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15 Full-Sun Perennials That’ll Thrive in Your Garden All Season
These plants can take the heat.
By Jenna Clark
A vibrant summer garden can instantly elevate your backyard or outdoor space. While planting one is exciting, choosing which flowers to include can feel overwhelming. To help narrow it down, we spoke with gardening and horticulture experts about the best full-sun perennials—and how to care for them properly.
“These are perennials that require six or more hours of sun,” says Jim Lapic, master gardener with the Penn State Master Gardener Program. “You don’t want to plant them in a spot that has sun now, but in a few years, when the tree near them is taller, it will block out the sun.”
When positioning your full-sun perennials, Angelica Elliott, assistant director of public horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden, notes that the sides of a home or areas that face west and south tend to be better for ensuring your perennials receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day (but ideally eight or more). Furthermore, Beth R. Bolles, horticulture agent IV at the University of Florida IFAS Extension Escambia County, emphasizes the importance of ensuring each of your full-sun perennials is adequately watered.
Having a solid understanding of the full-sun perennial (you plan on adding to your garden) and its requirements is key, as every perennial is different. But regardless of the perennials you’re growing, Dr. Kimberly Moore, associate center director and professor of environmental horticulture at the University of Florida, IFAS, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, notes that the soil you use should drain well and advises against constantly wetting their roots.
While the flowers you choose to plant in your summer garden are ultimately up to you (and your USDA Hardiness Zone!), here are 15 gorgeous full-sun perennials that’ll bring out the best in any outdoor space.
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Coneflowers
As far as vibrant flowers go, it’s hard to go wrong with coneflowers (Echinacea). Tabar Gifford, master gardener and partnership cultivator at American Meadows, notes that this perennial native to North America comes in many vibrant colors, including orange, yellow, pink, purple, and white. You may even notice a goldfinch or two sitting on top of its seeds.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
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Stokes Aster
Stokes aster (Stokesia laevis) can be a particularly suitable plant for gardens in southeastern regions. Bolles notes that one of the key benefits of this perennial is that you can easily divide any clumps. You can generally expect this flower to be blue or purple.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
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Lavender
If purple perennials are what you seek, opt for lavender (Lavandula). Lapic notes that this perennial packs a punch with its scent. Gifford adds that this perennial favors hot and dry conditions instead of humid ones. It’s important not to overwater this plant.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
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Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed, or Asclepias tuberosa, offers a vibrant orange color when in bloom. Brandon Parks, senior horticulturist at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, notes that you don’t need to fertilize this perennial. That said, you can look forward to any butterflyweed you may plant coming into full bloom between mid-June and August.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
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Daylily
The trumpet-shaped daylily (Hemerocallis) is versatile as it can thrive in a variety of conditions. We can’t forget to mention that it is a good pick for beginner gardeners. Lapic and Gifford note that it’s easy to grow and has a lot of color versatility despite the fact that yellow and orange are the most popular.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
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Tickseed
You might confuse tickseed (Coreopsis) for daisies. Moore notes that this vibrant perennial is a finer flower that attracts pollinators. It is also Florida’s official state wildflower, which is pretty neat.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11
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Blackfoot Daisy
The drought-tolerant blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) can be a solid choice for those seeking a perennial that doesn’t require much maintenance. While this perennial is on the smaller side, it is still visually appealing. That said, Elliott notes that you can enjoy its honey-like scent, too.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–11
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Yarrow
Those looking to add texture to their summer garden can consider yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Gifford notes that it often can thrive in harsher conditions, showcasing its durability. That said, you want to make sure you don’t overfertilize it for the best results.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
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Hummingbird Mint
According to Gifford, hummingbird mint (Agastache) adds movement to a garden. While this might seem obvious from the name, this perennial often attracts hummingbirds. When it comes to its color, this perennial can be seen in lavender, blue, pink, and orange, to name a few.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–10
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Beach Sunflower
Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis) is certainly eye-catching, but it can be a fragile perennial—Bolles notes it may not return if it experiences a hard freeze. Furthermore, she notes that this perennial often thrives in sandy soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11
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Blanket Flower
The bright blanket flower (Gaillardia) can add some vibrance to your summer garden with its orange, yellow, and red colors. Not only does Gifford note that this perennial doesn’t require too much water, but it also attracts pollinators. We should also mention that Gifford emphasizes the importance of regular deadheading to maintain its overall health.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11
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Bearded Iris
The bearded iris blooms early in the summer and can offer an array of colors. When it comes to caring for this perennial, Gifford recommends ensuring the rhizomes are largely uncovered. After all, you want this perennial to bloom so that you can see its “beard.”
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
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Gaura
The slender gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri) can make a great addition to your summer gardens as it has a high-heat tolerance. This perennial also works well for many gardeners as it can bloom in individual colors as well as in combinations. While it doesn’t require too much maintenance, you may have to remove old blooms from time to time.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
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Sage
While you can frequently see sage (Salvia) at weddings, it can also be a staple perennial in your summer garden. That said, Parks notes that you may have to remove older flowers over time to ensure successful flowering in the years to come. Whether you prefer blue or purple, you’ll likely be able to find it in a color that matches your preferences.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–10
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Black-Eyed Susan
It’s hard not to smile when you see black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) in your summer garden. Whether you’re new to gardening (or an advanced gardener), it’s relatively easy to maintain. Plus, Gifford notes that this bloom can withstand stressful conditions at times.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
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