New York City summers bring heat, humidity, and intense sunlight that can be tough on plants. For businesses looking to enhance their storefronts, restaurants, offices, or outdoor seating areas, it is important to select greenery that can handle these conditions while still providing vibrant curb appeal. With the right hot-weather plants paired with durable commercial planters, you can create an exterior that looks polished, professional, and inviting, even during the hottest days of July and August.
At Pottery King, we help NYC businesses select both the planters and the plants that stand up to the demands of the city. Bring the energy of summer into your storefront with planters designed to stand up to NYC’s toughest heat. Let Pottery King help you choose the perfect pieces to make your business shine.

1. Lantana
Lantanas are colorful, sun-loving plants that thrive in heat and require very little maintenance. Their clusters of flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red, creating a cheerful pop of color at your storefront. Businesses love lantana because it is both drought-tolerant and able to withstand NYC’s blazing summer sidewalks.
2. Geraniums
Geraniums are a classic choice for planters, especially in commercial spaces. These hardy bloomers come in a range of colors and can handle hot weather when watered consistently. They are also highly adaptable, working well in window boxes, large fiberglass planters, or as accents around entryways. Their vibrant petals create an instant sense of warmth and welcome.
3. Ornamental Grasses
Tall, flowing grasses like fountain grass or purple millet are excellent for businesses that want structure and movement in their planter designs. They tolerate heat well, require minimal care, and look striking in modern rectangular or cube planters. Pairing grasses with flowering plants adds both texture and height, making your storefront stand out from the crowd.
4. Marigolds
Few flowers thrive in the heat like marigolds. Their bright gold, orange, and red blooms add bold splashes of color, and they perform beautifully in full sun. Marigolds are also pest-resistant, making them a practical option for outdoor dining areas or café seating where you want both beauty and durability.

5. Succulents
Succulents like echeveria, agave, and aloe vera are champions of hot weather. These low-maintenance plants require little water, thrive in direct sun, and bring a modern, stylish look to commercial planters. In New York City’s concrete landscape, succulents stand out as sleek, contemporary choices for businesses looking for curb appeal with a modern twist.
6. Petunias
Petunias are bright, cheerful flowers that bloom consistently all summer long. Available in a wide variety of colors, they cascade beautifully over the edges of planters and add a playful, eye-catching look. For storefronts in high-traffic areas, petunias provide a splash of color that holds up to both heat and attention. Don’t just add plants. Create an atmosphere that draws customers in. Reach out today and our team can guide you to the right planters that complement your style and handle the summer heat with ease.
7. Hibiscus
For businesses that want a bold, tropical feel, hibiscus plants deliver large, show-stopping blooms in vibrant pinks, reds, and yellows. These plants thrive in hot weather and full sun, making them perfect for restaurants, hotels, or businesses that want to create a lively, resort-like atmosphere right in the middle of the city.
8. Zinnias
Zinnias are durable, colorful, and easy to maintain, making them ideal for commercial spaces. Their blooms come in an array of bright colors, and they thrive in direct sunlight and high temperatures. Zinnias work beautifully in larger planters, offering long-lasting color that continues throughout the summer season.
9. Coleus
Coleus is unique because of its vibrant foliage rather than its flowers. Available in striking combinations of green, red, pink, and purple, coleus thrives in heat and provides consistent visual interest all summer. It pairs well with flowering plants or can stand alone as a bold statement in sleek fiberglass containers.
10. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Often compared to miniature petunias, calibrachoa produces abundant, small flowers in a wide variety of colors. These trailing plants cascade beautifully over planter edges, creating a lush, full look. They perform best in sunny locations and are resilient in the heat, making them a fantastic option for NYC storefronts and patios. NYC heat doesn’t have to limit your curb appeal. Get in touch with our team and explore heat-ready planters that keep your greenery thriving.
Turning Greenery into a Statement Piece
Choosing the right hot-weather plants is only part of the equation. The planter itself plays a major role in keeping plants healthy and creating a polished look for your business. At Pottery King, we provide fiberglass, terracotta, and other durable options designed specifically for commercial use in New York City.
Our planters are lightweight, weather-resistant, and available in sizes large enough to handle everything from ornamental grasses to lush arrangements of flowers. With features like built-in drainage and customizable colors and finishes, our commercial planters ensure that your plants thrive while enhancing your brand’s aesthetic.

Turning Sidewalks into Invitations with Heat-Friendly Greenery
Adding greenery to your storefront is more than a design choice. It creates an inviting environment that attracts attention, softens harsh urban surroundings, and signals professionalism. Customers are naturally drawn to businesses that look vibrant, cared for, and welcoming. Whether it is a café with colorful petunias spilling from planters or an office building accented with sleek ornamental grasses, plants help set your business apart in the competitive NYC market.
Working with Experts Who Know NYC Streetscapes Best
At Pottery King, we understand the unique challenges New York City businesses face when it comes to curb appeal. Between the heat, the fast pace, and the competition, every detail matters. That is why we stock a wide variety of commercial planters in different sizes, shapes, and finishes to help you find the perfect match for your chosen plants. With same-day and next-day delivery options throughout the city, we make it simple for you to refresh your storefront quickly and effectively.
Seasonal Designs That Turn Heads on Busy Streets
Hot weather in New York does not have to mean a dull or lifeless exterior. With the right plants and the right planters, your business can thrive in the summer season and create a storefront that turns heads. From vibrant lantanas to bold hibiscus, these plants are built to withstand the heat while keeping your business looking its best.
Your storefront deserves more than just surviving summer. It should stand out in it. Partner with Pottery King to find planters that protect your plants, elevate your space, and keep customers coming back.