Got a super sunny spot in your yard that looks kind of empty? I used to hate that bare patch in my garden until I found these amazing flowering bushes.
After lots of failed attempts, I finally found 7 plants that actually love being in the sun!
7 Best Flowering Shrubs for Full Sun
1. Forsythia
I’ll never forget the first time I spotted my forsythia bushes blooming through the melting snow. These are truly the early birds of spring!
Their bright yellow flowers are like sunshine on stems, popping up almost as soon as winter says goodbye.
What I love most about these hardy plants is that they’re not picky at all – they’ll grow in pretty much any soil, and once they’re settled in, they barely need any water.
2. Mock Orange
If you’re looking for a shrub that’ll make your garden smell like heaven, mock orange is your answer.
The white flowers that appear in May and June remind me of tiny orange blossoms, and the citrusy scent is absolutely divine.
I’ve found these to be some of the easiest shrubs to care for in my garden – they rarely have any pest problems, and they’re pretty drought-tolerant once established.
3. Weigela
This is what I call my “reliable friend” in the garden. The traditional weigela has been around forever, but there are so many exciting new varieties now.
Mine grows about 10 feet tall and puts on the most beautiful show of pink flowers (though you can find red and white ones too).
I’ve planted these along my fence line, and they make the perfect natural screen while adding tons of charm to my backyard paradise.
4. Flowering Quince
Here’s a little garden design secret: plant flowering quince next to forsythia for a stunning yellow-and-orange combo that’ll make your neighbors stop in their tracks.
I adore how early this shrub blooms – it’s like it just can’t wait to get the spring party started!
The best part? Unless you’re trying to shape it into something specific, it needs practically no pruning at all.
5. Double File Viburnum
This is what I call my “show-off” shrub, with its unique flat-topped flower clusters that look like little wedding cakes arranged along the branches.
Those gorgeous white blooms in April and May are simply stunning, and at 10-12 feet tall, this fast grower makes quite a statement.
Just remember to give it a good haircut after flowering – I learned the hard way that these beauties can get a bit wild if left unchecked!
6. Rose of Sharon
When August rolls around and most flowering shrubs have called it quits, my Rose of Sharon is just getting started.
This late-season bloomer has become my secret weapon for keeping the garden looking fresh when everything else starts to fade.
It makes a gorgeous flowering hedge at 8-12 feet tall, though keep in mind it’ll drop its leaves in winter – something to consider if you’re looking for year-round privacy.
7. Common Lilac
Oh, the fragrance! Nothing beats walking out to get the mail in spring and being greeted by the sweet perfume of lilacs.
These gorgeous shrubs can grow up to 16 feet tall, which I discovered when mine nearly took over my side yard – now I know to give them their annual pruning without fail!
They’re incredibly low-maintenance once established, only needing water during serious dry spells and a bit of fertilizer once a year.
Wrapping Up
The key to success with all these sun-loving shrubs is giving them plenty of room to grow and the right amount of sunshine. Trust me, your reward will be a garden that blooms from the first hints of spring right through to the end of summer, with barely any fuss at all!