It's no secret that most plants need sunlight in order to truly thrive. Choosing what flowers like sun is simple in most gardens. In some climates, however, full sun could also mean extremely high temperatures and harsh conditions. Finding flowers for full sun, which do well in these tough to plant garden spaces, can prove to be quite the challenge. Fortunately, many plants can stand up to these conditions and even flourish. Let's explore some annual and perennial options for the flower garden.
Flowers for Full Sun Beds
1. Lantana - Many flowers for full sun beds are tropical. Lantana plants do well in locations which receive full sun throughout the entire day. Though lantana is technically a perennial plant, most gardeners will need to grow it as an annual. Lantana are attractive to hummingbirds and come in vibrant shades of yellow, pink, and orange.
2. Moonflower - Another annual option, moonflowers are a versitile garden plant. Vining up to 15 ft. (4.5 m.), moonflower plants can quickly cover a fence or trellis over the period of one growing season. Large, fragrant white flowers open at night.
3. Hibiscus - Known for their massive, showy flowers; hibiscus are an excellent way to introduce a tropical vibe to the home landscape. Cultivars developed for temperate climates make this perennial an exceptionally popular choice.
4. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) - An excellent option for growers wishing to establish wildflower meadows, gaillardia produces bright orange-red flowers. Perennial blanket flowers are able to survive poor soil conditions, periods of drought, and serve as excellent flowers for full sun beds.
5. Celosia - Celosia are among the most unique flowers for full sun. Flower heads range in shape and in structure. This feature makes them appealing as an easy to grow ornamental garden focal plant. Grown from seed, these annuals are also a cost effective option for budget savvy growers.
6. Cleome - Also known as spider flower, cleome plants thrive in the heat of summer. The blooming nature of these plants will afford growers weeks of color in the flower bed. It should be noted that spider flower plants are known for their aggressive reseeding habit.
7. Mexican Sunflower - Mexican sunflower, or tithonia, is a popular flowering annual which is especially attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. With consistent deadheading, plants will continue to bloom until the first frost. Plants grow very tall, often reaching 6 ft. (1.8 m) in height.
8. Echinacea - A perennial that is often grown from seed, coneflower echinacea plants easily establish themselves in full sun beds. Mounds of echinacea flowers fill the garden with tall purple blooms attractive to bees and other pollinators.
9. Liatris - Native to prairies and meadows throughout many portions of the United States, liatris plants form attractive purple flower spikes from a small clump of foliage. Hardy in USDA growing zone 3-9, liatris plants may naturalize when conditions are right.
10. Sedum - Technically considered a succulent, sedum is an excellent flower for full sun beds. Coming in tall and creeping forms, these waterwise plants are at home in a wide range of landscapes; including those which receive intense sunlight and drought conditions.
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