This summer season, you should grow plants that are known for their cooling effects, fragrance, and shade value, while also contributes to mental well-being and visual comfort. A well-planned garden can act as a microclimate buffer, reducing heat buildup around homes and offering a tranquil, refreshing environment.
Here is a curated list of 10 expert-recommended home garden plants ideal for Indian summer-balancing both functionality and floral beauty.
1. Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Ocimum sanctum
Tulsi is revered not only in Indian culture but also in modern botany for its air-purifying and temperature-regulating qualities. The aromatic oils released by Tulsi help freshen the air, while the plant’s broad leaves cool down the surrounding microzone.
- Best grown in pots with 4–6 hours of sun exposure
- Thrives in loamy soil with moderate watering
2. Aloe Vera – Aloe barbadensis
A low-maintenance succulent, Aloe Vera is ideal for rooftop gardens and windowsills. It absorbs warm air and radiates a natural cooling effect. The gel within the plant is also widely used for treating heat-related skin irritations.
- Requires well-draining sandy soil and minimal water
- Ideal for pots, especially in full sun or semi-shade
3. Mint – Mentha spp.
Mint is an herb that not only adds a refreshing flavor to drinks and dishes but also releases a cool aroma that reduces psychological stress. It spreads fast and is best grown in containers to control overgrowth.
- Prefers partial shade and moist, nutrient-rich soil
- Can be harvested repeatedly during summer
4. Areca Palm – Dypsis lutescens
A popular indoor and patio plant, Areca Palm naturally increases humidity and oxygen levels. It can reduce surrounding temperatures, making it ideal for balconies, drawing rooms, and courtyards.
- Best kept in indirect light; water regularly
- Acts as a natural barrier against sun exposure
5. Snake Plant – Sansevieria trifasciata
This hardy ornamental plant purifies air even at night and emits oxygen consistently. Its vertical growth and dense foliage block some heat absorption when lined along windows or walls.
- Thrives in minimal sunlight and infrequent watering
- Perfect for indoor rooms, balconies, and entrances
6. Jasmine – Jasminum sambac
Jasmine’s white blossoms emit a sweet and calming fragrance, commonly known to cool the mind and air. Their cooling influence is most effective during evening hours, when their aroma peaks.
- Requires at least 5–6 hours of sunlight
- Can be grown in containers or ground beds
7. Aparajita (Butterfly Pea) – Clitoria ternatea
This vine produces stunning blue or white flowers and grows rapidly along fences or trellises. It helps shade the area beneath, which contributes to a noticeable cooling around the base.
- Requires support to climb and full sun exposure
- Used for cooling teas and natural color extracts
8. Mogra – Jasminum multiflorum
Also called Indian Jasmine, Mogra is known for its dense blooming pattern and its ability to thrive even under harsh sun. It offers an ornamental look and releases aromatic oils that soothe warm environments.
- Thrives in both open ground and large pots
- Water regularly during the flowering period
9. Bougainvillea – Bougainvillea glabra
A colorful, drought-tolerant climber, Bougainvillea can reduce direct sun impact when used as a natural green curtain. Its sprawling growth provides shade and reduces heat reflection from concrete surfaces.
- Requires minimal watering and full sun
- Excellent for boundary walls and arched entrances
10. Chandni (Tagar) – Tabernaemontana divaricata
Chandni’s soft, pinwheel-like white flowers bloom in abundance and help lighten up shaded garden areas while improving air freshness. It grows well in partial shade and maintains its elegance throughout summer.
- Ideal for side borders and large containers
- Requires moist, fertile soil with good drainage
Advisory
To maintain a cool, healthy, and visually serene garden this summer:
- Use mulching to conserve soil moisture
- Position plants strategically to create natural shade zones
- Regularly water during early morning or post-sunset hours
- Choose clay or terracotta pots to avoid heat retention
Explore more tips and join gardening discussions. Share your plant stories and learn how others are growing green against the heat!