15 Best Flowers For Full Sun (With Picture+Basic Care)

Having a colorful view in your garden during the summer season is excellent. Whether you want to grow some flowers on the ground or in containers in full sun, it is challenging to keep them growing. 

It all depends on the varieties you choose for your sunny spot. Many plants can endure intense sun, but many will ask you to drag them to the shade in summer. 

You need to pick wisely the sun-loving plants that are native to your cultural conditions.

We have listed a few flowering plants that you can add to your summer garden. Ensure good care and read their needs correctly before bringing them to your garden.

Lantana

Lantana

Lantana is a popular flowering plant with vine-like branches. It is perfect for growing outdoors as it thrives in hot climates. 

It will brighten up your garden with its brightly colored flowers. Mixing its colors to create a beautiful sight in your garden is best.

Light: Lantana thrives in full sun. For the best and most abundant flowering, please keep them in direct sun for at least 6 hours daily. If kept in the shadiness, you must compromise with the flowering.

Watering: Water your lantana plant deeply every week. Allow the excess water to drain to avoid overwatering. If your plant is not blooming, check your watering routine.

Fertilizer: Lantana is a light feeder and will suffer if over-fertilized. Feed it with balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in the growing period. Plants growing in the ground can be fed once in the early spring.

General care: Lantana prefers mild to high temperatures, i.e., 55°F or above. In low temperatures, they can survive but not for too long. They appreciate humid conditions.

Verbena

Verbena pot

Verbena is a fast-growing flowering plant with colorful flowers. It has more than 250 species, and the original species are demanding and challenging to grow. 

Verbena grows vigorously, especially in full sun. They will grow and thrive in hot climates outdoors.

Light: Grow verbena in a location where it can receive full sun all day long. Direct sun for as many hours as possible is best for these plants to bloom abundantly. In shady locations, flowering will reduce.

Watering: Water verbena once a week to keep the soil evenly moist. It has average water needs and can tolerate a short period of drought. Do not keep the plant drowning in water. Ensure proper drainage to avoid such conditions.

Fertilizer: Feed verbena monthly with a portion of slow-release flower food to promote flowering. Feed the plant by diluting the fertilizer to half the recommended strength throughout the growing season.

General care: Verbena can live in all climatic conditions but suffers from hot temperatures. It can tolerate frost but not very low temperatures. 

Mexican butterfly weed 

Mexican butterfly weed

Mexican butterfly weed is an evergreen plant procreating showy flowers in red and gold. 

It blooms in late spring into autumn and is widespread among butterflies. This low-maintenance plant will function best in sunny locations. It grows up to 4 feet tall. 

Light: Mexican butterfly weed will have abundant blooming in a sunny location. Choose a bright spot for your Mexican butterfly weed that receives at least 6 hours of light daily.  

Watering: Mexican butterfly weed requires occasional watering, i.e., water it when the soil is dry. It is drought tolerant but will flower best in consistently moist soil.

Fertilizer: Mexican butterfly weed can grow and bloom in any soil. Feed it with a balanced flower food at the beginning of its growing season.   

General care: Mexican butterfly weed develops best in humid conditions. Though it can bear both moist and dry environments, it needs well-draining soil to grow well. Cut the plant to ground level in the fall to avoid self-seeding.

Vinca

Vinca

Vinca is an easy-growing plant that has flowers in all colors you may have in your color palette. 

It has showy flowers that will lay in your garden quickly and needs full sun to maintain and produce those colorful flowers. 

It attracts butterflies and resists rabbits. It is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 18 inches tall.

Light: Vinca is a sun-loving plant and functions best in direct sunlight. However, the plant appreciates some shade in the afternoon during the hot summer. Keeping the plant in the shade for an extended period can lead to leggy growth.

Watering: Water Vinca weekly by soaking the plant and then allowing it to dry out before the next watering. Avoid overhead watering and check the soil moisture before watering. You can avoid watering if there is regular rainfall in your region. 

Fertilizer: Feed Vinca using a slow-release food while planting it. Feeding it will boost their growth and development. Adding compost also helps nourish the soil, as the nutrients keep flushing out with the water.

General care: Keep Vinca in hot and humid conditions if you want the best out of them. In cool weather, they might suffer and start wilting if they stay in such situations. No deadheading is needed as it is self-cleaning.


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Wax Begonia

Begonia boliviensis 1

Begonia is a popular plant with more than 2000 species, available for all plant lovers worldwide. 

Wax begonia has dark green waxy leaves and clusters blooming all summer till fall. This durable plant is perfect for outdoor gardening as it thrives in full sun. It is also a unique indoor plant but needs proper care. 

Light: Wax begonia will thrive in full sun, but it prefers some shade during hot weather. Keep plants indoors in a sunny location and rotate them to allow all parts to receive light equally.  

Watering: Water wax begonias planted in the garden with an inch of water per week. Wax begonias planted in a pot need water when the soil is dry from the top. Never overwater it, as it encourages root rot.

Fertilizer: Feed wax begonias with balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during its growing period. After every third feeding, use a high-phosphorus fertilizer to stimulate blooming.  

General care: Wax begonias perform best in moderate to warm temperatures and average humidity. Outdoor planted wax begonias like humid conditions as compared to indoor plants. Please keep them in a safe spot, away from cold drafts.

Amaranth

Amaranth

Amaranth is a low-maintenance plant with cheerful flowers. Its long-lasting flowers are bracts; the actual flower is barely visible inside it. This plant is less demanding and will flourish in full sun. It is famous among butterflies and other pollinators.

Light: Amaranth grows best in full sun and can survive in partial shade too. Though too much shade will hamper its blooming and make the plant leggy

Watering: Amaranth likes evenly moist soil. Though it can tolerate a short period of drought, it keeps its soil evenly moist. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and ensure proper drainage.

Fertilizer: Amaranth is a light feeder and can succeed even without feeding. Mulch it with compost in its growing period to encourage growth and blooming.

General care: Amaranth can develop in all cultural conditions. Deadheading is unnecessary as amaranth flowers will bloom throughout the season and flourish in garden soil to slightly sandy soil.

Cleomes

Cleomes

Cleomes is a tall flowering plant forming a focal point among other plants in your garden. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to its purple, white, pink, and lavender flowers. It is a sun-loving plant and will flourish with little care in good lighting.

Light: Cleomes will have better growth and abundant flowers in full sunlight. It can grow in partial shade, too but will have lesser blooms. In less light, its long stalks will topple over and need stakes to stay upright.

Watering: Cleomes are drought tolerant and can surprise you with beautiful blooms in lack too. Adding a three-inch layer of mulch will retain moisture, and water needs will decline further.

Fertilizer: Cleomes is a light feeder. If it is growing in well-draining soil, no feeding is needed. However, mulching helps nourish the soil enough for the plant’s health.

General care: Cleomes blossoms in temperatures ranging between 75°F to 80°F during the day and enjoys 68°F to 70°F during the night. It prefers medium to high temperatures.

Cosmos

Cosmos

Cosmos is a quintessential plant with flowers on top of its stems. Its flowers come in a wide range of colors. It can handle general neglect but needs full sun to stay healthy. It even self-sows and grows invasively.

Light: Cosmos will have the best blooms when kept in full sun and develop in the shade, too, but will have lesser flowers. It can even thrive in direct sunlight during hot summer days too. 

Watering: Cosmos is drought tolerant. You do not need to imply any watering routine with this plant; watering it once in a prolonged drought is enough.

Fertilizer: Cosmos will have adverse effects if over-fertilized. It can also thrive in poor soil, so it does not need much feeding. If you find it struggling, use a balanced diluted liquid fertilizer once every two months during the growing period.

General care: Cosmos demands high temperatures and can survive in all humidity levels. Please keep it in good ventilation to avoid diseases. Deadheading will prolong its flowering period.

Nierembergia

Nierembergia

Nierembergia produces small flowers in colors like white, blue, purple, etc. It is a sun-loving plant; its flowers also hold its color in hot sunlight. 

It blooms from summer through fall, and its seeds grow slowly and take four to five months to produce flowers.

Light: Nierembergia grows and blooms best in full sun. Keeping it in some shade in the intense sun during the hot summer is appreciated. 

Watering: Water nierembergia regularly, either with 1 cup of water or thoroughly till the water drains out. It can endure a short period of drought but not prolonged neglect. Avoid over-watering as it can result in root rot and other fungal problems.

Fertilizer: Nierembergia will relish regular feeding as it is a heavy flowering plant. Feed it with organic balanced flowering food or organic manure monthly in its growing period. Avoid chemical fertilizer unless required.

General care: Nierembergia performs best in cool summer temperatures and prefers arid and humid conditions with accurate soil moisture. Keep cutting spent flowers and gently trim new growth to promote repeated bloom.

Cypress vine

Cypress vine

Cypress vine produces delicate, star-shaped flowers and is famous for its graceful, feathery foliage. This fast-growing vine will have abundant blooming in sunny locations. 

Its vines need support to climb. You can use arbors, trellis, pergolas, lattice, etc., to support its vines. Its vines are delicate and should be handled with care. 

Light: Cypress vines will bloom best in full sunshine. Keep the plant where it can obtain full sun in all its parts. A proper support structure is essential for its vines to receive light evenly.

Watering: Water the cypress vine when the soil is dry from the top. Pressing a finger in the soil will give you an actual moisture state. If its soil feels dry, water it thoroughly. Maintain evenly damp soil but never saturated.

Fertilizer: Feed cypress vine with a balanced weak fertilizer during its growing period, and it will have better growth and blooms with regular feeding. Though established plants do well even without fertilization. 

General care: Cypress vine favors warm temperatures and a humid environment. Please protect it from cold drafts and frost. Moving it to a warmer spot is helpful. Ensure that the plant is growing in the well-draining soil mix.

Zinnias

Zinnias

Zinnias are loved among plant owners as they can thrive in hot climates. It is easy to grow and maintain and adds a little drama to your space. 

Its vibrant flowers are rounded and small and will bloom all summer long. 

Zinnias are annuals, so you need to plant new seeds every growing season if you want them year after year.

Light: Zinnias need full sunshine and thrive in hot summers too. It will have abundant, vibrant blooms in full sun. The plant will have fewer flowers and slow growth in a shady location.

Watering: Zinnias require significantly less attention in terms of watering. It can succeed in drought and will never demand water; water once in long periods of drought should suffice.

Fertilizer: Zinnias are light feeders and can even survive without feeding. Feed it with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer periodically. Dilute the fertilizer to half the advised strength. 

General care: Zinnias can flourish in hot temperature levels. Deadheading promotes more blooms and expands its blooming season. Keep zinnias in a well-ventilated space to control diseases.

Marigolds  

Marigold

Marigolds are popular, with no fuss, and hardy plants with vibrant, happy blooms in warm colors. 

It blooms all summer long, especially when receiving full sun. Marigolds offer a wide variety, and they are easy to grow. A little care goes a long way, and enough sunshine keeps them glowing.

Light: Keep your marigold in the spot with the most sunshine. It will stay healthy and bloom with good lighting in check. Avoid shady conditions, as they will make the plant leggy and prevent its flowering.

Watering: Young marigolds demand regular watering as compared to established marigolds. During the hot summer, water new marigolds daily and establish plants weekly. However, established plants are drought tolerant but will enjoy weekly watering.

Fertilizer: Marigolds can thrive without feeding, and they would ask for fertilizing only if their soil mix is inferior. Avoid overfeeding, as it can hinder its development and blooming.

General care: Marigolds flourish in high temperatures. Though, in the height of summer, its flowering will stop for a while but will pick up as the temperature gets cooler. Deadhead, its spent flowers in regular intervals will encourage blooms into fall. 

Petunias 

Petunias

Petunias are famous for flower beds and can be found in multiple colors. Its trumpet-shaped flowers and hairy foliage will add color to your garden. Full sun, sufficient water, and fertilizer are the key to keeping this plant blooming all summer long. It can extend up to 18 inches and spread up to 4 feet.

Light: Petunias enjoy the full sun the most, but during the hottest summer, it prefers some shade. During extreme temperatures, the plant may temporarily stop flowering.

Watering: Petunias like evenly moist soil. Neither keep them dry for too long nor let them drown. Let the soil dry from the top few inches between every watering. 

Fertilizer: Petunias can be fed with liquid flower food by diluting it to half the recommended dosage. Adding compost is also valuable in nurturing the soil. However, different types of petunias’ fertilizing needs may vary. Check your petunia’s instructions before feeding.

General care: Petunias prefer temperature levels between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F. Protect them from freezing temperatures and cold drafts. 

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa is loved for its easy-growing trait and colorful flowers. It has solid, two-tone, patterned flowers and oval-shaped leaves. It is famous for container gardening. This plant will bloom abundantly if it receives full sunlight, the right soil mix, and sufficient water and food.

Light: Calibrachoa flowers are best in full sun. It will grow in partial shade, too but will have lesser blooms. In the hottest summer, the plant may appreciate some shade.  

Watering: Calibrachoa is happiest when well hydrated. Water it mindfully; deep watering and proper drainage are enough to keep the plant happy. Water only when the soil is dry from the top few inches.

Fertilizer: Calibrachoa is a heavy feeder and will benefit from a slow-release food while planting. Feed it with balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing period. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause issues like burning roots, leggy growth, yellow leaves, etc.

General care: Calibrachoa prefers temperatures between 55°F and 65°F. It is heat tolerant and cold-tolerant; however, guard it against cold drafts. Keep the plant in moderate to high humidity.  

Cockscomb

Cockscomb

Cockscomb is a colorful addition to your garden. It boasts large silky colorful flowers and green leaves. 

Keep this plant in spots with lots of sunshine. It is fast growing, easy to maintain, and can rise up to 1 meter in height.

Light: Cockscomb will have those big blooms if they receive full sunshine. It can prevail in the shade, too but will have fewer flowers. Low light can lead to root rot, fungal problems, etc.

Watering: Water cockscomb in regular gaps to keep these plants healthy. Water it deeply when the soil is dry from the top and allow excess water to empty. Avoid watering from the top, as it can promote leaf-related issues.

Fertilizer: Amend the soil mix of cockscomb with compost before planting. Feed the plant with balanced liquid food monthly to stimulate more blooms.

General care: Cockscomb relishes warm temperatures and can prosper in all humidity levels. It is suggested that deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.


Richa

Hello everyone, My name is Richa and I am here to make you a better gardener by creating an in-depth and helpful resource for all the fellow gardeners out there. If I could help even a few people understand their plants better then I call it a success for my efforts.

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