Got a yard that gets tons of sun?
Me too! For years, I watched my plants burn to a crisp until I found these 5 tough flowers that keep coming back stronger each year.
Trust me, these sun-lovers are exactly what your sunny yard needs!
5 Perennials Perfect for Sunny Gardens
1. Dahlia
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about dahlias! These showstoppers have completely transformed my late summer garden.
They start blooming in mid-summer and keep going until the first frost hits, which gives me months of gorgeous flowers to enjoy.
What I absolutely adore about dahlias is how many options there are. In my front yard, I have cute little border varieties, while my backyard features the show-stopping dinner plate dahlias that are literally as big as my face!
Just a heads-up for my fellow pet parents – keep an eye on your furry friends around these beauties, as they’re toxic to both cats and dogs.
Living in Zone 6, I’ve learned the hard way that dahlias aren’t truly perennial in cooler areas (only in tropical spots). But don’t let that discourage you! The newer varieties are much easier to grow than the fussy older ones.
2. Bee Balm
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that makes you feel like a garden goddess, bee balm is your new best friend.
This American native has been my go-to for adding both beauty and wonderful fragrance to my garden. The best part? It attracts so many butterflies and hummingbirds that my kids love watching!
I’ve found it does best with at least 6 hours of full sun, though in my experience, it appreciates a little afternoon shade during those scorching summer days.
3. Canna
Want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation right in your backyard? Cannas are your answer!
These stunning plants come in the most gorgeous colors – I’ve got red, pink, and orange varieties that make my garden look like a sunset all summer long.
The leaves are just as impressive as the flowers, with some varieties sporting striped or bronze foliage that adds such wonderful texture to my garden beds.
Most of mine grow about 6 feet tall, creating this amazing tropical backdrop that makes my suburban garden feel exotic.
4. Peony
Let me share something special – the peonies in my garden actually came from my grandmother’s garden, and they’re still going strong after decades!
Here’s what I’ve learned: peonies are incredibly loyal plants, but they’re also quite particular about their “forever home.” Once you plant them, they hate being moved (kind of like teenagers with their bedrooms!).
Give them plenty of space – about 3-4 feet diameter each – and make sure they get lots of sun. Mine get a full day of sunshine and reward me with the most incredible blooms each spring.
5. Columbine
These delightful plants have become my secret weapon for budget-friendly gardening. They self-seed like crazy, which means free plants every year!
While they take a year to flower from seed, the wait is totally worth it. I’ve found they’re perfect for those tricky spots where the sun isn’t quite so intense.
In my garden, they’ve become the stars of my spring display, especially in my rock garden where they pop up through the stones creating this magical, cottage-garden feel.
One quick tip from my experience: they can handle full sun in cooler areas, but if you live somewhere hot like I do, they’ll appreciate some afternoon shade during the peak of summer.