Get ready to add a splash of vibrant colors to your garden with this comprehensive guide to the top flowers that thrive in full sun! These beauties are perfect for those hot summer days and can even withstand temperatures as high as 100°F (38°C). Besides being heat-resistant, these flowers are also great for dry weather conditions. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the list of the best flowers for full sun! Our first pick is the dazzling Pentas.

Common Name:
Lantana
USDA Zones:
8-11

Lantanas are lovely plants that draw various pollinators, such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, with their nectar. They’re also sturdy and can tolerate high temperatures, making them ideal for container gardening.

Scientific Name:
Lantana camara
Suitable USDA Zones:
8-11
Lantana, a popular flower in tropical and dry weather conditions, displays vibrant hues of red, yellow, orange, white, and pink throughout the year. Interestingly, it flourishes well even when neglected and exposed to high temperatures. Additionally, you can explore the finest variants of lantana here.

3. Plumbago.

Scientific Name:
Plumbago auriculata
USDA Hardiness Zones:
8-12
The Plumbago plant is a stunning shrub of African origin that can thrive with very little maintenance in regions with subtropical or tropical temperatures. In the right climatic conditions, this vine-like plant displays its beautiful sky-blue flowers for almost the entire year.

4. The Moonflower

Have you heard of Ipomoea alba? It’s a beautiful flowering plant that will surely catch your eye. This botanical wonder blooms with large, fragrant white flowers that resemble morning glory, and it opens up in the evening. If you live in a subtropical area, you’ll be delighted to know that this plant flowers all year round! But if you’re in a temperate region, no need to fret. You can still enjoy this plant by growing it annually as it is one of the best annual flowers for full sun.

Have you heard of Hibiscus? It’s a beautiful plant that comes in a variety of colors and can be grown easily in pots. The best part is that it’s low maintenance, making it perfect for those who don’t have a green thumb. Whether you live in a warm or temperate climate, there’s a hibiscus variety for you! Check out the different types of Hibiscus to find one that suits your style. And while you’re at it, why not consider adding Moss Rose to your garden too?

Looking for a lovely addition to your container garden or window boxes? Consider the Portulaca grandiflora, also known as Moss Rose. This plant boasts stunning needle-like foliage and vibrant, colorful flowers that are sure to make a statement in any space. Whether you live in a tropical or temperate climate, this plant is well-suited for your needs. For more tips on growing Moss Rose, be sure to check out our helpful guide. And don’t forget about the Blanket Flower – another great option for your garden!

Looking for a plant that can handle hot and dry weather? Give gaillardia, also known as blanket flower, a try! This sunflower family member not only thrives in heat and drought conditions but also produces stunning blooms that make great cut flowers. Gaillardia grows best in USDA zones 7-11. For more plants that can handle the heat, check out our list of top lantana types. And if you’re looking for a unique addition to your garden, consider the King’s Mantle variety of gaillardia.

Thunbergia erecta, commonly known as bush clock vine, is a shrub originating from Africa and can thrive in USDA zones 9-11. This plant is renowned for its year-round blossoms in hues of yellow, violet, and purple, making it one of the most stunning flowering bushes for full sun conditions. Another lovely plant to consider is Mandevilla.

Zahaslowana is the common name for the Mandevilla sanderi plant, which thrives in USDA zones 6-12. Although it’s typically grown as an annual in cooler climates, this fast-growing and heat-resistant tropical climber produces abundant blooms in shades of pink, white, or red. Another popular plant to consider is the Bottlebrush.

Plant Name: Bottlebrush
Scientific Name: Callistemon
Suitable Zones according to USDA: 8-11
Boasting its charming puffy flowers that resemble a brush, the bottlebrush can be designated as one of the finest flowering shrubs for full exposure to the sun. It is advisable to shift the bottlebrush plant inside the house before the arrival of the initial frost if it is planted in a chilly zone and wants to overwinter successfully.

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Scientific Name:
Tagetes
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:
2-11 (as a one-year plant)
Marigolds prefer sunny and warm locations, so place them in an area that gets plenty of sun to encourage abundant flowering. Depending on your preferences, you can cultivate marigolds as an annual or perennial. It’s one of the most excellent full-sun perennials available.
Learn about the various kinds of marigolds and how to cultivate them in containers by clicking here.

12. Angelonia

The botanical name for the Angelonia angustifolia plant is known for its unique flowers and is often called a summer snapdragon. It thrives in full sun and is an excellent choice for those living in USDA zones 9-11. Although this plant is typically grown as an annual, it can withstand high temperatures with ease. It comes in a variety of colors including blue, green, orange, pink, red, white, and yellow. Another fantastic flowering plant for warm climates is the Canna Lily.

living4media’s guide to botanicals highlights the Canna indica, a plant that thrives in warm weather, full sun, and moist soil. This type of plant can grow up to 8 feet tall and comes in shades of red, orange, and yellow. For those interested in finding the best canna lily, be sure to check out their recommendations. Additionally, the guide also features the Desert Rose.

Adenium obesum is the botanical name for this plant, which thrives in USDA zones 9-12. Adenium can also be grown as a bonsai for a speedy result and can be cultivated outdoors in areas without frost. This stunning plant produces striking tubular flowers once it has acclimatized. For those living in temperate regions, adenium can be kept indoors as a houseplant. Check out some useful tips on growing adenium here. Lastly, Cock’s Comb is another name for this plant.

Scientific Name:
Petunia sp.
USDA Zones:
7-11

Petunias are usually cultivated as annuals, but they thrive in full sun and are a top choice among flowers. If you have limited space, growing petunias in pots is an excellent way to include this beautiful flower in your outdoor living area.

living4media
Plant Name:
Petunia × atkinsiana
Suitable for USDA Zones:
5-10
Petunias are a lovely and well-liked annual flower that thrives in sunny and warm conditions. Though they are not frost-resistant, they can survive as perennials in milder climates.
Read on for tips on how to grow Petunias successfully.

17. Texas Bluebonnets

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Plant Name:
Lupinus texensis
USDA Zones:
4-9
Texas Bluebonnets are a popular state flower that thrives in full sun. They can also be grown in containers, making them a great choice for container gardens.

18. Princess Flower is another flower worth checking out.

Plant Name:
Salvia
USDA Zones:
9-11
Salvia species include both perennials and annuals, but the latter is more appropriate for container gardening. They produce colorful blooms in shades of deep purple, blue, orange, and red.
Below are some issues with Salvias that you may encounter and their corresponding solutions.

20. Ground Orchids.

Welcome to gardenlove.from.amandaland!
Let’s talk about the beautiful Spathoglottis plicata, also known as ground orchid, which can be grown in USDA Zones 10-12. With arching foliage, these orchids offer clusters of colorful blooms in shades ranging from deep pink to yellow, making them perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden. While they can be grown as annuals, they are certainly worth the effort to keep around year after year.

And if you’re looking for some other unique orchids to add to your collection, don’t miss out on our selection of 21 Diamond Frost Euphorbia!

Name of Plant:
Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’
Growing Zones:
USDA zones 10-12
This plant thrives in sunny areas but can also bloom when planted in partially shady spots. While it is a tender perennial, it is commonly used as an annual in many regions. With its upright stems and mounding habit, it produces white flowers throughout the growing season.

22. Begonia Boliviana

The scientific name for this plant is Begonia boliviensis, and it thrives in USDA zones 8-11. If you’re looking for a species with bronze foliage that can handle full sun exposure, this one is a great choice. The foliage has an interesting serrated texture, and the bright red flowers add a pop of color to hanging baskets and containers. For more information on caring for and growing Elatior Begonias, check out our guide. Lastly, don’t forget about the charming Million Bells!

Plant Name:
Million Bells
Zones:
The plant is suitable for USDA zones 5-11 and can be grown as an annual in all zones. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Its flowers bloom in a variety of colors without interruption.

24. Bidens

Plant Name: Bidens
Suitable Climate Zones: USDA 6-11

Experience the beauty of vibrant red and gold flowers with ‘Beedance Painted Red’ in your pots. If you’re looking for other great choices, consider ‘Suntory Lobelia Trailing White’ and ‘Surfinia Deep Red’. Another fantastic option is the SunPatiens plant.

Plant Name:
Sunpatiens
USDA Zones:
9-12
If you’re looking for a container plant that can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, Sunpatiens is a great option. Its vibrant Clear Orange SunPatiens produces beautiful orange blooms that add a natural pop of color to your outdoor areas. Want to learn more about growing SunPatiens? Check out our guide below.

26. Sweet Alyssum

The plant’s scientific name is Lobularia maritima, and it thrives in USDA Zones 4-10. ‘Snow Princess’ is a type that can endure high temperatures and direct sunlight, blossoming continuously throughout the summer months. It is suitable for container gardening as well. Lastly, the 27th plant on our list is the sunflower.

Have you heard of the botanical name Helianthus annuus? It’s actually the scientific name for sunflowers! These beautiful flowers are best suited for areas with plenty of sunlight and typically bloom during the summer or early fall. If you’re interested in growing sunflowers in containers, we recommend trying out varieties like Lemon Queen or Solsation Flame. And for those who love white sunflowers, be sure to check out the top 28 options, including the lovely Globe Amaranth.

Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as Globe amaranth, is a beautiful flowering plant that can grow in zones 2-11. Its lollipop-shaped flowers in various shades of pink, purple, and red attract butterflies. Another flower that deserves attention is the Spider Flower.

Commonly known as Cleome spinosa, this flowering plant thrives well in USDA Zones 8-11. Senorita Rosalita cleome, a variety of this species, is a popular choice for container gardening due to its thornless nature and attractive appearance. This stunning annual grows effortlessly in warm climates and requires full sunlight. So, if you’re looking to add some charm to your garden, consider planting this lovely rose.

If you’re looking to add some natural beauty to your outdoor space, consider growing roses in containers. They are perfect for patios, decks, and balconies, and can thrive in USDA zones 3-11. To ensure their growth, make sure they receive 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day and have good air circulation. Check out some tips for growing roses successfully. Another option is bougainvillea, a stunning plant that can add color to any garden or patio area.

Plant Name:
Tecoma
Suitable Climate:
USDA Zones 7-11
Tecoma thrives in regions with warm weather and without frost. It flourishes under direct sunlight and boasts stunning tubular flowers in shades of pink, red-orange, and yellow, making it an excellent choice for container gardening and as a climbing vine or border plant.

33. Bleeding Heart Vine

Let’s talk about the Clerodendrum thomsoniae, also known as Bleeding Heart Vine. This beautiful plant thrives best under direct sunlight and blooms during the spring and summer months. Its star-shaped flowers come in clusters that will surely catch your attention. Keep in mind that this plant can grow in USDA zones 9-12 and is definitely worth adding to your garden collection.

Plant Name:
Nerium Oleander
Suitable USDA Zones:
8b-12
This sturdy decorative shrub bears abundant clusters of single or double flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white, blooming throughout the year.

Ranking at 35, we have the Arabian Jasmine.

The Jasminum sambac, commonly known as Arabian Jasmine, is a beautiful flower that emits a pleasing scent and has oval, deep green leaves. It is also the state flower of the Philippines and flowers throughout the summer season, blooming all year round in warmer climates. Be sure to learn more about the incredible advantages of growing jasmine plants. Lastly, Vinca is another noteworthy plant worth discovering.

The beautiful Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as Madagascar Periwinkle, is a great choice for any garden in USDA Zones 9-12. It’s a robust bloomer that can endure intense heat and even forgetful watering. Check out some of the best Vinca varieties to add to your collection. Another excellent option is the stunning Gazania.

Looking for vibrant and eye-catching flowers that can thrive in full sun? Look no further than Gazania rigens! These cheerful blooms boast large, bold petals in a variety of bright hues, often with striking stripes and markings. Ideal for USDA zones 9-11, they’re a great addition to any garden or landscape. And if you’re looking for more options, don’t forget about the sunny and striking Black-Eyed Susan!

Plant Name:
Rudbeckia
Suitable Growing Zones in the US:
3-7
These stunning flowers have a unique feature of a dark center that resembles an eye, which is why they are also known as Black-Eyed Susans. They grow tall and strong on sturdy stems, making for a spectacular display.

39. Another beautiful flower to consider is the Zinnia.

The botanical name for these beautiful flowers is Zinnia elegans, and they can thrive in USDA zones 2-11. Zinnias come in a variety of vibrant hues and bloom into round, full flowers that range in size from small buttons to large dinner plates. If you’re interested in growing zinnias in pots, be sure to check out our guide. And don’t forget about the Mexican Sunflower, which also makes a stunning addition to any garden.

Atamy, also known as Tithonia rotundifolia, is a type of plant that thrives in USDA Zones 2-11. It is considered one of the best flowers to grow in full sun, with its striking orange blooms that appear in late summer and attract beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds with their unique scent. Additionally, Cosmos is another flower that is worth considering for your garden.

The scientific name of Cosmos flowers is Cosmos bipinnatus, and they can thrive in USDA Zones 2-11. These beautiful flowers have delicate, airy leaves and come in a variety of hues, including pink, purple, and white. They make a lovely addition to any garden and are particularly well-suited for full sun window boxes. Another great flower to consider is the Nasturtium.

Common Name: Nasturtium
Scientific Name: Tropaeolum majus
Suitable for USDA Zones: 8-11
Nasturtiums are a great addition to any garden due to their vibrant warm colors, distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers, and round leaves that can be eaten. Discover some amazing advantages of planting Nasturtiums in your garden below.

43. Verbascum thapsus

Scientific Name: Verbascum
Suitable for USDA Zones: 9-11
Mulleins are a type of plant with velvety leaves and reach great heights with their yellow flower spikes that attract bees and other pollinators.

44. Mexican Heather

Plant enthusiasts can consider adding Cuphea hyssopifolia, commonly known as Mexican Heather, to their gardens. This plant, which thrives in USDA Zones 9-11, boasts beautiful purple blooms and shiny leaves that make it an excellent choice for enhancing the visual appeal of borders and container gardens. To create a charming Mexican herb garden, gardeners can include Mexican Heather in their collection of plants.

The scientific name of these striking flowers is Antirrhinum majus and they grow well in USDA zones 7-10. They are called “snapdragons” due to their distinctive “dragon mouth” shape and come in a range of colors, which makes them a favorite for both gardens and floral designs. Lastly, Dusty Miller is another type of flower.

Plant Name: Jacobaea maritima
Suitable USDA Zones:
Zones 7-11
This plant’s distinct silvery-gray leaves offer a special texture and contrast to other blooms, which is why it is a well-liked option for borders and displays. We included it in this list because it can endure temperatures as high as 100 F (38 C), even though it does not blossom like the other plants. Below, you can discover some Container Combinations that love the heat.

47. Sneezeweed

The plant with the scientific name of Helenium autumnale, also known as sneezeweed, is a type of perennial wildflower that thrives when exposed to full sunlight. This plant bears charming daisy-like blooms in hues of yellow, orange, and red during the late summer and fall. If you’re interested in discovering some of the most heat-tolerant vegetables, you can find them here. For more details about sneezeweed, you can watch this informative video.