Colorful Sun-Loving Plants That Soak Up the Heat

These Plants Truly Hold Their Own in Summer Heat—No Wilting Allowed
Blistered by the hot sun? Prevent your garden from becoming a casualty. Just like shade-tolerant varieties, some leaves and flowers love full sun—especially in regions like the Southwest, where triple-digit temperatures don’t overwhelm lush landscapes. Full-sun plants don’t just survive intense light and heat—they live for it.
By planting heat-resistant flowers and foliage under shade-providing trees, you can beautify your garden and your home. Below are some of the prettiest, low-maintenance full-sun flowers and plants that won’t wilt when temperatures get high—if you care for them properly. First, here’s what to know before selecting your plants.
What’s the easiest flower to grow in full sun?
Some full-sun crops are extremely fail-safe. Black-eyed Susans are among the easiest—they can tolerate well-draining soil and dry conditions. Zinnias are also easy: they don’t care about soil, are disease-free, but require six to eight hours of direct sunlight and regular watering for optimal blooms.
Can Hydrangeas Get Full Sun?
Hydrangeas prefer morning sun—but not panicle hydrangeas. They tolerate strong sun and heat, especially in the Southern United States, if their soil is kept moist (but not soggy), according to Proven Winners ColorChoice.
How Often Do You Water Full-Sun Plants?
Paris Lalicata of The Sill indicates that « in full-sun situations, plants lose more water to produce food and cool down through transpiration. » The most common error? Overwatering. Water early in the morning and evening to prevent evaporation. Frequent watering throughout the first year of growth roots more deeply and encourages next year’s blooms. Always make sure your chosen perennials are hardy in your USDA zone before planting.
Can You Grow Full-Sun Plants Indoors?
House full sun loves is hard to find—only an unobstructed south window qualifies as grade. Failing that, a better grow light is the next best thing. New grow lights can mimic full sunlight intensity—especially in winter: full‑sun plants need about 800–1000 foot-candles of light intensity.
Best Full-Sun Plants for Summer
Black-Eyed Susan – Native to North America, superb in Zones 3–9. Pollinator friendly and perfect for edging. Water at soil level only to prevent fungus.
Agapanthus – Lily of the Nile. A blooming bulb in blue, purple, white, or pink. Needs loamy soil, six sun hours, and is content in Zones 7–10. Don’t overwater.
Zinnia – Vibrant annuals that are simple to direct sow in the garden. Well-draining soil and full sun.
Mandevilla – Pink, red, coral, or white climbing show-off. Grow as an annual but can be brought inside over winter.
Fan Flower – Sweetly scented, fan-shaped flowers on small plants. Great for pots, borders, heat resistance, and dryness.
Sweet Potato Vine – Burgundy or chartreuse-colored foliage. Zone 9–11 and needs space to spread.
Catmint – Silvery leaves with purple flowers. Drought- and heat-tolerant. Pollinators love it.
Russian Sage – Lavender-purple spikes in perennial flower shape. Deer-and rabbit-resistant.
Daylily – Durable and nearly maintenance-free. Blooms daily, in every hue.
Lavender – sandy dry ground if possible, and fills Zones depending on type. Ideal for heat.
Dichondra – Matted silver leaves cover containers or beds. Only perennial where warm zones are.
Salvia – Blue, purple, or pink all-season flowering perennial. Pollinator-attracting and pest-deterrent.
Petunia – Reliable season-long annual flowers. Nondeadheading types are perfect for baskets or window boxes.
Coneflower – Range of coneflowers, a bird- and pollinator-favorite.
Calibrachoa – Petunia-flowered-like flowers in rich colors; ideal in a pot. Warm climates only perennial.
Caladium – Fluffy pink and green heart-shaped leaves. Perfect for pots. Warm climates only perennial.
Hibiscus – Tropical flowers in yellow to deep red. Check whether perennial or annual before buying.
Pentas – Star-shaped flowers in vivid colors. Heat-tolerant type butterflies adore.
Ageratum – Also floss flower. Blooms all summer without deadheading. Attracts pollinators.
Penstemon – Tubular pinks, reds, or purples. Hummingbird magnet and self-seeds.
Begonia – Many varieties tolerate full sun or shade—check the label. Great in containers.
Stonecrop – Ground cover that is a succulent, perfect for rocky, dry spots; will withstand many zones.
Liatris – Purple spikes that are tall; butterflies love. Needs full sun to bloom.
Lemon Verbena – White-blooming, lemon-scented herb in late summer. Hardy in warm weather.
Crape Myrtle – Shawns pink blooms all summer long. Traditional in the South, hardy in northern regions also.
Lantana – Heat-resistant, drought-resistant bloomers—annuals that can produce small shrubs in hot weather.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) – Bright colors in pink, red, and orange. Perennial and floriferous in beds or containers.