The urban heat island effect is a growing concern in cities worldwide, where concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, raising temperatures significantly. One effective solution is incorporating outdoor plant boxes with carefully selected vegetation to cool the environment. Here are some of the best plants for this purpose:

1. Sedum (Stonecrop) – Drought-resistant and excellent at reflecting sunlight, sedum varieties thrive in plant boxes with minimal maintenance.

2. Lavender – Known for its cooling fragrance, lavender also reduces heat by transpiring moisture and providing shade.

3. Bamboo – Fast-growing and dense, bamboo offers shade and windbreaks while absorbing heat effectively.

4. Agave – With thick, fleshy leaves, agave stores water and cools the air through evaporation.

5. Ivy (Hedera helix) – Climbing ivy shades walls and plant boxes, reducing surface temperatures significantly.

For optimal results, combine these plants with mulch to retain soil moisture and enhance cooling. By choosing the right species, urban spaces can become more livable and sustainable.