Garden experts reveal the best plants for lowering heat, creating shade and making outdoor spaces feel cooler during a heatwave
Looking for natural shade? From lush climbers to cooling canopy trees, garden experts say the right plants can help lower temperatures and make outdoor spaces far more comfortable during hot weather — meaning you may not even need to reach for your parasol.
'As British summers get hotter and record-breaking heatwaves become the norm, we really need to rethink what our gardens are for,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. 'Our outdoor spaces can be our best defence against the sun. The right plants actually chill the air around them like natural air conditioning. The most effective way to cool down fast is to plant a living umbrella.'
From fast-growing climbers to leafy trees that cast dappled shade, keep reading for the best plants to help beat the heat this summer.
'Fast, full-sun climbers are one of the quickest ways to cool a seating area because they can turn a hot pergola or bare wall into a shaded, leafy canopy within a season or two,' says horticultural specialist Patrick Martin.
'Grapevine is a strong choice for pergolas and overhead frames because it makes a dense summer roof of leaves that blocks high sun, and then it will drop foliage in winter to let light back in.'
Julian agrees, adding: 'The heavy foliage creates a thick, cool "ceiling" that makes sitting outside feel like a Mediterranean escape rather than a test of endurance.'
According to Julian, the deciduous shrub Amelanchier (Juneberry) is an excellent cooling plant.
'Through a process called transpiration, this tree essentially "sweats" water vapour. As that moisture evaporates, it physically pulls heat out of the air,' Julian says.
Water regularly during the first year of planting, then enjoy beautiful spring blossoms and summer fruit. It performs best in full sun to light shade, but more sunlight means a greater fruit harvest.
Virginia creeper is another effective option for growing along walls. When its dense foliage sits close to the surface, it can help reduce heat build-up by shading the wall — which can also make the surrounding area feel noticeably cooler.
Similarly, English ivy can provide the same cooling effect. 'Covering a wall in English Ivy acts as a thermal buffer. It's a bit of a myth that ivy ruins walls, but the truth is it can keep the surface of your house up to 10°C cooler,' says Julian.
This evergreen climber, with its sweet-smelling scent, is another great option for trailing over pergolas.
'For areas where you want year-round greenery, star jasmine can provide evergreen cover in milder spots, offering a medium-dense canopy and additional comfort from its scented flowers near seating,' says Patrick. 'Prune lightly after flowering to keep the canopy tidy and to prevent it from smothering nearby plants or blocking pathways.'
'The Whitebeam is particularly clever because the silver undersides of its leaves reflect sunlight away rather than absorbing it, meaning the shade underneath stays much deeper and crisper than it would under an ordinary parasol or awning,' says Julian.
Don't forget to keep plants hydrated. For this natural cooling to work, they need a proper soak in the evening during a dry spell.
Acer trees are a wise choice if your garden is lacking shade. Fast-growing and easy to care for, a well-established maple can even reduce the air temperature by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air through transpiration.
'Silver birch is one of the best trees for creating light, dappled shade without making a garden feel dark. Its airy canopy allows airflow while reducing heat build-up,' says Faiqa Nawaz, horticulturist and gardening expert at Airtasker.
Julian also explains that silver birch trees can help your garden feel less 'muggy' or stagnant because their constant rustling helps to circulate the cooled air.
'Down at ground level, you want to get rid of bare soil or dark slate chippings, which just radiate heat back,' says Julian. 'Instead, use "living mulch" like creeping thyme. These carpets of green keep the ground temperature stable and protect the moisture in the soil.'
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, creeping thyme is perfect for planting in rockeries, borders, or paving gaps in need of interest. Ensure to space plants 10-15cm apart and give a light trim after flowering to prolong blooms.
'For your main borders, go for the big-leaved "thirsty" plants like hydrangeas,' says Julian.
'Because they have such large surface areas, they pump out more moisture into the air. If you group these near your favourite garden chair, you'll create a little "cool pocket" where the air feels noticeably fresher.'
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