Most gardeners talk about finding plants that can thrive in shade, but what about those that can really handle the heat?
If you live in a warm climate and your garden is bathed in sunlight all day, it might be difficult to grow most types of plants. Luckily, there are some blooms that can thrive even in full sun.
Sunflowers, moss roses, and woolflowers are just a few of the examples that love soaking up those rays and are perfect for growing in a sunny yard.
If you are interested, just keep reading because I’m about to share a list of the best sun-loving flowers that’ll keep your garden looking amazing all season long!
1. Woolflowers Can Beat The Heat
If your yard gets over 8 hours of sun, add some woolflower for their gorgeous blooms that grow in unique shapes (feathery, brain-like, or wheat-like). What’s also cool about this plant is that its burgundy leaves are even edible when young!
2. Geraniums Thrive In Sunny Spots
Geraniums thrive in sunny spots with moist, slightly alkaline soil, blooming in vibrant colors like red and purple from spring to fall. They’re toxic to pets and may have a fishy smell in the rain, so be prepared and keep your furry friends away!
Related: Revamp Your Garden With These Heat-Proof Geraniums, Guaranteed to Attract Hummingbirds
3. Pinewoods Milkweed Is A Butterfly Favorite
Butterflies absolutely adore pinewoods milkweed! They are attracted to those beautiful flowers that bloom from spring to summer. This plant thrives in dry, sandy soils (zones 8–9), though it should be handled carefully as its sap can cause rashes.
4. Russian Sage Brings Stunning Color And Deer Resistance To Sunny Gardens
Russian sage is a drought-tolerant plant with silvery stems and bluish-purple flowers that bloom from summer to fall – these attract bees and repel deer at the same time. It grows well in sunny, well-drained soils and is ideal for adding height to garden borders.
Related: Easy Tips To Prune Your Russian Sage That Guarantee More Gorgeous Flowers Next Season
5. Sunflowers Actually Need The Sun To Grow And Thrive
Any sunny garden needs at least one sunflower growing in it! These fast-growing, bee-friendly flowers thrive in full sun exposure across zones 2 to 11, reaching up to 10 feet tall and bringing your garden cheer and joy.
Related: Use These 3 Tips To Keeping Your Sunflowers Blooming All Season Long
6. Summer Snapdragons Add Vibrant Spikes Of Color To Your Garden
Summer snapdragons feature tall spikes of vibrant flowers in colors like purple, white, and pink. They are sun-loving plants that attract butterflies and thrive in well-draining soil, reaching up to 12-18 inches tall.
Related: When And How To Gather Snapdragon Seeds For Endless Color In Your Garden
7. Golden California Tickseed Flowers Look Gorgeous During The Golden Hour
Tickseed is a drought-tolerant wildflower native to California and Arizona, with golden-yellow blooms that brighten up sun-soaked gardens from winter to spring. Standing at 12 inches tall, it’s perfect for xeriscaping and grows best in well-draining, sandy soils.
8. African Rosemallow Delivers Rich Color And Lush Privacy
The African rosemallow is a striking plant with maroon flowers that bloom throughout summer and fall, complemented by burgundy or variegated foliage resembling Japanese maple leaves. Cold-hardy to zone 8, it grows nearly 5 feet tall, which makes it ideal for privacy or as an accent plant in sunny, well-draining soils.
9. Cape Marigold Is Adored For Its Pretty Sturdy Flowers
Cape marigolds bloom in lively yellow, orange, and pink – these plants are just perfect for borders or ground covers. They are drought-tolerant plants that self-seed and make your garden pretty during late winter to spring.
Related: This Is A Common Marigold Care Mistake You Should Avoid At All Costs
10. Moss Rose Adds Adorable Rosette Blooms To Sunny Gardens
Moss rose thrives in dry, rocky soils and produces rosette-like flowers that look absolutely adorable. This hardy plant can be used for borders or mixing with summer bulbs. It grows 8-12 inches tall and is ideal for zones 2 to 11.
11. Mountain Bluet’s Blue Blooms Keep Pollinators Coming All Summer
Mountain bluet is a lovely perennial with blue flowers and burgundy centers that can grow in dry environments. At 2 feet tall, it blooms in summer and (with deadheading) can produce a fall flush that attracts butterflies and bees.
So, if your garden is exposed to full sun, don’t worry – these beautiful options are all perfect for a sunny spot. Mix and match to find the ones that fit your style best and enjoy a bright, blooming space!
Related: 11 Fantastic Plants That Can Withstand Heat And Cold