orange, yellow or peach flowers. They relish wet, hot weather and are excellent around pools or in low spots that catch runoff. Deadhead regularly for continuous display. 

5.Bird-of-Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) 

Striking orange-and-blue ‘crane’ flowers rise above glossy leaves from mid-summer onward. Tough, salt-tolerant and a real statement plant for borders or as a focal point. Give it room - clumps can reach 1.5–2m wide. 

6.Salvia (heat-loving types such as Salvia leucantha, S. guaranitica or S. splendens)   

Long spikes of purple, blue or red tubular flowers that keep coming in waves. Attracts nectar-feeding birds and bees, tolerates part-shade if afternoons get brutal and flowers relentlessly until cooler weather arrives. 

Quick tips for summer success on Bribie and surrounds 

• Mulch heavily (5-10cm) with sugarcane, lucerne or coarse bark to keep roots cool and suppress weeds. 

• Water deeply, but less often to encourage deep rooting - early morning is best to reduce fungal issues. 

• Add a seaweed-based tonic every couple of weeks to boost heat and pest resistance. 

• Pop down to Bribie Island Community Nursery, local markets or the bigger outlets at Caboolture for healthy tube stock and expert advice tailored to our area. 

There’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy a garden bursting with colour and life. Get planting this week and watch your patch transform into a tropical paradise that can handle whatever the Queensland summer throws at it. 

Happy gardening, Bribie and Surrounds! 

Mole