Garden

Top 25 FULL SUN Flowers That Will TRANSFORM Your Garden! The SUNNY SIDE of Gardening

Written by Emily Belkoff

Last summer, my neighbor peeked over the fence and asked, “How the heck is your garden so pretty when it’s 95 degrees out?” The secret? 

These sun-loving flowers! After years of watching plants wilt and die, I finally found flowers that actually love the heat.

1. Allium (Ornamental Onion)

These showstoppers never fail to make visitors stop and stare in my garden. Their perfectly round, purple blooms look like giant lollipops hovering above the other plants.

They’re perfect for zones 4-9 and need to be planted in fall for the best results.

What I love most about alliums is how low-maintenance they are – just give them rich, well-drained soil and watch them thrive.

2. Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)

Don’t let the name fool you – these beauties actually hail from Southern Africa. In my zone 8 garden, they’re evergreen year-round!

I’ve found they make the perfect statement along my pathway borders and look absolutely stunning in large containers on the patio.

While they prefer acidic soil, I’ve discovered they’re quite adaptable. Just remember to give them a good drink once a week.

3. Black-Eyed Susan

These cheerful wildflowers have become my go-to for filling empty garden spaces. Their bright yellow petals and dark centers remind me of mini sunflowers.

I’ve spotted them thriving everywhere from open woods to prairie fields, which told me they’d be perfect for my low-maintenance garden spots.

They’re absolute champions in zones 4-9, and I’ve found that deadheading keeps them blooming from late summer well into autumn.

4. Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)

Here’s a secret weapon for hot, sunny spots – Angelonia! I discovered these gems when looking for something that could handle our brutal summer heat.

They only need watering once a week, which makes them perfect for busy gardeners like me.

While they’re typically annuals in cooler areas, they’re perennial stars in zones 9-11, giving you endless waves of snapdragon-like blooms.

5. Blanket Flower

True to their name, these hardy blooms literally blanket my garden with color from spring until frost hits.

I particularly love how they thrive in sandy areas where other flowers struggle.

The hybrid variety (Gaillardia × grandiflora) comes back year after year, making them a fantastic investment for your garden.

6. Blazing Star

If you’re looking to add some vertical drama to your garden, these spiky bloomers are your answer!

While the purple varieties are most common, I’ve fallen in love with the white and pink versions too.

They’re incredibly versatile – I’ve even added some to my rain garden since the Liatris spicata variety handles moisture so well.

7. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias)

This native plant holds a special place in my heart because it’s a butterfly magnet! The orange blooms (sometimes yellow) literally stop traffic.

As a host plant for monarch butterflies, it’s more than just pretty – it’s helping save these beautiful creatures.

Don’t panic if it’s slow to emerge in spring – that’s totally normal for this zones 3-9 superstar.

8. Catmint

This aromatic beauty has become my go-to for pathway edges. Every time someone brushes past, it releases the most delightful minty fragrance.

It laughs in the face of our southern summer heat and barely needs water once established.

The small purple or blue flowers bloom continuously through summer, and best of all – deer leave it alone!

9. Cleome (Spider Flower)

I started these from seed on a whim, and now they’re one of my garden’s most distinctive features.

Their unique antenna-like stamens give them an otherworldly look, especially in the pink, purple, and white varieties.

Plant the tall varieties at the back of your borders – trust me, they create an amazing backdrop!

10. Chrysanthemum

These autumn champions bring life to my garden just when everything else starts fading.

Standing proud at 2-3 feet tall, they offer an incredible variety of flower styles – from classic daisies to elaborate pompoms.

I’ve found they’re quite thirsty plants, but the spectacular fall show in zones 5-9 makes it worth the extra watering.

11. Coneflower

These native wildflowers have stolen my heart with their resilience in both heat and humidity.

While the classic pinkish-purple is gorgeous, I’ve expanded my collection to include modern varieties in reds, oranges, and whites.

They’re a triple threat in my garden – drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and perfect for cut flower arrangements.

12. Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Talk about easy care! These sunny bloomers have become my go-to for filling spaces with reliable color.

The variety of colors available – from bright yellows to deep reds – means there’s a perfect shade for every garden design.

They’re tough customers in zones 4-9, handling drought like champions while keeping the pollinators happy.

13. Cosmos

I call these my “plant and forget” flowers because they’re so easy to grow from seed.

They’re not picky about soil, as long as it drains well, and they create the most beautiful mass plantings.

The way they attract birds and butterflies has turned my garden into a living nature show!

14. Peony

These are the divas of my spring garden, and their massive blooms (up to 10 inches!) are worth every bit of attention they demand.

I’ve learned to harvest them in the early morning for the longest-lasting cut flowers.

If you’re in the South like me (zone 8 is their limit), giving them afternoon shade helps them perform their best.

15. Dahlia

From tiny pompoms to dinner-plate sized blooms, these showstoppers come in every size imaginable.

I start my tubers before the last frost to get a jump on the growing season.

The key to success? Rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture – they’re worth the extra effort!

16. Daylily

These tough beauties have earned their place as the workhorses of my garden with their strappy leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers.

While they’re generally pest-resistant, I’ve noticed deer find them quite tasty, so plan accordingly.

In hot areas like mine, they appreciate a bit of afternoon shade to keep their blooms looking fresh.

17. Euphorbia (Spurge)

These unique plants need at least 6 hours of sun daily to really shine.

I love how their distinctive flower bracts add architectural interest to my garden design.

Some varieties offer amazing striped or spiked foliage, making them interesting even when not in bloom.

18. Dianthus

The sweet fragrance of these flowers takes me right back to my grandmother’s garden.

Whether you choose Cheddar pinks, Sweet Williams, or carnations, they all thrive in zones 4-9.

Just give them well-draining, organic-rich soil and full sun, and they’ll reward you with continuous blooms.

19. Fan Flower (Scaevola)

This Australian native has become my secret weapon for containers that need reliable color from late spring to fall.

The blue, purple, pink, or white blooms barely need any pruning to stay looking fresh.

I especially appreciate how it handles heat and drought while still maintaining its neat, tidy appearance.

20. Delphinium

These vertical beauties create the most amazing backdrop in northern gardens.

While they can be challenging south of zone 7, their stunning blues, pinks, purples, and whites make them worth trying.

Just remember to stake them well – those tall spikes need support to stay upright!

21. Firecracker Plant

The name says it all – these cigar-shaped blooms really do light up the garden!

I’ve found they’re incredible for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to my garden.

A quick pinch-back keeps them bushy and blooming from spring until frost.

22. Geranium

These versatile plants have never met a sunny spot they didn’t like!

I use them everywhere – hanging baskets, borders, window boxes – you name it.

While they prefer well-drained soil, their adaptability to different conditions makes them nearly foolproof.

23. Globe Amaranth

These charming flowers are some of the easiest I’ve grown from seed.

Their pink, purple, white, orange, or red blooms keep going strong through the hottest summer days.

They make wonderful cut and dried flowers, lasting well into winter arrangements.

24. Lantana

This heat-loving plant has become my summer garden’s backbone.

The variety of colors – from reds and oranges to pinks and yellows – creates a tropical paradise feeling.

Pro tip: Choose sterile varieties like ‘Gold Mound’ to avoid any unwanted spreading.

25. Marigold

I’ve saved one of the most reliable sun-lovers for last! These tough little flowers never disappoint.

They’re perfect for borders and window boxes, and their natural pest-resistant properties make them excellent companion plants.

From spring until first frost, they keep blooming their hearts out with barely any maintenance needed.

Hi! I'm Emily!

I'm a mom who's passionate about creating beautiful gardens without the hassle. Here, I share simple tips that actually work for busy people like us.

From picking the right plants to making them thrive, I'll help you create an outdoor space you'll love!

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