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
dolah//Getty Images
Native to North America, superb in Zones 3–9. Pollinator friendly and perfect for edging. Water at soil level only to prevent fungus.
Agapanthus
Photo by Alex Tihonov//Getty Images
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
SusanGaryPhotography//Getty Images
Vibrant annuals that are simple to direct sow in the garden. Well-draining soil and full sun.
Mandevilla
Photos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world//Getty Images
Pink, red, coral, or white climbing show-off. Grow as an annual but can be brought inside over winter.
Fan Flower
Henrik_L//Getty Images
Sweetly scented, fan-shaped flowers on small plants. Great for pots, borders, heat resistance, and dryness.
Sweet Potato Vine
Lisa Romerein//Getty Images
Burgundy or chartreuse-colored foliage. Zone 9–11 and needs space to spread.
Catmint
AlpamayoPhoto//Getty Images
Silvery leaves with purple flowers. Drought- and heat-tolerant. Pollinators love it.
Russian Sage
cstar55//Getty Images
Lavender-purple spikes in perennial flower shape. Deer-and rabbit-resistant.
Daylily
Ali Majdfar//Getty Images
Durable and nearly maintenance-free. Blooms daily, in every hue.
Lavender
Peter Greenway / EyeEm//Getty Images
Sandy dry ground if possible, and fills Zones depending on type. Ideal for heat.
Dichondra
Orest Lyzhechka//Getty Images
Matted silver leaves cover containers or beds. Only perennial where warm zones are.
Salvia
By Eve Livesey//Getty Images
Blue, purple, or pink all-season flowering perennial. Pollinator-attracting and pest-deterrent.
Petunia
Annie Japaud
Reliable season-long annual flowers. Nondeadheading types are perfect for baskets or window boxes.
Coneflower
Jacky Parker Photography
Range of coneflowers, a bird- and pollinator-favorite.
Calibrachoa
Dale Fornoff
Petunia-flowered-like flowers in rich colors; ideal in a pot. Warm climates only perennial.
Caladium
Amy Comer / Eyeem
Fluffy pink and green heart-shaped leaves. Perfect for pots. Warm climates only perennial.
Hibiscus
Maren Caruso
Tropical flowers in yellow to deep red. Check whether perennial or annual before buying.
Pentas
GETTY
Star-shaped flowers in vivid colors. Heat-tolerant type butterflies adore.
Ageratum
GETTY
Also floss flower. Blooms all summer without deadheading. Attracts pollinators.
Penstemon
GETTY
Tubular pinks, reds, or purples. Hummingbird magnet and self-seeds.
Begonia
GETTY
Many varieties tolerate full sun or shade—check the label. Great in containers.
Stonecrop
Debu Durlav
Ground cover that is a succulent, perfect for rocky, dry spots; will withstand many zones.
Liatris
GETTY
Purple spikes that are tall; butterflies love. Needs full sun to bloom.
Lemon Verbena
Alexandre Morin-Laprise//Getty Images
White-blooming, lemon-scented herb in late summer. Hardy in warm weather.
Crape Myrtle
Smith Collection/Gado//Getty Images
Shawns pink blooms all summer long. Traditional in the South, hardy in northern regions also.
Lantana
Shamvil Gases / EyeEm
Heat-resistant, drought-resistant bloomers—annuals that can produce small shrubs in hot weather.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
GETTY
Bright colors in pink, red, and orange. Perennial and floriferous in beds or containers.
