Gardening Ideas Gardening Flowers 44 Flowers That Thrive In Full Sun By Steve Bender Steve Bender Steve Bender, also known as The Grumpy Gardener, is an award-winning author, editor, columnist, and speaker with nearly 40 years experience as Garden Editor, Senior Writer, and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on April 12, 2024 Fact checked by Khara Scheppmann Fact checked by Khara Scheppmann Khara Scheppmann has 12 years of marketing and advertising experience, including proofreading and fact-checking. She previously worked at one of the largest advertising agencies in the southwest. brand's fact checking process Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: VisionsofAmerica / Joe Sohm / Getty Images Sunlight is essential for growing plants because the light is necessary for photosynthesis—the process that converts light, carbon dioxide, and water into energy. Plants cannot grow or bloom without the sun. On the other hand, some flowers can't handle a full day of sun in the South. Exposure to too much sunlight can scorch, bleach, or even kill shade plants, which is why you want to select flowers that will thrive in the sunniest areas of your garden. Southern states are known for intense temperatures. Here, we've rounded up our favorite flowers that thrive in the often blistering sun of Southern climates. They look good in the summer, spring, or fall, as long as the sun shines. Plant them in a container or put them in a beautiful flowerbed to add some color and personality to the garden. No matter how you plant these full-sun flowers, the blooms will be magnificent in the sunshine. 01 of 44 Agapanthus Getty Images Botanical Name: Agapanthus spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Sandy loamSoil pH: Varies by species Also called Lily of the Nile, agapanthus actually originates from southern Africa and can be evergreen in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. This sun-loving, summertime bloomer looks striking in a pot on your patio or in a border along pathways. Agapanthus thrives with weekly watering but must have well-draining soil. In frost-free areas, it will continue blooming into fall. A. africanus prefers acidic soil, but other species can handle neutral or slightly alkaline soil. 02 of 44 Allium VIDOK / Getty Images Botanical Name: Allium spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Rich, well-drained, sandy loamSoil pH: 5.5-6.5 These ornamental onions have pollinator-friendly flowers ranging from demure clusters to blooms that look like enormous pom-poms or fireworks. Plant bulbs in fall in rich, well-drained soil (most can be grown in Zones 4-9). They rarely need watering and happily soak up the sun until they bloom in late spring or early summer. 03 of 44 Angelonia Van Chaplin Botanical Name: Angelonia angustifoliaSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, richSoil pH: 5.5-6.2 This beauty is also known as the summer snapdragon. Not only does it love the sun, but it also only needs to be watered about once a week. It's an excellent choice for hot, sunny spots and can thrive in a container. Angelonia is often grown as an annual but is perennial in Zones 9-11. 04 of 44 Black-Eyed Susan Timothy Carroll / EyeEm / Getty Images Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirtaSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-drained but moist, loamy, clay, sandySoil pH: 5.5-6.8 The black-eyed Susan is one of the easiest flowers to grow in full sunlight. Often found in open woods, prairies, fields, or along roadsides, this short-lived wildflower spreads quickly by self-seeding. Flowers appear in late summer and early autumn and resemble daisies, bearing yellow petals surrounding a brownish-black center. Deadheading encourages a longer blooming season. Plant in Zones 4-9. 05 of 44 Blanket Flower gubernat / Getty Images Botanical Name: Gaillardia pulchellaSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Sandy, well-draining soilSoil pH: 6.8-7.2 From spring until first frost, the brilliant colors of blanket flower bask in the sunshine along sandy roadsides and beach boardwalks. You can enjoy this plant in your garden, too, as long as you plant it in full sun in well-draining soil that isn't heavy or overly moist or rich. This species is an annual, while the hybrid G. x grandiflora is a short-lived perennial. 06 of 44 Blazing Star Getty Images / Sharon Dominick Botanical Name: Liatris spp.Sun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Varies by speciesSoil pH: 5.5-7.0 Blazing star is just what you need for the blazing sun. These spiky pollinator plants are often purple, though you can find white and pink varieties. Many types of blazing star grow well in poor, dry soils. The widely available L. spicata likes well-drained soil but can handle more moisture and even grow in rain gardens. 07 of 44 Butterfly Weed Janet Foster / Getty Images Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosaSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic, neutral The most popular Asclepias for the garden, this native plant has orange (or sometimes yellow) flowers in summer. Like other milkweeds, it is a host plant for the monarch butterfly. Other butterflies and bees will visit plants for the nectar. The foliage dies back to the ground in winter and tends to wake up a little later than other perennials. Plant butterfly weed in Zones 3-9 in any average, well-drained soil—preferably one that is on the dry side. 08 of 44 Catmint Neil Holmes/Getty Images Botanical Name: Nepeta spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drainedSoil pH: 6.0-8.0 Catmint blooms all summer and doesn’t mind the heat of the Lower South. Once established in any well-drained soil, it is drought tolerant. Small purple or blue flowers attract bees and butterflies, but deer typically stay away. Shearing off spent flowers will encourage more growth and blooms. Plant it along walkways so you can enjoy the minty aroma as you brush past. 09 of 44 Celosia Getty Images / Wirestock Botanical Name: Celosia spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Rich, well-drainingSoil pH: 6.0-6.5 Celosia flowers come in an array of hues ranging from yellow to purple. They thrive in the heat, making them a good choice for long, hot Southern summers. Cockscomb (C. cristata) look like the comb on a top of a rooster’s head, while feather celosia (C. plumosa) has fluffy plumes and wheat celosia (C. spicata) resembles wheat. Celosia prefers rich, well-draining soil and does not like heavy clay. 10 of 44 Cleome Songsak Paname/EyeEm/Getty Images Botanical Name: Cleome houtteanaSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-drained but moistSoil pH: 5.5-7.0 Cleome is sometimes referred to as spider flower and has antenna-like stamens and seed pods. Found in shades of pink, purple, or white, this annual grows quickly from seed or can be purchased from the garden center. The trouble-free plants grow progressively taller, blooming from early summer until frost; plant taller types in the back of the border. Some varieties reseed prolifically. 11 of 44 Chrysanthemum Alison Miksch Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum morifoliumSun Exposure: Full, light shadeSoil Type: Well-drained but moistSoil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0) Autumn mums form tight, flower-covered mounds when they bloom in fall. Growing between 2 and 3 feet tall, the plants have flowers that look like daisies, pompoms, or spider-like rays and come in white, yellow, red, pink, orange, or purple. Deer do not like mums, so they are safe to plant and enjoy all season. Water mums regularly and pinch off spent flowers to encourage more blooms. You can grow them as perennials in Zones 5-9. Learn More 12 of 44 Coneflower Ralph Anderson Botanical Name: Echinacea purpureaSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-drained, moist, loamySoil pH: 6.5-7.2 These native wildflowers thrive in heat and humidity in Zones 4-9. The wild version of purple coneflower is a pinkish-purple, but garden centers carry varieties available in a range of reds, oranges, and whites as well. They bloom best in full sun but can tolerate a little afternoon shade. Coneflowers can be drought-tolerant but should be watered regularly in their first season. The wildflowers attract birds, bees, and butterflies and make excellent-cut flowers. Learn More 13 of 44 Coreopsis Grace Cary / Getty Images Botanical Name: Coreopsis spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drained, moist, sandySoil pH: 6.5-7.2 Also known as tickseed, the availability of coreopsis has exploded. Many are familiar with the ferny foliage and light yellow flowers of 'Moonbeam' or sunny yellow 'Zagreb.' The annual C. tinctoria has showy burgundy or reddish centers. Today's hybrids also come in whites, reds, oranges, and pinks. Flower petals often look notched and can appear from summer to fall. Some coreopsis types are drought-tolerant; these plants don't do well in heavy or wet soils. 14 of 44 Cosmos Getty Images / Tomohiro Fujita Botanical Name: Cosmos bipinnatusSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drained, sandySoil pH: 7.0-7.5 These beautiful, delicate-looking flowers are in fact easy to grow from seed, not especially picky about soil as long as it is well-draining, and very low-maintenance. Originally from Central America, cosmos can withstand bright sun for a half day or more. The flowers look most striking when planted in large masses that attract birds and butterflies. About a week after germination, they require little watering or care. Learn More 15 of 44 Dahlia Alison Miksch Botanical Name: DahliaSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drained but moist, organically richSoil pH: 6.5-7.0 Dahlias come in small pompoms, ruffled flowers as big as dinner plates, or in single flowers. There are hundreds of varieties ranging from a compact 15 inches to a stately 4 feet tall. Buy plants in the spring or start tubers in pots four to six weeks before your last frost date. They like to be planted in warm, rich, well-drained but moist soil in full sun. Learn More 16 of 44 Daylily Steve Bender Botanical Name: HemerocallisSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drained, richSoil pH: 6.5-7.0 Daylilies are perennial flowers with strappy leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that may appear in spring or summer. The outstanding blooms are available in almost any color and the plants generally pest and disease free, though deer do enjoy munching on them. Although daylilies are relatively drought-tolerant, they can benefit from light afternoon shade and regular watering in particularly hot areas. Learn More 17 of 44 Delphinium AndreaAstes / Getty Images Botanical Name: Delphinium spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, moist, richSoil pH: 6.5-7.5 Garden varieties of delphinium have tall spikes that reach for the sky. They require at least six hours of sun a day but prefer cool summers, making them a challenge farther South than Zone 7. To many gardeners, this flower's vibrant blue, pink, purple, and white shades make it worth it. Plant delphiniums in well-draining soil amended with organic matter and stake tall plants or shelter them from the wind. Learn More 18 of 44 Dianthus Van Chaplin Botanical Name: Dianthus spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drained, richSoil pH: 6.5-7.5 Dianthus is a large family of charming cottage-garden flowers that includes Cheddar pinks, sweet Williams, and carnations. They may bloom in spring or summer, depending on the species. Dianthus thrives in Zones 4-9 in well-draining, organically rich soil in full sun. The plants appreciate regular watering during the summer but are fairly carefree when planted in a good site. 19 of 44 Euphorbia Mandy Disher Photography / Getty Images Botanical Name: Euphorbia spp.Sun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-draining, sandySoil pH: 6.0-8.0 Most blooming euphorbias, or spurges, love the sun and need six or more hours of it to thrive. These drought-tolerant plants come in various forms, foliage, and flower shapes. The unique flower bracts makes it highly coveted for ornamental plant gardens. Many types have interesting, evergreen foliage with stripes or spikes. Some euphorbias are hardy in Zones 3-9 and others have a much narrower range. 20 of 44 Fan Flower Van Chaplin Botanical Name: Scaevola aemulaSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-draining, moistSoil pH: 6.0-8.0 Fan flower or scaevola is usually grown as a summer annual and does well in containers. It blooms from late spring to fall in various colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white. This sprawling plant grows fast without needing to be pruned and rarely has setbacks from pests or disease. The Australian native doesn't blink during hot, dry weather. Fan flower likes soil that is evenly moist, but let it dry out slightly between waterings. 21 of 44 Firecracker Plant Photolinchen / Getty Images Botanical Name: Cuphea igneaSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-draining, moist, richSoil pH: 6.0-7.8 Known as Mexican cigar plant or firecracker plant, cuphea will heat things up in a sunny border or container garden. The cigar-shaped, bright blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Firecracker plant prefers light, well-draining, moist soil. It blooms for months until first frost; you won't need to deadhead the flowers, but pinch back the stems if they get too leggy. The plant is a perennial subshrub in frost-free areas. 22 of 44 Geranium YONCA60 / Getty Images Botanical Name: PelargoniumSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, richSoil pH: 6.0-6.5 These classic, sun-loving plants need bright light to thrive. They will grow leggy in the shade and won't bloom as profusely. Depending on the variety, geraniums can be displayed in hanging baskets, borders, and window boxes. Flowers range in color from lilac to orange and even bi-color. Ivy geraniums are trailing, while scented geraniums may smell of peppermint, citrus, or rose. Geraniums don't like excessive humidity and can rot in poorly drained soil, but often do well in raised beds or containers. Learn More 23 of 44 Globe Amaranth Amarita/Getty Images Botanical Name: Gomphrena globosaSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drainedSoil pH: Acidic, neutral Globe amaranth is easy to start from seed and just as easy to grow in a garden as it is both heat and drought-tolerant. Clover-like blooms in colors of pink, purple, white, orange, and red appear nonstop from late spring into the fall. Water it regularly until established and then during hot, dry spells. Globe amaranth makes great cut flowers and can be used in dried flower arrangements. 24 of 44 Hibiscus Getty Images Botanical Name: Hibiscus spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, OrganicSoil pH: Slightly Acidic to Alkaline (6.0-8.0) Native to warm, subtropical, and tropical environments, hibiscus make perfect sun-loving flowers. Hibiscus grows well in containers as long as it has well-draining soil but also requires a lot of water in its early blooming stages. A slow-release fertilizer will help ensure this plant gets all the nutrients it needs. Learn More 25 of 44 Lantana Hector M Sanchez Botanical Name: Lantana camaraSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, Clay, SandySoil pH: Slightly Acidic to Alkaline (6.0-8.0) It's never too hot for a lantana. Their beautiful blooms in reds, oranges, pinks, and yellows will give color all summer and fall and attract butterflies to boot. This drought-tolerant plant loves the full sun—you only need a few plants to put on a show. Lantana seedlings can be invasive, so plant selections that set little or no seed, such as 'Gold Mound'. 26 of 44 Marigold Hector Manuel Sanchez Botanical Name: TagetesSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drainedSoil pH: 6.0-7.0 Marigolds are excellent border plants that can withstand a full day of sun and still look fresh as a daisy. Their odor deters rabbits and deer, so plant this flower on the edge of your garden or in window boxes. Marigolds are not especially picky about soil, are relatively drought-tolerant, and often keep going until the first frost in fall. Most marigolds are annuals, but some perennial species exist. 27 of 44 Million Bells Steve Bender Botanical Name: Calibrachoa x hybridaSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-draining, rich, loamySoil pH: 5.5-6.5 Calibrachoa—also known as "million bells" due to its proliferation of beautiful blooms—blooms best in full sun and can even tolerate a bit of drought. This petunia-like plant is available in many colors, including bi-colors and veined patterns, and also known as the mini petunia and trailing petunia. Calibrachoa is usually grown as an annual in containers in well-drained soil. 28 of 44 Pansy Westend61 / Getty Images Botanical Name: Viola x wittrockianaSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-drained but moist, rich, loamySoil pH: 5.4-6.0 Pansies are an easy way for new and experienced gardeners to bring cheer to a sunny fall garden. They do best in slightly acidic, loamy soil or potting mix. In the South, we grow them in the cooler months from fall until spring, when they really take off and produce a big flush of blooms. Remove them when the heat starts to affect the foliage and replace with heat-resistant summer flowers. 29 of 44 Pentas Dorit Bar-Zakay/Getty Images Botanical Name: Pentas lanceolataSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-drainedSoil pH: 6.5-7.2 Pentas, or Egyptian star cluster, requires much less fuss and pampering than many summer annuals in the South (the plant is perennial in Zones 10 and 11). You can grow pentas in any well-drained soil, where it will become drought-tolerant once established. This bee-friendly flower blooms from spring through fall in white, pink, lavender, or red. Pentas thrives in full sun, but will bloom in partial shade as well. 30 of 44 Peony Southern Living/Adrienne Legault Botanical Name: Paeonia hybridsSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, richSoil pH: 6.5-7.0 We know they make beautiful cut flowers and bridal bouquets, but they look just as glorious in full sun in the garden in spring. In the Lower South, they can take light afternoon shade. When cutting from the garden, do so in the early morning and choose buds that are just beginning to open. Peonies are known for their showy blooms—some of the truly huge types reach 10 inches wide. They can be sensitive to heat (their southern limit is Zone 8), which is why we've gathered a list of the best peonies to grow in the South. Learn More 31 of 44 Petunia Petunias. Getty Images Botanical Name: Petunia x hybridaSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, loamySoil pH: 6.0-7.0 Trumpet-shaped garden petunias are a classic in summer containers and flowerbeds. Nowadays, you can really express your style with petunias, whether you adore soft and subtle lavender, showy magenta stripes, cheerful reds and whites, or sophisticated and mysterious blacks. Plant breeders have even developed ones that will glow in your nighttime garden. Petunias need well-draining soil and benefit from pinching and dead heading. 32 of 44 Red Poppy VisionsofAmerica / Joe Sohm / Getty Images Botanical Name: Papaver rhoeasSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drained but moistSoil pH: 6.0-7.5 The red poppy is also known as corn poppy, field poppy, and Flanders poppy. Sow the seeds in late fall for springtime blooms or in early spring as soon as soil can be worked for crimson blooms come summertime. Poppies need at least six hours of full sun and well-drained soil to grow their best. Poppies' self-seeding abilities allow this annual to return year after year. 33 of 44 Roses Robbie Caponetto Botanical Name: Rosa spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drained but moistSoil pH: 6.0-6.5 Nothing beats the charm of a rose garden in summer. If you're wondering if these fussy plants are worth it, we suggest turning to disease-resistant rose series like Knock Out (a 3-6 foot shrub for Zones 5-9) and Drift (a compact, arching ground cover that can be grown throughout the South). Plant them in moist, well-drained soil in full sun, give them a little trim each year, and enjoy months of blooming. 34 of 44 Portulaca magicflute002 / Getty Images Botanical Name: Portulaca grandifloraSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, sandySoil pH: 5.5-7.0 Moss rose's succulent stems mean this plant can hold its own on hot and sunny days. Portulaca prefers fast-draining or sandy soil, light watering, and plenty of sunshine. Use it as a "spiller" plant in containers and hanging baskets or plant it along the edges of pathways. Learn More 35 of 44 Russian Sage Photo: White Oak Gardens Botanical Name: Salvia yangiiSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, loamySoil pH: 6.0-8.0 Russian sage will spread, making it an excellent plant for extensive garden spaces. Reaching heights of up to 5 feet, this plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant and has bluish-purple blooms in the summer that continue into the fall. The foliage impresses in the winter as it features silver stems, sometimes appearing a chalky white. 36 of 44 Salvia Roger Foley Botanical Name: SalviaSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, organically richSoil pH: 5.5-6.5 Hummingbirds and butterflies love these attractive blooms. Cousin to the culinary sage, these plants are grown primarily for show. The blossoms get big, so keep in mind when planting that they need plenty of room to grow. You can find endless types of salvia—red and blue are common colors. 37 of 44 Shasta Daisy Getty Images/KenWiedemann Botanical Name: Leucanthemum x superbumSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, moist, richSoil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.5-7.0) Give this delightful cottage flower a good home and it will take off, providing you with a big clump you can divide to share with friends and neighbors. This old-fashioned favorite can tolerate a lot of soils as long as the drainage is sufficient. Shasta daisies will bloom prolifically in spring and summer in full sun. Learn More 38 of 44 Snapdragon Getty Images Botanical Name: Antirrhinum majusSun Exposure: Full, partialSoil Type: Well-draining, moist, richSoil pH: 6.0-7.0 Snapdragons will drink up the sun in the brightest spots in your garden. Spikes of snout-shaped blooms bring instant cheer from spring through fall. The flowers make excellent options for containers or to fill space in a flower bed. Though often grown as annuals, snapdragons like cool weather and can return each spring in Zones 7-10. 39 of 44 SunPatiens Botanical Name: Impatiens x hybrida SunPatiens®Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, moist, richSoil pH: 5.8-7.0 Not all impatiens thrive in full sun, but SunPatiens does exceptionally well. They don't need as much water as other impatiens either. And if you do see your SunPatiens wilting in the midday sun, a good watering will make it bounce back. These flowers appreciate rich, well-drained soil. Learn More 40 of 44 Sunflower picture alliance / Contributor / Getty Images Botanical Name: Helianthus annuusSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-draining, fertileSoil pH: 6.0-7.5 The sunniest flower of all, the sunflower, loves full sun. No surprise there. The plants need at least six hours of direct light, and the big yellow, mahogany, or white blooms actually turn towards the sun. These sturdy plants are adaptable and drought-tolerant, though they appreciate regular watering. Annual sunflowers bloom in the summer and fall. Learn More 41 of 44 Verbena Diana Kirby Botanical Name: Verbena spp.Sun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drainedSoil pH: 5.8-7.2 Verbena can be short or tall, trailing or upright, and annual or perennial. Many have velvety lavender or purple blooms (garden verbenas also come in red, pink, and white) and all like to bask in the sunlight. These excellent pollinator plants make a stunning statement in a sunny garden from late spring to fall. Learn More 42 of 44 Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca) Joseph Chin/EyeEm/Getty Images Botanical Name: Catharanthus roseusSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Rich, well-drained, moistSoil pH: 6.0-7.0 Native to Madagascar, India, and tropical Asia, these bushy plants thrive in both humid and dry heat and are popular in summer containers, hanging baskets, and borders. The pure white, pink, rose, or white flowers have a white or red eye. The flower was formerly known botanically as Vinca rosea, and many people still call it vinca. 43 of 44 Yarrow ChristopherBernard / Getty Images Botanical Name: AchilleaSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drainingSoil pH: 5.5-7.0 If you have a rocky, sandy, or dry spot in blazing sun, yarrow is just the plant for your garden. Yarrow has ferny, medicinal-smelling foliage and flat flower clusters traditionally in white or gold hues. There are hybrids now in pinks, reds, and purples. The flowers can be dried for arrangements. 44 of 44 Zinnia Alison Miksch Botanical Name: Zinnia elegansSun Exposure: FullSoil Type: Well-drainingSoil pH: 5.5-7.5 You can't ask for a more beautiful addition to your garden than zinnias. The easiest annuals to start from seeds, these bright buds will bloom in containers until an autumn frost. They do well in average soil, as long as it is well-drained, and need less frequent watering once established. Snip them just as they are beginning to open for a show-stopping centerpiece. The plants will branch out and produce more flowers. Learn More Frequently Asked Questions What flowers grow without sunlight? Shade-loving plants do not need sun exposure to thrive. Some easy-to-grow shade flowers include impatiens, leopard's bane, hellebore, and orchids. What is the requirement for a full-sun plant? Plants and flowers that thrive in full sun require at least six hours of direct daily sun exposure. Some plants will tolerate more prolonged exposure, but it varies based on the temperature severity and species. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Southern Living is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Brittanica. Photosynthesis.