For gardeners with sunny landscapes, the possibilities are bright! Full sun plants thrive in at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, and come in a dazzling array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Whether you desire vibrant blooms, captivating foliage, or a combination of both, there’s a full sun plant to suit your needs.

Flowers for the Full Sun Spotlight

• Showstopping perennials: Black-eyed Susans, Shasta daisies, and Russian sage are sun-worshipping champions, gracing gardens with their colorful blooms all summer long. These low-maintenance beauties come back year after year, with proper care.

• Dazzling annuals: Sunflowers, with their cheerful faces, are iconic full sun dwellers. For a touch of elegance, try Zinnia or Cosmos, both known for their vibrant hues and extended bloom times. Don’t forget about heat-tolerant Marigolds, which add a splash of color and repel unwanted pests.

• Vines that climb high: Clematis, with its abundance of colorful blooms, thrives in sunshine. Morning glories, in a kaleidoscope of colors, will quickly climb fences and trellises, adding vertical interest to your garden.

Beyond Blooms: Full Sun Foliage

• Evergreen shrubs: For year-round beauty, consider sun-loving shrubs like Potentilla with its delicate yellow flowers, or the ever-reliable Holly with its glossy green foliage.

• Ornamental grasses: These textural wonders add movement and form to sunny borders. Blue fescue, with its steel-blue foliage, and the feathery plumes of Reed grass, are just a few examples.

• Succulents: For a low-water option, look no further than succulents. These drought-tolerant beauties come in an incredible array of shapes, sizes, and colors, and are perfect for hot, sunny gardens.

Tips for Planting Full Sun Success

• Know your sunlight: Observe your garden throughout the day to determine the exact amount of sunlight different areas receive.

• Choose the right plant for the right spot: Not all sun-loving plants have the same heat tolerance. Consider afternoon sun intensity when placing your plants.

• Amend your soil: Full sun can dry out soil quickly. Adding organic matter will improve drainage and water retention.

• Water deeply, but infrequently: Once established, most full sun plants are surprisingly drought tolerant. Deep watering encourages strong root growth.

• Mulch for moisture and weed control: A layer of mulch will help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds that compete for water and nutrients.

With a little planning and the right plant choices, your full sun garden can be a haven of color, texture, and enduring beauty throughout the growing season. So, soak up the sunshine and get ready to create a garden that thrives under the sun’s warm embrace!