Woodie’s Picks: Full Sun Plants For A Showstopping Summer
As the spring season comes to an end, many may feel that the opportunity to grow a gorgeous garden has come to a close. We are here to tell you that the beauty of your garden is actually just beginning! There is a range of sun-loving plants you can incorporate into your garden now to enjoy breathtaking beauty all summer long!
In this blog, we will highlight the key factors to consider when developing a full-sun garden and introduce four of our favorite sun-loving plant varieties for the summer landscape!
Key Design Factors For a Full Sun Garden
Sunlight and Soil
The most essential factor you want to keep in mind when planning your sun garden is obviously sunlight levels. Because let’s be real, you can’t have a thriving sun garden without the sun! This is why it is important to carefully evaluate your property and select a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day.
In addition to sun levels, it is a good idea to assess your soil quality as well, adding natural amendments like compost will help ensure the overall success of your sun garden.
Color Scheme and Theme
The next factors to consider are your color scheme and overall theme for your garden. Are you going for a classic European feel with lavender and pea gravel? Or do you want a more naturalistic and bold look with vibrant and unruly plants? There are many variations of sun gardens; the world is truly your oyster!
Plant Selection and Placement
Finally, the fun part–selecting and placing your plants! You will want to group plants based on their water, fertilizer, and sun requirements. We recommend varying plant heights and foliage textures to create visual interest in your garden. Keep reading below to check out a few of our favorite planting options for a summer sun garden!
Four Full-Sun Loving Summer Garden Plants
Blue Arrow Juniper
We recommend the Blue Arrow Juniper for an eye-catching backdrop to your sun garden. This narrow, upright evergreen features vibrant blue-green foliage and a distinctive columnar shape. Don’t let the cool tones fool you—this plant can take the heat! The Blue Arrow grows best in 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. While this evergreen tree can tolerate some shade, full sun is crucial for its health and overall vibrancy!
Hardy to USDA zones 4-9, this Juniper typically reaches maturity at about 3 feet wide and 12 to 15 feet tall, making it the perfect tree for smaller landscapes and homeowners looking to make the most of their space!
Miss Molly Butterfly Bush
For the next layer of your sun garden, you are going to want lush foliage and bright blooms to stand out against your evergreen backdrop. One of our favorite sun-loving summer bloomers is the Miss Molly Butterfly Bush. Vibrant cone-shaped magenta flower heads emerge in early summer and persist throughout the season. The showy panicles are excellent for cutting and make unique additions to summertime flower arrangements. As an added benefit, you will be pleased with the frequent pollinator visits to your yard as this shrub transforms your outdoor space into a pollinator oasis!
Hardy to USDA zones 5-9, the Miss Molly Butterfly Bush is a low-maintenance shrub that requires little upkeep to maintain its gorgeous form. When grown in proper full sun conditions, you can expect your buddleia to reach five feet in height and width!
Phenomenal Lavender
No full sun garden is complete without the fragrant and breathtaking Phenomenal Lavender. If there is one perennial that loves the sun more than any other, it is probably lavender. Phenomenal lavender's preference for full sun mirrors its native Mediterranean environment, where plants thrive in warm, sunny conditions. These purple bloomers practice exceptional resistance to a range of different conditions, including heat, humidity, and cold. The vibrant purple blooms are delightfully fragrant and appeal to a range of local pollinators.
Phenomenal Lavender is best suited for growing zones 5 through 9. The hardy perennial works well as a border plant, low hedge, or in rock gardens and xeriscaping. Pair it with drought-tolerant plants, add it to pollinator gardens, or use it in containers on patios or balconies for a showstopping summer display.
Delosperma Fire Wonder
Last but not least on our list of sun-loving summer plants to make a splash in the garden is Delosperma Fire Wonder. Also known as Ice Plant, this fiery little perennial makes a grand splash in any summer landscape! Delosperma Fire Wonder is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent with neon orange, red, and yellow blooms. The eye-catching blooms sit atop succulent green foliage that works to store water and save it for periods of drought.
Hardy to USDA zones 5-10, Delosperma Firewonder will thrive in a range of conditions and performs best in conditions of full, unfiltered sunlight. At maturity, you can expect this plant to get about 6 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. Plant in mixed planters, rock gardens, along flowerbeds, or in mass for a bold impact!
Shop Sun-Loving Plants Online
Whether you’re just getting started or refreshing your summer landscape, these full-sun plants will surely bring color, texture, and lasting beauty to your garden. From bold bloomers to structural evergreens, there’s a sun-loving option for every style and space. Don’t let the heat scare you...let it inspire your most vibrant garden yet. Visit our online shop to explore even more heat-tolerant picks and get ready to grow a showstopping summer garden with Woodie’s trusted favorites!